Durban University of Technology

Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering

Physical Planning and Construction - Civil Engineering Construction

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is:

a) For learners to assimilate the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills of Civil Engineering. This combined with a period of post qualification mentored work experience will enable them to become competent practicing Civil Engineering Technologists, able to apply engineering judgment and work independently and responsibly.

b) To equip learners:

  • With the preparation required for careers in Civil Engineering.
  • With the ability to make a contribution to the economy and national development.
  • The educational base required for registration with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineering Technologist in civil engineering.
  • Entry to NQF Level 8 qualifications e.g. Honours and Masters qualifications.

c) To contribute to the critical mass of Civil Engineering Technologists educated specifically for the world of work and research, and who also play a pivotal role in the infrastructure development of our country.

Rationale:

South Africa has a shortage of skilled people in the area of civil engineering. This qualification will contribute to the development of scarce and high level technical skills in Civil Engineering. The training of Civil Engineering Technologists serves national, provincial and local government imperatives. National, provincial and local governments have announced plans for massive infrastructure development in roads, rail, ports, airports, water storage and distribution, electricity distribution, power generation, health services, education, industrial development, and housing. The majority of these are either primarily civil engineering projects or have a major Civil Engineering component that will require the skills of suitably qualified and trained Civil Engineering Technologists. The expertise, skill, and knowledge of Civil Engineering technologists are required by municipalities, Transnet, Sanral, the various water boards, the Department of Water Affairs, Public Works departments, the Department of Transport, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), engineering consultancies and construction companies. This qualification will enable graduates the educational base for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist in civil engineering (Pr. Tech Eng.) Currently, the academic qualification required for Pr. Tech Eng. registration is the Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech.) degree. Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) has replaced the B. Tech degree with the new Bachelor of Engineering Technology Degree as the academic qualification required for Pr. Eng. Tech registration. After broad consultation with industry and all other relevant stakeholders, ECSA generated a generic document detailing the competencies required for a Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework compliant generic BET qualification.

Outcomes

  1. Apply principles of mechanics, structural analysis, hydraulics, hydrology, transport planning, geometric design, construction materials and soil mechanics to systematically solve broadly-defined civil engineering problems.
  2. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of broadly-defined engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
  3. Apply knowledge of Mathematics, Natural Science, Civil Engineering construction methods and materials, Engineering Mechanics and Civil Engineering Management to solve broadly defined structural, hydraulic, transport and water problems.
  4. Design of broadly defined structural steel and reinforced concrete elements and structures, hydraulic structures, reticulation, and roads to meet desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
  5. Conduct investigations of broadly-defined problems through locating, searching and selecting relevant data from codes, data bases and literature, designing and conducting experiments, analysing and interpreting results to provide valid conclusions.
  6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the affected parties.
  7. Comprehend, apply and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of Civil Engineering practice.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Analyse and define the problem
  • Identify criteria for an acceptable solution
  • Identify relevant information, engineering knowledge, and skills
  • Generate possible approaches for 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:

  • Assess the method, skill, or tool for applicability and limitations
  • Apply the method, skill, or tool correctly
  • Test and assess results produced by the method, skill, or tool
  • Create, select, and use computer applications as required

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Apply a mix of fundamental and specialist knowledge in Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Statistics, Natural Science, and Engineering Science
  • Use theories, principles, and laws
  • Perform formal analysis and modelling on engineering materials, components, systems, or processes
  • Communicate concepts, ideas, and theories
  • Handle uncertainty and risk within the practice area

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Formulate design problems to satisfy user needs, standards, codes of practice, and legislation
  • Plan and manage the design process effectively
  • Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information, and resources
  • Perform design tasks including analysis, modelling, and optimization
  • Evaluate alternatives based on techno-economic analysis and judgement
  • Assess the selected design's impact and benefits
  • Communicate design logic and information in a technical report

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Plan investigations and experiments relevant to Civil Engineering
  • Search literature and critically evaluate material for suitability
  • Perform necessary analysis
  • Select and use equipment or software appropriately
  • Analyse, interpret, and derive information from available data
  • Draw conclusions from evidence and record the investigation in a technical report

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Ensure appropriate structure, style, and language in written and oral communication
  • Use graphics effectively to enhance meaning
  • Use visual materials to enhance oral communications
  • Provide information using accepted methods like engineering drawings
  • Deliver fluent oral communication with clear meaning

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Describe the nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas
  • Describe the ethical implications of decisions made
  • Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate engineering solutions
  • Maintain continued competence and embrace professional development
  • Accept responsibility for consequences and make judgements within current competence

Integrated Assessment:

  • Combine formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment methodologies
  • Provide multiple assessment opportunities to demonstrate exit level outcomes
  • Ensure constructive alignment between intended outcomes, learning activities, and assessment activities
  • Use various assessment methods such as tests, assignments, exams, projects, etc.
  • Include a capstone project to evaluate multiple outcomes in an integrated manner.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
420
SAQA Source
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Durban University of Technology
Description
Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a public university located in Durban, South Africa. It was established in 2002 through the merger of Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon. DUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines including engineering, business, health sciences, arts and design, and applied sciences. The university is known for its focus on practical and career-oriented education, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields. DUT also has strong industry partnerships and collaborations, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared for the job market.

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.