North-West University

Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering

Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The primary purpose of the Degree: Industrial Engineering is to provide graduates with:

  1. A thorough grounding in mathematics, basic sciences, engineering sciences, engineering modelling, and engineering design, together with the abilities to enable applications in fields of emerging knowledge.

  2. Preparation for careers in Industrial Engineering and related areas, for achieving technical leadership and making a contribution to the economy and national development.

  3. The educational requirement towards registration as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa.

  4. For graduates with an appropriate level of achievement in the programme, the ability to proceed to postgraduate studies in both course-based and research masters programmes.

Industrial Engineering is an area of study which prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems of people, material, information, and energy. Additionally, the student is prepared to apply operational analysis of total systems and processes to a wide variety of engineering problems and the integration of human, physical, energy, communication, management, and information requirements as needed. The training includes instruction in applied mathematics, physical sciences, the social sciences, engineering analysis, systems design, computer applications, and forecasting and evaluation methodology. The aim of this qualification is to build into the curriculum the mastering of the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing industrial engineer.

Rationale:

The Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering at the institution is to attend to the need for more engineers in the engineering sector in South Africa. The Minister of Education has tasked Tertiary institutions to double the number of engineering graduates by 2020. This applies to the Faculty of Engineering of the institution as well. In order to achieve this growth target, additional programmes need to be added to the existing complement of engineering programs already presented.

Current research indicates that the world as a whole is moving from a traditionally product-driven market to a services market. This presents unique requirements in terms of the analysis and design of such systems as traditional engineering specialties have difficulty in transferring product skills to system skills without considerable experience. From market research, there is a large requirement for engineers with specialist skills in the design, development, analysis, and optimization of processes as it pertains to the services industry within South Africa. To this end, a qualification in Industrial Engineering is proposed that will have a strong focus on systems and processes.

A strong focus on systems engineering throughout the program will ensure that candidates are adequately exposed to the concepts, tools, and techniques that will be required to effectively function as industrial engineers within a services-oriented industry. Furthermore, this field of study will be unique to the institution and should attract additional engineering students.

Outcomes

  1. Identify, assess, formulate and solve convergent and divergent engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
  2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, basic science and engineering sciences from first principles to solve engineering problems.
  3. Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products or processes.
  4. Demonstrate competence to design and conduct investigations and experiments.
  5. Use appropriate engineering methods, skills and tools, including those based on information technology.
  6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.
  7. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of project management activities for all project management functions during each life cycle phase.
  8. Apply the fundamental knowledge of Hydraulic steams applications to solve fluid machine problems.
  9. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the design and building of basic instrumentation and control systems for process control.
  10. Demonstrate an understanding of Elements of the employment law i.e. commencing employment, during employment, termination of employment. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are embedded in the qualification and will be assessed appropriately.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and insight into the properties of matter and compounds, molecular interaction, aqueous solutions, chemical equilibriums, acids and bases, formation of precipitates and electron transfer reactions.
  • Apply knowledge to write and name chemical formulae and balance reaction equations.
  • Explain tendencies and relationships according to the Periodic Table.
  • Demonstrate skills in applying laboratory and safety regulations.
  • Observe and explain chemical phenomena and perform calculations relating to these, communicating results scientifically.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Demonstrate mathematical knowledge of fundamental concepts such as force, work, energy, momentum, elasticity, simple harmonic motion, waves, hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, and heat.
  • Solve a variety of problems related to the above-mentioned topics.
  • Develop skills in measuring, processing, and reporting natural science processes beyond just Physics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Explain polynomials, rational functions, partial fractions, and complex numbers.
  • Resolve rational functions into partial fractions.
  • Perform basic calculations with complex numbers.
  • Calculate limits of different mathematical functions, continuity, and properties.
  • Differentiate both elementary and non-elementary functions.
  • Integrate both standard and non-standard integrals using appropriate techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Evaluate the suitability of important engineering materials for specific applications based on their properties.
  • Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of engineering material properties, basic testing, and typical applications in mechanical design.
  • Specify materials for simple mechanical designs, considering factors like failure, corrosion, and environmental impact.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data in the laboratory.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Apply differentiation techniques to solve extreme value problems and definite integration for calculating lengths of curves, surface areas, and volumes of revolution.
  • Use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create graphic models of parts and assemblies.
  • Utilize engineering software tools like Excel and EES for solving heat transfer problems.
  • Create technical design solutions using sketching and CAD.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Present own viewpoints in class and group discussions, as well as in written and oral presentations in a coherent, logical, ethically sound, and value-based manner.
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of learning strategies, academic vocabulary, reading and writing academic texts.
  • Communicate sketches, drawings, and formal engineering design reports effectively to technical audiences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Present an overview of the full life cycle of a product from inception to phase-out.
  • Perform conceptual design of a product and apply preliminary design during product development.
  • Utilize principles of general and acquisition management in a design project.
  • Express capability in performing detail design, applying design guidelines and constraints.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  • Choose the right fluid machine for a specific application.
  • Predict the performance of a fluid machine given the performance of a scale model.
  • Calculate the performance of a fluid machine based on its geometry and flow conditions.
  • Predict the performance of fluid machines in flow networks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

  • Analyze the behavior of induction motors and identify motors for mechanical applications.
  • Demonstrate skills in designing and building basic instrumentation and control systems.
  • Apply the First Law to open and closed systems, as well as the principle of reversibility in analyzing systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

  • Articulate a systematic knowledge base of Labour Law with reference to principles governing the contract of employment and legislative provisions.
  • Solve problems by analyzing scenarios, identifying applicable Labour Law sources, and integrating information to formulate solutions.
  • Apply knowledge to relevant Case Law and legislative provisions in a coherent argument.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Use a range of formative and summative assessment methods, including tests, assignments, reports, oral presentations, and examinations.
  • Complete a final year project involving planning, designing, and implementation.
  • Utilize individual and group assignments, practical lab work, and design projects for assessment purposes.
  • Assess practical reports for content and writing ability, ensuring effective participation and understanding.
  • Use interim reports, design assignments, and project reports for evaluation in design and synthesis modules.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
588
SAQA Source
More Information

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North-West University
Description
North-West University (NWU) is a public university located in South Africa. It was established in 2004 through the merger of three institutions: the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, the University of Bophuthatswana, and the University of North-West. NWU has three campuses, namely Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, business, education, engineering, health sciences, law, natural sciences, and theology. NWU is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, with several research centers and institutes dedicated to advancing knowledge and addressing societal challenges. NWU is committed to providing quality education and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. It strives to produce graduates who are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of South Africa and the global community. The university also promotes community engagement and social responsibility through various outreach programs and initiatives. Overall, North-West University is a reputable institution that values academic excellence, research, and community engagement, making it a sought-after choice for students seeking higher education in South Africa.

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.