Tshwane University of Technology

Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electrical Engineering

Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design

Purpose and Rationale

Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electrical Engineering

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electrical Engineering is to equip learners with the knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills required to become competent engineering technologists. The qualification aims to meet the standards set by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and the 'Implementation of Engineering Qualifications under the HEQSF' position paper.

Specifically, the qualification provides learners with the following:

  • Preparation for careers in Engineering and related fields to contribute to technological proficiency, economic growth, and national development.
  • Eligibility to pursue NQF Level 9 Masters qualifications in Electrical Engineering.
  • Progression from a relevant NQF Level 7 qualification, such as a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering.
  • Development of research skills and specialist knowledge in the field of Electrical Engineering.
  • Addressing all graduate attributes specified in the ECSA qualification standard (E-09-PT) for a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours.

The qualification offers three elective options:

  1. Telecommunication Systems: Focuses on principles of digital communication theory, fixed networks, and wireless networks.
  2. Control Systems: Covers fundamental principles in Control Systems theory, computational intelligence, and robotic systems.
  3. Power and Energy Systems: Explores electric power conversion, energy efficiency, demand-side management, and power generation principles.

Rationale

The Electrical Engineering field in South Africa is vital due to the rapid growth in the technology sector, leading to a demand for skilled professionals. The qualification aims to address the skill shortage in Engineering professions, contribute to economic growth, and bridge the gap between industry, society, and Electrical Engineering domains.

Key points supporting the rationale include:

  • Shortage of skilled professionals impacting economic growth.
  • Demand for Engineers and Engineering professionals, as per scarce skills listed by DHET.
  • Emphasis on developing high-level skills to tackle societal and industrial challenges.
  • Collaboration with research centers and industry to address critical research areas.
  • Alignment with ECSA's standards for postgraduate specialization qualifications.

The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electrical Engineering seeks to meet international standards through the Washington, Sydney, and Dublin Accords, ensuring comparability and quality in engineering education qualifications. 

Outcomes

  1. Identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex problems in electrical engineering creatively and innovatively.
  2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to the conceptualisation of engineering models and to solve complex problems in electrical engineering.
  3. Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products or processes of a complex nature.
  4. Conduct investigations of complex problems in electrical engineering including engagement with the research literature and use of research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data and synthesis of the information to provide valid conclusions.
  5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of complex problems in electrical engineering, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
  6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of engineering activities society, economy, industrial and physical environment.
  8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles.
  9. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
  10. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of engineering practice.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Analyse and define the problem and identify criteria for an acceptable solution.
  • Identify relevant information and engineering knowledge and skills for solving the problem.
  • Generate and formulate possible approaches that would lead to a workable solution for the problem.
  • Model and analyse possible solutions.
  • Evaluate possible solutions and select the best solution.
  • Formulate and present the solution in an appropriate form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Bring an appropriate mix of knowledge of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, natural science and engineering science at a fundamental level and in a specialist area to bear on the solution of complex engineering problems.
  • Use theories, principles and laws.
  • Perform formal analysis and modelling on engineering materials, components, systems or processes.
  • Communicate concepts, ideas and theories.
  • Perform reasoning about and conceptualising engineering materials, components, systems or processes.
  • Handle uncertainty and risk.
  • Perform work within the boundaries of the practice area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Formulate the design problem to satisfy user needs, applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
  • Plan and manage the design process to focus on important issues and recognises and deals with constraints.
  • Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information and resources to apply appropriate principles and design tools to provide a workable solution.
  • Perform design tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling and optimisation of the product, system or process subject to the relevant premises, assumptions, constraints and restrictions.
  • Evaluate alternatives for implementation and select a preferred solution based on techno-economic analysis and judgement.
  • Assess the selected design in terms of social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact and benefits.
  • Communicate the design logic and relevant information in a technical report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Plan and conduct investigations and experiments within an appropriate discipline.
  • Search available literature and critically evaluate material for suitability to the investigation.
  • Perform analysis as necessary to the investigation.
  • Select and use equipment or software as appropriate in the investigations.
  • Analyse, interpret and derive information from available data.
  • Conclude an analysis of all available evidence.
  • Record the purpose, process and outcomes of the investigation in a technical report or research project report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Assess the method, skill or tool for applicability and limitations against the required result.
  • Apply the method, skill or tool correctly to achieve the required result.
  • Test and assess results produced by the method, skill or tool against required results.
  • Create, select and use computer applications as required by the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Apply appropriate structure, style, and language of written and oral communication for the communication and the target audience.
  • Apply appropriate and effective use of graphics in enhancing the meaning of the text.
  • Use visual materials to enhance oral communications.
  • Use accepted methods for providing information to others involved in the engineering activity.
  • Deliver oral communication fluently with the intended meaning being apparent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Explain the impact of technology in terms of the benefits and limitations of society.
  • Analyse the engineering activity in terms of the impact on public and occupational health and safety.
  • Analyse the engineering activity in terms of the impact on the physical environment.
  • Take into consideration personal, social, economic, cultural values and requirements for those who are affected by the engineering activity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  • Explain the principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling.
  • Carry out individual work effectively, strategically and on time.
  • Contribute to team activities, including at disciplinary boundaries, support the output of the team as a whole.
  • Demonstrate functioning as a team leader.
  • Organise and manage a design or research project.
  • Carry out effective communication in the context of individual or teamwork.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

  • Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically, individually and in learning groups.
  • Reflect on learning undertaken and determine own learning requirements and strategies to suit personal learning style and preferences.
  • Source, organise and evaluate relevant information.
  • Comprehend and apply the knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction.
  • Challenge assumptions critically and embrace new thinking.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

  • Describe the nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas.
  • Describe the ethical implications of decisions made.
  • Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate engineering solutions.
  • Maintain continued competence through keeping abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques available in the workplace.
  • Understand and embrace the system of continuing professional development as an on-going process.
  • Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from own actions.
  • Make judgements in decision making during problem-solving and justify designs.
  • Limit decision making to the area of current competence.

Integrated Assessment:

In the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electrical Engineering, methods of assessment may be applied, namely Continuous Assessment or examination termination. This form of assessment includes a concluding assessment opportunity that integrates the learning in the units of a module. Some modules are assessed employing an examination termination mode, which implies that a final examination will be written in that module. In these modules, assessment opportunities provided during the semester/year will contribute to the accumulation of a predicate mark. The predicate mark and examination mark will in turn each contribute 50% towards the final mark obtained for the module.

Formative and Summative Assessment:

  • Formative Assessments: These are at the discretion of the individual lecturers and are used to support learner developmentally and provide feedback for improvement.
  • Summative Assessments: Take place at the end of the learning experience and are used for promotion of learners. They are completed in a written format and assess learning against specific graduate attributes/Exit Level Outcomes to ensure learners meet the outcomes stated for the qualification.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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Tshwane University of Technology
Description
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is a higher education institution located in Pretoria, South Africa. It was established in 2004 through the merger of three separate institutions. TUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields of study, including engineering, business, science, arts, and technology. The university is known for its focus on practical and career-oriented education, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen professions. TUT also has a strong emphasis on research and innovation, contributing to the development of new technologies and solutions. With a diverse student body and state-of-the-art facilities, Tshwane University of Technology is committed to providing quality education and making a positive impact on society.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.