Bachelor of Engineering Science in Biomedical Engineering
Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering
Rationale:
The qualification aims to provide a comprehensive education combining life sciences and engineering disciplines to underscore the critical role of engineering and quantitative sciences in achieving a deep understanding and research proficiency in life sciences. The program will prepare learners to pursue formal engineering or physics studies, enabling them to conduct research in Biomedical Engineering or qualify for a new medical program with robust entry prerequisites and a solid scientific foundation.
Purpose:
The qualification seeks to equip learners with the ability to apply scientific and engineering principles effectively in the realm of life sciences. Graduates will typically progress to complete an electrical engineering degree, pursue a two-year honours program in physics, or continue studies in a medical program. Those opting for electrical engineering will be well-positioned for roles in Biomedical Engineering while having the option to explore various career trajectories within electrical engineering. Graduates may also choose to pursue an honours degree in Physics, offering similar career possibilities as engineers.
Learners selected for the medical program will possess a strong understanding of the scientific principles necessary for medical studies and a grasp of applying quantitative science to biology. Some graduates may opt to use this qualification as a foundation for further studies in life sciences towards advanced degrees aligned with the scope of the qualification. Those exiting after completing this qualification are likely to secure positions in the medical equipment industry, although it is not the preferred outcome.
Individuals progressing to complete full qualifications in electrical engineering, physics honours, or medicine will significantly advance South Africa's research landscape and are anticipated to energize the biomedical equipment industry.
Outcomes
- The learner will have developed a comprehensive understanding of living systems.
- The learner will be able to use basic knowledge of living systems to appreciate the complexities and ethical considerations in medical research.
- The learner will have developed a thorough understanding of engineering science and its wide applicability.
- The learner will develop the skill to communicate technical ideas effectively.
- The learner will develop the skill to make rapid quantitative estimates.
- The learner is able to integrate life sciences and engineering sciences and to appreciate the principles common to both disciplines.
- The learner is able to appreciate the social implications of health and engineering in the context of South Africa's socio-economic environment.
- The learner works well in a multi-disciplinary team environment and to appreciate the value of diversity in skills.
- The learner understands the importance of clear communication with peers and colleagues, as well as the requirement to assume responsibility and managing uncertainty.
- Is experienced in deriving knowledge from a wide range of learning environments.
- Learner understands the effect of her/his discipline on other areas of society.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Understand the genetic and molecular basis of life.
- Understand the interaction of living systems with each other.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Understand the principles of the latest technologies including cloning, cell biology, and cancer treatment.
- Understand and appreciate the ethical dilemmas associated with new technologies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Ability to solve engineering problems and perform quantitative analysis.
- Gain insight into uncertainty in science and its effect on understanding.
- Ability to apply engineering sciences to diverse fields such as biology and medicine.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Ability to do verbal presentations on complex technical subjects.
- Present written communications including research reports and problem-solving.
- Use sound engineering judgment and estimate the magnitude of answers prior to calculating.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6
- Appreciate systems theory and its applicability across a range of subjects.
- Appreciate the way in which many engineering processes have analogues in the living world.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7
- Understand the critical importance of budgetary constraints on health care delivery.
- Able to make a useful assessment of the cost-benefit ratio of advanced technologies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8
- Demonstrate an ability to work in a team environment with engineers, physicists, chemists, doctors, and other professionals.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9
- Demonstrate awareness of how poor or vague communication can lead to undesirable or tragic outcomes.
- Understand the importance of making decisions and taking responsibility.
- Demonstrate awareness of the requirement to sometimes make rapid decisions in the absence of complete information to optimize the probability of a favorable outcome.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10
- Demonstrate an ability to learn from a wide range of teaching and study environments such as seminars, presentations, small group study, independent study, and formal lectures.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11
- Appreciate the beneficial effect of good health care on social and environmental well-being.
Integrated Assessment
- Learners are assessed through written examinations, assignments, oral presentations, and oral examinations.
- Capstone courses such as medical imaging and medical transport phenomena in the final year are assessed for the integration of subject matter from earlier courses with both engineering and life sciences content.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- 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.