Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Computer Engineering
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Description
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the qualification is to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study. It aims to consolidate and deepen expertise in a particular discipline and develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that discipline. The qualification requires high levels of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, with some cases leading to recognition by a professional or statutory body. The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours Degree enhances research and development application and contextual knowledge to meet minimum requirements for admittance to a related master's degree. This qualification aims to prepare individuals for careers in engineering and related areas, contributing to technological proficiency and national development.
With the Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Computer Engineering as a foundation, this honours degree provides a specialized focus in modern computer engineering technology, offering a pathway to higher research degrees. It aims to equip learners with advanced knowledge in computer engineering through specialized electives aligned with their chosen research project topic.
Rationale:
The qualification follows the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) standard guidelines, aiming to meet the needs of society and the economy. It provides a research-oriented foundation in computer engineering technology, paving the way for further studies at the master's and doctoral levels. The curriculum includes advanced topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Next Generation Networks, and other key drivers of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
By addressing the demands of the industry for specialized computer engineering professionals, the qualification seeks to contribute to economic growth and societal development. It aligns with the Higher Education and Training Framework for the National Skills Development Strategy, aiming to produce skilled engineers to meet the country's manufacturing and electrical engineering needs. The program focuses on modern computer engineering technologies with applications in various fields such as Mobile Communication Systems, Wireless Sensor Networks, and Satellite Technology, addressing local, national, and international challenges.
Through stakeholder consultations with ECSA, the Electrical Engineering Forum, local industry surveys, and advisory boards, the qualification ensures relevance and alignment with industry demands. Graduates are prepared to register with ECSA as Professional Engineering Technologists and Certificated Engineers, contributing to the advancement of the engineering industry.
For reference, the qualification aims to achieve the following outcomes:
- Application of mathematical modeling in problem-solving
- Analysis and design of complex engineering systems
- Development of engineering solutions using appropriate technologies
- Conducting research in computer engineering
- Effective communication of engineering information
- Demonstration of professionalism, ethics, and management skills
Outcomes
- Apply mathematical modelling and analysis to complex computer engineering and multidisciplinary problem solving and design.
- Apply advanced engineering physics and principles of modern computer engineering technology to the analysis and design of complex and advanced computer engineering systems using current and emerging electrical engineering technology in areas such as wireless sensor networks, quantum and optoelectronics, mobile communication systems and satellite technology.
- Analyse and design solutions to relevant modern technical challenges using appropriate computer engineering technology, theory, circuits, and techniques as well as associated programming and software applications.
- Formulate, manage, and conduct relevant computer engineering technology research under close supervision and guidance. Investigate the problem, the availability and suitability of computer engineering technology solutions and perform relevant experiments and associated data analysis using appropriate engineering methods, skills, and tools to compare and confirm their suitability in the solution.
- Communicate engineering information effectively both verbally and in writing, using the formal modalities of reports and presentations while making effective use of engineering standards, specifications, codes of practice and relevant legislation.
- Apply innovative new solutions to new and existing problems using an integration of appropriate modern computer engineering technologies, advanced engineering physics and mathematics as well as research methodologies and entrepreneurial techniques and skills to provide economically and environmentally sustainable computer engineering technology solutions. The learner will demonstrate independent learning as well as effective teamwork and communication across disciplinary, language and cultural boundaries.
- Demonstrate engineering professionalism, ethics, and management skills as well as independent learning through self-study assignment work, project work and relevant industry liaison.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Investigate and evaluate a range of mathematical models that are fit-for-purpose of various interdisciplinary and complex computer engineering problems.
- Apply analytical, numerical and/or statistical methods to solve a range of complex computer engineering problems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Apply an appropriate mix of advanced physics and modern computer engineering technology theory, principles and techniques in the analysis and design of complex and advanced computer engineering systems.
- Evaluate a selection of current and emerging computer engineering technology techniques for specific applications and a preferred solution is identified by appropriate technical, economic and environmental criteria.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Apply relevant modern computer engineering technology to design computer engineering solutions to modern technical challenges with emphasis on a comparative analysis of important technical issues and constraints.
- Apply programming and/or software applications to perform comparative quantitative analysis and optimization of computer engineering systems and processes.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Apply appropriate research methodology to formulate the problem statement and plan and manage the research project activities.
- Critically investigate the problem and comparative analysis of several solution alternatives in line with relevant modern computer engineering technologies is demonstrated.
- Perform and analyse relevant experiments and data analysis to critically compare different solution alternatives and establish a suitable economically and environmentally sustainable optimal solution.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Adapt the structure, style, and language of communication in reports and presentations to be appropriate in the case of either a technical/expert or non-technical/non-expert audience.
- Use an appropriate and effective blend of graphical, textual, and numerical computer engineering information presentation such that a clear communication objective and conclusion is achieved.
- Examine and communicate computer engineering standards, codes of practice and relevant legislation and appropriately apply using the formal modalities of reports and presentations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Integrate and apply relevant advanced engineering mathematics and physics and appropriate modern computer engineering technologies in innovative and economically and environmentally sustainable ways to solve current technological challenges.
- Investigate and critically analyse current technological challenges and consider, evaluate and compare the innovative application of several integrated modern computer engineering technology solutions.
- Display independent learning, as well as effective teamwork and communication, in the management of an integrated and interdisciplinary computer engineering project.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Apply and evaluate ethical reasoning to decisions taken in computer engineering, and the ethical implications of alternatives with reference to environmental impact as well as public and employee safety.
- Understand the boundaries of competence, and professional responsibility, transparency and accountability are applied to computer engineering activities and decisions.
- Undertake the relevant and appropriate professional industry liaison, communicate clearly and effectively and exhibit professional engineering project management.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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