Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Title: Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with knowledge of Mechanical Engineering and equip them with skills that will prepare them to register as Professional Mechanical Engineering Technologists. On completion of this qualification, learners will be able to achieve technological proficiency and make a contribution to the economy and the development of the nation.
This qualification aims to provide learners with a sound knowledge base in the discipline of Mechanical Engineering and enable them to apply their knowledge and skills to a particular career or a professional context. It equips them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning, with a strong professional and career focus, preparing them to enter the mechanical and allied industries.
Specifically, the purpose of the learning programme is to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing engineering technologist in the discipline of mechanical engineering. This qualification also provides a pathway for entry to NQF Level 8 qualifications such as Honours, Postgraduate Diplomas, and eventual progression to Master's qualifications.
Rationale:
The Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering is designed to provide learners with integrated and detailed knowledge in mechanical engineering. Engineering is an activity that encompasses initiatives, services, and solutions to problems that are of importance to society and the economy.
This qualification serves as the educational base required for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). It is intended to develop Professional Mechanical Engineering Technologists with the knowledge and attributes to work in a wide spectrum of industries, including automotive, petrochemical, pulp and paper, mining, water, and energy industries.
Professional Mechanical Engineering Technologists are characterized by their ability to apply established and newly developed engineering technology to solve broadly defined problems, develop components, systems, services, and processes. They provide leadership in the application of technology in safety, health, engineering, and commercially effective operations, and possess well-developed interpersonal skills.
These professionals work independently and responsibly, applying judgment to decisions arising in the application of technology and considering health and safety considerations related to problems and associated risks. They have a specialized understanding of engineering sciences along with knowledge of specific technologies, financial, commercial, legal, social, economic, health, safety, and environmental matters.
Outcomes
- Systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined Mechanical Engineering problems by applying engineering principles.
- Apply knowledge of Mathematics, Natural Science and Engineering Sciences to define and Applied Engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve broadly-defined mechanical engineering problems.
- Perform procedural and non-procedural design of broadly defined components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the affected parties.
- Knowledge and understanding the impact of engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation.
- Understand engineering management principles and apply them to one's own work, as a member and leader in a team to manage projects.
- Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
- Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of Engineering Technology practice.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Analyse and define a problem
- Identify criteria for an acceptable solution
- Identify relevant information and engineering knowledge and skills
- Generate possible approaches
- Formulate possible solutions
- Model and analyse possible solutions
- Evaluate possible solutions
- Select the best solution
- Formulate and present a solution in an appropriate form
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Utilize knowledge of Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Statistics, Natural Science and engineering science
- Apply theories, principles and laws
- Perform formal analysis and modelling
- Communicate concepts, ideas, and theories
- Reason and conceptualize engineering materials, components, systems, or processes
- Handle uncertainty and risk
- Work within the boundaries of the practice area
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Formulate a design problem to meet user needs, standards, codes, and legislation
- Plan and manage a design process
- Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information, and resources
- Perform design tasks including analysis, modelling, and optimization
- Evaluate alternatives and select a preferred solution
- Assess the design in terms of impact and benefits
- Communicate design logic and information in a technical report
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Plan investigations and experiments
- Search literature and critically evaluate material
- Perform necessary analysis
- Select and use equipment or software
- Analyse, interpret, and derive information from data
- Draw conclusions and record outcomes in a technical report
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Assess the applicability and limitations of a method, skill, or tool
- Apply a method, skill, or tool correctly
- Test and assess results against required outcomes
- Create and use computer applications as required
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Ensure appropriate structure, style, and language of communication
- Use graphics effectively
- Enhance oral communication with visual materials
- Use accepted methods for providing information
- Deliver fluent oral communication
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Explain the impact of technology on society
- Analyse the impact of engineering activities on health, safety, and the environment
- Consider personal, social, economic, cultural values in engineering activities
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Explain principles of planning, organising, leading, and controlling
- Carry out individual work effectively and strategically
- Contribute to team activities and demonstrate leadership
- Organise and manage projects
- Communicate effectively in individual and team settings
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically
- Reflect on learning and determine personal learning requirements and strategies
- Source, organise, and evaluate relevant information
- Comprehend and apply knowledge acquired outside formal instruction
- Challenge assumptions and embrace new thinking
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Describe ethical dilemmas and implications of decisions
- Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate engineering solutions
- Maintain continued competence and engage in professional development
- Accept responsibility for consequences and make judgements within current competence area
Integrated Assessment:
- Utilize Formative, Summative, and diagnostic Assessment methodologies
- Provide multiple assessment opportunities for learners
- Ensure constructive alignment between outcomes, learning activities, and assessment activities
- Include tests, assignments, practicals, exams, projects, portfolios, oral assessments, presentations, tutorials, etc.
- Ensure internal and external moderation for assessments
- Evaluate outcomes and cross-field outcomes in an integrated manner through design modules.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 420
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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