Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Civil Engineering
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in either urban, transport or structural engineering and to develop research capacity in civil engineering. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence to solve complex engineering problems. In consonance with the Engineering Council South Africa (ECSA) standard for a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours program, the purpose of this qualification is to:
- Consolidate and deepen the student's expertise in either urban, transport or structural engineering.
- Engage the student theoretically and intellectually at a high level, in either one of the above sub-disciplines.
- Develop research capacity in civil engineering.
- Prepare learners for careers in specialised sub-divisions in civil engineering, for achieving technical leadership and to contribute to the economy and national development.
- Provide graduates with educational requirements partially towards registration as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
- Provide graduates with a thorough grounding in engineering sciences, design and modelling in the field of their specialisation and the ability to apply this knowledge to emerging civil engineering technologies together with an appreciation for the world and society in which they practice their specialisation.
- Enter a cognate NQF level 9 Master of Engineering Degree.
- Meet the educational requirements, partially, towards registration as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
Qualifying learners will acquire a sound knowledge base in the Civil Engineering discipline and an understanding of engineering management principles while also equipping them to undertake more specialised postgraduate studies and provides, inter alia, for learners to:
- Conduct investigations of complex engineering problems including engagement with the research literature.
- Solve complex engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
- Provide leadership and manage projects in the application of technology in safety, health, engineering, and commercially effective operations and have well-developed interpersonal skills.
- Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities, and norms of engineering practice.
- Work independently and as a member or leader in a multi-disciplinary project, applying judgement to decisions arising in the application of technology and health and safety considerations to problems and associated risks.
- This qualification meets the educational requirements for registration as a candidate engineer in terms of the generic ECSA E-09-PT standard.
Rationale:
According to the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), South Africa has an engineer to population ratio of 1:3100 compared to Germany (1:200) and Japan, Great Britain, and the United States of America (1:310). This implies that the engineering team requirement for South Africa needs to multiply 10-fold to compete with international economies. The National Development Plan (2010-2030) highlights the critical shortage of good-quality professionals in Civil Engineering which include Engineers, Technologists and Technicians. The Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (2013) report further highlighted the need to produce professionals in the field of engineering. The development and growth of the South African economy require professional Civil Engineering specialists who can apply established and newly developed Civil Engineering technologies to solve complex problems. Hence, graduates of this qualification have a specialized understanding of Civil Engineering sciences underlying a deep knowledge of specific Civil Engineering technologies together with environmental matters. The nature of the broadly diversified South African economy needs professional Civil Engineers who are a product of this proposed qualification. According to Government Gazette No. 45860 published on 2 February 2022, Civil Engineers and Civil Engineering Technologists are listed as critical skills in South Africa (2022:6). This qualification is primarily industry-oriented and will develop and transfer cutting-edge civil engineering knowledge as a foundation for wealth creation and economic sustainability. This qualification has also a coherent core of mathematics, basic sciences, and fundamental engineering sciences, providing a viable platform for further studies and lifelong learning. Furthermore, the qualification is curriculated so that learners specialise and develop advanced knowledge within one of the civil engineering sub-disciplines of either urban engineering, water engineering or structural engineering. This will allow graduates to pursue postgraduate qualifications, research-orientated careers or to become industry specialists within their sub-discipline of expertise. The sub-disciplines of specialisation are an essential component to the development of infrastructure and the provision of municipal services in our country, which impacts the health and safety of the citizens of this country. The qualification has been curriculated in accordance with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA standard, the statutory professional body that oversees the engineering profession in South Africa for this qualification. The qualification is a pre-requisite for entry to a Master's Degree studies. Therefore, this qualification will provide for articulation from the new Bachelor's qualification to the Master's qualification.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate, analyse, and solve complex engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
- Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, and engineering sciences to the conceptualization of engineering models and to solve complex engineering 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 engineering problems including engagement with the research literature and use of research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data and synthesis of information to provide valid conclusions.
- Evaluate and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of complex engineering 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 on society, economy, industrial and physical environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and economic decision making.
- 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:
- Define, analyse, and identify criteria for an acceptable solution.
- Identify relevant information and engineering knowledge and skills for solving the problem.
- Generate and formulate possible approaches leading to a workable solution.
- Model and analyse possible solutions.
- Evaluate possible solutions and select the best solution.
- Formulate and present the solution appropriately.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Utilise a mix of knowledge in mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, natural science, and engineering science.
- Evaluate and apply engineering concepts, theories, principles, and laws.
- Perform formal analysis and modelling on engineering materials, components, systems, or processes.
- Communicate concepts effectively.
- Handle uncertainty and risk in specialised fields.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Formulate the design problem to meet user needs, standards, codes, and legislation.
- Plan and manage the design process focusing on important issues and constraints.
- Acquire knowledge, information, and resources to apply appropriate principles and design tools.
- Evaluate alternatives for implementation based on techno-economic analysis.
- Communicate the design logic and information in a technical report.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Plan and conduct investigations and experiments within the discipline.
- Search available literature and critically evaluate material for suitability.
- Analyse and interpret information derived from data.
- Record the purpose, process, and outcomes in a technical report.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Assess the method, skill, or tool for applicability and limitations.
- Correctly apply methods to achieve the required result.
- Test and assess results produced.
- Create, select, and use computer applications as required.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Apply appropriate structure, style, and language for written and oral communication.
- Use effective graphics to enhance meaning.
- Deliver oral communication fluently with clear intent.
- Identify and apply methods for providing information to others.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Explain the impact of technology on society.
- Analyse the impact of engineering activities 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, organising, leading, and controlling.
- Apply basic principles of economics, business management, and project management.
- Contribute to team activities and function as a team leader.
- Organise and manage projects effectively.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically.
- Reflect on learning and determine strategies for personal learning.
- Source, organise, and evaluate relevant information.
- Challenge assumptions and embrace new thinking.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Describe ethical dilemmas and implications of decisions made.
- Evaluate ethical reasoning in engineering solutions.
- Maintain competence through continuous learning.
- Accept responsibility for consequences and make judgements based on competence.
Integrated Assessment:
- Combines formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment methodologies.
- Provides multiple assessment opportunities for learners.
- Includes tests, assignments, exams, projects, portfolios, oral assessments, and presentations.
- Aligns outcomes, learning activities, and assessment activities.
- Ensures constructive alignment between intended outcomes and assessments.
Assessment methods will vary per module with a focus on formative and summative assessments to evaluate the achievement of learning outcomes. Various assessment techniques will be used to ensure comprehensive assessment of graduate attributes in accordance with institutional policy.
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.