Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Polymer Technology
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Polymer Technology
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Polymer Technology is a postgraduate qualification designed to prepare learners for industry and research. It is typically pursued after obtaining a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Degree, Advanced Diploma, or a relevant NQF Level 7 qualification.
The key purposes of this qualification include:
- Consolidating and deepening the learner's expertise in a specific discipline
- Developing research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that discipline
- Addressing complex engineering problems
- Preparing learners for research-based postgraduate study
- Aligning with the educational requirements for registration as a candidate engineer
- Responding to the needs and challenges in South Africa and Africa
The qualification focuses on preparing skilled employees for the plastics industry, covering areas such as manufacturing, planning, designing, construction, supervision, operation, and maintenance. It equips learners with the necessary knowledge to specialize in Polymer fields such as Materials, Processing, and Design. The curriculum includes fundamental engineering modules, core polymer technology modules, practical laboratory work, and elective professional development modules. Furthermore, a research project in polymer technology is a key component, enabling learners to develop problem-solving skills in solving complex engineering problems in polymer technology.
Rationale:
The rationale behind the design of this qualification is to address the needs and challenges faced in South Africa. The constantly evolving materials technology requires the development of skills to tackle pressing issues in various industries such as aerospace, medical, automotive, and packaging. There is a shortage of skills, lack of advanced manufacturing practices, and limited export focus in the plastic sector, hindering its growth and prosperity.
This qualification aims to bridge the skills gap in the plastics industry by focusing on manufacturing, planning, designing, construction, supervision, operation, and maintenance. It emphasizes polymer manufacturing with a focus on materials, processing, and design, which are vital in industries like aerospace, automotive, and marine.
Various reports from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and merSETA Plastics Chamber Research have pointed out the need for specialized skills in the plastics industry. Additionally, endorsements from the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and inputs from industry representatives and Plastic SA further validate the necessity and relevance of this qualification.
The qualification aligns with international standards such as the International Engineering Alliance's Graduate Attributes and Professional Competencies, ensuring international comparability. It emphasizes the integration of theory and practice to produce highly skilled professionals in Polymer Technology, opening up opportunities in production and quality assurance management, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
In conclusion, the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Polymer Technology is crucial in meeting the demands of the industry, addressing skills shortages, and contributing to the economic and social development of South Africa and beyond.
Outcomes
- Identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex Polymer Technology problems creatively and innovatively.
- Apply knowledge of Mathematics, Natural Science and Engineering Sciences to the conceptualisation of engineering models and to solve complex Polymer Technology problems.
- Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products or processes of a complex nature.
- Conduct investigations of complex Polymer Technology problems 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.
- Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of complex Polymer Technology problems, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of engineering activities society, economy, industrial and physical environment.
- Display knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles.
- Demonstrate competence to engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
- 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 the 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 the solution and present it in an appropriate form.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Apply an appropriate mix of knowledge of Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Statistics, Natural Science and Engineering Science.
- 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, standards, codes of practice, and legislation.
- Plan and manage the design process.
- Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information, and resources.
- Perform design tasks including analysis, modelling, and optimization.
- Evaluate alternatives for implementation.
- Assess the selected design in terms of impact and benefits.
- Communicate the design logic and relevant information effectively.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Plan and conduct investigations and experiments.
- Search and evaluate literature.
- Perform analysis as necessary.
- Select and use equipment or software appropriately.
- Analyse, interpret, and derive information from data.
- Draw conclusions from evidence.
- Record the investigation in a technical report.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Assess the method, skill, or tool for applicability and limitations.
- Apply the method, skill, or tool correctly.
- Test and assess results produced.
- Create, select, and use computer applications as required.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Ensure appropriate structure, style, and language in written and oral communication.
- Use graphics to enhance meaning.
- Utilize visual materials for oral communication.
- Provide information effectively.
- Deliver clear oral communication.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Explain the impact of technology on society.
- Analyse the impact on health, safety, and the environment.
- Consider personal, social, economic, and cultural values.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Explain principles of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
- Carry out individual work effectively and on time.
- Contribute effectively to team activities.
- Demonstrate functioning as a team leader.
- Organize and manage projects.
- Communicate effectively in individual or teamwork settings.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically.
- Reflect on learning and determine personal strategies.
- Apply knowledge acquired outside formal instruction.
- Challenge assumptions and embrace new thinking.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Describe ethical dilemmas and implications.
- Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate solutions.
- Maintain competence and continue professional development.
- Accept responsibility for consequences.
- Limit decision-making to current competence.
Integrated Assessment:
- Modules are assessed using various methods.
- Formative and summative assessments are included.
- Teaching strategies use an integrated assessment approach.
- Research projects integrate learning across modules.
- Continuous assessments provide multiple opportunities.
- Design projects apply problem-solving skills.
- Research projects integrate research and problem-solving skills.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.