University of Zululand

Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronic Engineering

Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design

Purpose and Rationale

Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronic Engineering

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronic Engineering is to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills required to solve related problems while preparing students to register as Professional Technologists with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). The qualification aims to achieve the following:

  1. Provide graduates with a strong foundation in mathematics, basic sciences, engineering sciences, engineering modeling, computer science, computer engineering, and engineering design.

  2. Prepare students for careers in engineering and related areas, enabling technical leadership and contributing to the economy and national development.

  3. Meet the educational requirements for registration as a professional engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa, and facilitate career opportunities in engineering and related fields.

  4. Enable graduates to pursue postgraduate studies in both course-based and research Master's degrees.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Apply engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined engineering problems.
  • Apply knowledge of Mathematics, Basic Science, and Engineering Sciences to practical procedures and practices for solving engineering problems.
  • Design components or processes to meet specific needs within relevant standards, codes of practice, and legislation.
  • Conduct tests, experiments, and measurements using relevant codes and catalogues.
  • Utilize established techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including Information Technology, to solve engineering problems.
  • Communicate effectively with engineering audiences, both orally and in writing.
  • Understand the impact of engineering activities on society, the economy, and the environment, and address related issues.
  • Apply Engineering Management principles in their work as part of a technical team.
  • Engage in lifelong learning through developed learning skills.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of professional ethics and responsibilities in engineering practice.

Rationale

Engineering is essential for meeting societal and economic needs. The Bachelor's Degree in Engineering aims to develop engineering competence and serve as a foundation for specialized engineering careers through continuous learning. The qualification offers flexibility for graduates to adapt to changing needs in the engineering field.

The institution's location in a rapidly growing provincial economy aligns with the demand for qualified engineers in the region. With strong industry support and the growing industrial sector in Richards Bay, establishing an Engineering Faculty will benefit local industries, schools, and learners who can pursue engineering studies closer to home.

The Mechatronic Engineering qualification addresses the increasing demand for skilled professionals in automation and mechatronics. Graduates will contribute to economic growth, bridge the skills gap, and excel in multidisciplinary engineering environments across various industries.

By aligning with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) Standard E-05-PT, this program ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the Mechatronics labor market as competent and ethical engineering professionals.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate, analyse, and solve complex engineering problems.
  2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, engineering fundamentals and an engineering specialty to solve complex engineering problems.
  3. Perform creative, procedural, and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products, or processes.
  4. Conduct investigations of well-defined problems by locating and searching relevant codes and catalogues, and conducting standard tests, investigations, experiments, and measurements.
  5. Demonstrate competence to use appropriate engineering methods, skills, and tools, including those based on information technology.
  6. Demonstrate competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of Mechatronic Engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation.
  8. Demonstrate competence to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments.
  9. Demonstrate competence to engage in independent learning through well-developed learning skills.
  10. Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically and to exercise judgment and take responsibility within your own limits of competence.
  11. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and of economic decision-making.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Identify and apply a standard mathematical function to solve the fundamental theorem of calculus.
  • Communicate mathematical ideas in appropriate ways, using mathematical symbols and a logical structure, with diagrams if necessary.
  • Examine and apply concepts and theories of the Mechatronic Engineering discipline.
  • Apply probability rules to answer basic questions that arise in uncertain Mechatronic Engineering situations.
  • Apply the power of linear system theory (particularly Fourier analysis) for designing and analysing mechatronic systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Develop a systematic understanding of the engineering approach to Mechatronic Engineering based on the natural sciences.
  • Develop an equivalent circuit model for electromechanical devices and circuits using conceptually based mathematics.
  • Set up the models and analyze the electromechanical circuits using Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE) and other associated software.
  • Develop a systematic formulation of a Mechatronic module based on natural science and engineering fundamentals.
  • Apply knowledge of Mathematics using formalism oriented toward Engineering for analysis and modelling.
  • Apply fundamental knowledge of Natural Sciences as relevant to both a sub-discipline and recognised practice area.
  • Use Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Engineering Sciences, supported by established models to aid in solving broadly-defined engineering problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Clearly communicate ideas using sketches and models.
  • Describe the system using modelling tools such as the use of case diagrams, sequence diagrams and activity diagrams.
  • Document the system development process in a clear written report for engineering audiences and the community at large.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Define the scope of the investigation in the field of Mechatronic Engineering.
  • Plan Investigations and conduct them within the field of Mechatronic Engineering.
  • Search available literature and material and evaluate it for suitability for the investigation.
  • Select relevant equipment or software and use it appropriately for the investigation.
  • Analyse and interpret data obtained.
  • Draw conclusions from an analysis of all available evidence.
  • Record the purpose, process, and outcomes of the investigation in a technical report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Clearly communicate ideas using sketches and models including CAD.
  • Assess the method, skill or tool for applicability and limitations against the required result.
  • Apply the problem-solving and algorithm development method, skill, or tool correctly.
  • Test and assess results produced by the method, skill, or tool.
  • Identify and use computers, networks, and information infrastructures for accessing, processing, managing, and storing information to enhance personal productivity and teamwork.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Use appropriate structure, style, and language of written and oral communication for the purpose of the communication and consider the target audience.
  • Apply visual materials and graphics as part of reports (graphs, pies, Gantt charts etc) to enhance oral communication.
  • Examine and apply accepted methods for providing information to others involved in the engineering activity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Explain the impact of technology in terms of its benefits and limitations to society.
  • Analyse the impact of engineering activity on the created physical environment, occupational, and public health, and safety.
  • Promote personal, social, economic, and cultural values and requirements for those who are affected by the engineering activity.
  • Highlight and identify in project management, awareness of the role of engineering in society.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  • Explain the principles of planning, organising, and leading, and controlling.
  • Carry out individual work effectively, strategically and on time.
  • Make individual contributions to team activities to support the output of the team.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work as a team leader in a multi-disciplinary environment.
  • Organise and manage a project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

  • Translate the system's user requirements into technical specifications.
  • Identify multiple approaches to solve specific problems in the project and select one approach based on the constraints of the project, and sub-system requirements to optimize the performance metrics of the system.
  • Conduct a professional engineering design project by applying the knowledge in practice.
  • Identify areas of development as the requirement for independent learning.
  • Source, organize, and evaluate relevant information.
  • Comprehend and apply the knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction.
  • Display awareness of the need to maintain continued competence through keeping abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques available in the workplace.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

  • Describe the nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas.
  • Discuss 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.
  • 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 design.
  • Limit decision-making to an area of current competence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:

  • Analyse and explain models, principles, theories, techniques, and methodologies in the chosen field.
  • Apply basic techniques from economics, and business management### project management to one's own work, as a member and leader in a team, and manage projects and in multidisciplinary environments.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
480
SAQA Source
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University of Zululand
Description
The University of Zululand is a comprehensive university located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was established in 1960 and is one of the oldest universities in the province. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, science, commerce, education, and law. It is known for its commitment to providing quality education and promoting research and innovation. The university also has a strong focus on community engagement and strives to contribute to the development of the region and the country as a whole.

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.