Nelson Mandela University

Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering

Physical Planning and Construction - Civil Engineering Construction

Purpose and Rationale

Program Overview

Purpose

The Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering (B Eng. Tech (Civil)) is specifically designed to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills required towards becoming primarily a competent practicing Civil Engineering Technologist as per the Sydney International Accord or a technician as per the Dublin International Accord. Civil Engineering involves the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure which includes but is not limited to transport (roads, airports, and harbours), water (dams, potable supply, and wastewater treatment) as well as buildings, bridges, and civil structures. This qualification meets the requirements of the Higher Education Qualification Sub Framework (HEQSF) and will develop and transfer cutting edge Civil Engineering knowledge as a foundation for wealth creation and economic sustainability. The qualification (as per ECSA qualifications standards) has a coherent core of mathematics, basic sciences, and fundamental engineering sciences totaling not less than 50% of the total credits providing a viable platform for further studies and lifelong learning.

Rationale

In the engineering disciplines, the continuous and rapid development of complex technology necessitates higher levels of conceptual understanding required by the broadly defined problem-solving skills needed. Adaptability to new technologies furthermore relies heavily on the understanding and the ability to apply fundamental conceptual knowledge to address modern engineering challenges and to ensure sustainable development. The need for engineering qualifications in South Africa has been documented by various sources. 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 ten-fold to compete with international economies. By offering this qualification the institution will assist the government in meeting their targets as a result of having 20 years of experience in offering Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering. This qualification will provide crucial skills and add value to existing industries, as well as new business enterprises that are currently preparing themselves for the participation in the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ). The many new developments planned for the Eastern Cape includes Fuel and Manganese refineries, Marine Engineering, a new Nuclear Power Station at Thyspunt and various renewable energy (Wind and Solar) projects in the Eastern and Northern Cape. These projects will require highly skilled Civil Engineering Technicians, Technologists, and Engineers for a number of years to come.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Civil Engineering Management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a team and to manage projects.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Design 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.
  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.
  8. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Explain the principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling.
  • Demonstrate effective individual work carried out strategically and on time.
  • Demonstrate functioning as a team leader.
  • Organise and manage a research project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Analyse and define the problem while identifying criteria for an acceptable solution.
  • Identify relevant information and engineering knowledge and skills for problem-solving.
  • Generate possible approaches and formulate workable solutions.
  • Model and analyse possible solutions.
  • Evaluate possible solutions and select the best one.
  • Formulate and present the solution appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Assess the method, skill or tool for applicability and limitations.
  • Apply the method, skill or tool correctly to achieve the required result.
  • 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 4:

  • Apply a mix of 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 5:

  • Formulate design problems to meet user needs, standards, codes, and legislation.
  • Plan and manage the design process while recognizing constraints.
  • Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information, and resources.
  • Perform design tasks, analysis, quantitative modelling, and optimization.
  • Evaluate alternatives and select a preferred solution based on techno-economic analysis.
  • Assess the selected design in terms of social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Use appropriate structure, style, and language for written and oral communication.
  • Use effective graphics to enhance text 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 competence by staying updated on tools and techniques.
  • Understand and embrace the system of continuing professional development.
  • Accept responsibility for consequences of own actions.
  • Make judgements in decision-making within current competence area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  • Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically.
  • Reflect on learning undertaken and determine own learning requirements and strategies.
  • Source, organise, and evaluate relevant information.
  • Comprehend and apply knowledge acquired outside formal instruction.
  • Challenge assumptions critically and embrace new thinking.

Integrated Assessment:

Formative Assessment:

  • Individual and collaborative tutorials with feedback.
  • Assignments and projects with direct discussions providing feedback.
  • Class assessments with formative feedback.
  • Computer-based simulations and interactive feedback.

Summative Assessment:

  • Closed or open book tests with scoring and feedback.
  • Individual and group projects and assignments with assessment rubrics.
  • Individual presentations with assessment rubrics and scoring.
  • Closed or open book examinations.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
420
SAQA Source
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Nelson Mandela University
Description
Nelson Mandela University is a comprehensive university located in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of three institutions, and it is named after the iconic South African leader, Nelson Mandela. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, and law. It is known for its commitment to social justice, transformation, and community engagement. Nelson Mandela University strives to provide quality education, promote research and innovation, and 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.