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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Engineering in Nanoelectronics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112901  Master of Engineering in Nanoelectronics 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-11-22  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Master of Engineering in Nanoelectronics is to develop engineers with advanced abilities in applying fundamental Nanoelectronics within multi - and cross-disciplinary environments of today's workplace. The qualification prepares learners to respond to complex problems and provide solutions to challenges. Learner will gain experience in the field of Integrated Circuit (IC) and Systems on Package (SoP) design.
Also, learners will develop the capability to:
  • Perform independent research,
  • Investigate device nanophenomena from scientific principles, and
  • Implement outcomes to improve Nanoelectronic designs.

    The qualification provides advanced knowledge in areas such as:
  • Analogue,
  • Digital and mixed-signal electronic design,
  • RF,
  • Mm-Wave and communications engineering,
  • Physics of semiconductor and superconducting materials,
  • Design for testability, and
  • Nanoelectronic technologies.
    The qualification will assist learners in acquiring advanced computer skills, including the excessive use of online resources and EDA tools. The qualification includes a minor dissertation, promoting research and independent learning from the learners.

    Rationale:
    With the ever-increasing need for mobile computing and communication, the field of Microelectronics and Nanoelectronics has become the field that is driving the latest technology advances. On-chip (system-on-chip) level built or on system-on-package level allows for the production of more devices that help cut down on size, power consumption, and cost. This system enables for smaller, portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, modems and navigation devices to have an increased number of features at a fraction of the cost.

    As the fabrication technologies decrease in feature size and the circuit density increases, device nanophysics becomes more critical and companies. In South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and globally, there is a need for highly skilled designers to perform the design tasks.
    As a result, an increasing number of universities around the world are offering learner electrical engineering qualifications with specialisations in microelectronics, nanotechnologies and physics of nanomaterials, whereas traditionally, typical specialities were in electrical engineering (high currents), electronics (low currents), computer engineering and theoretical physics. Typically, the specialisation occurs at the Master's level.

    Nanoelectronics is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. However, in South Africa, yearly, there are only a handful number of learners with a Postgraduate specialisation in this field. The limited number of qualifying learners resulted in a scarcity of qualified electronic engineers with advanced knowledge of Nanoelectronics.

    The qualification is designed to primarily target learners from diverse ranges of disciplines, which include electronic, electrical and computer engineering, computer science, physics and material science. Learners will acquire advanced knowledge in Nanoelectronics design and fabrication, semi- and superconductor physics and various cross - or multidisciplinary skills, all aimed at sustainable electronics. Thus, learners acquire practical advanced computer skills during the duration of the qualification. The institution will offer the qualification partly online to supports the timeous, real-time characteristics of the computer age.

    Learners of this qualification will explore career opportunities in any company that performs research into fields of Nanoelectronics and nanotechnology. Also, careers in any company that designs high-end electronics, ranging from integrated circuits to consumer electronics. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Any person who wishes to avail themselves of the opportunities offered by RPL could either approach the institution in person or could do so by letter (either written or electronic). They may also need advice and counselling before applying for RPL or else could be familiar with the process and require no further support.

    Learners apply for RPL to the institution one-year in advance of the intended admission's date, to allow for timeous completion of all processes, including Senate approval before registration. The RPL process at the institution comprises the phases (in the case of this qualification, communication can be conducted online/via electronic means). The outcome of the RPL assessment is communicated in writing to the learners. If successful, the learner may apply for admission to the specific qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor Honours in Noanoelectronics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nanoelectronics, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Levels 8 and 9 totalling 240 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 8, 45 Credits:
  • Digital and Memory Design, 30 Credits.
  • Engineering Research Proposal Writing, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 9, 195 Credits:
  • Analogue and RF Microelectronics, 30 Credits.
  • Technology and Materials of Quantum Electronics, 15 Credits.
  • Physics of Low-dimensional Systems, 15 Credits.
  • Quantum Electronic Properties of Nanosystems, 15 Credits.
  • Electronic Properties of Quantum Confined Semiconductor Heterostructures, 15 Credits.
  • Superconducting Circuits and Qubits, 15 Credits.
  • Spectroscopic Methods for Materials Characterisation, 15 Credits.
  • Mini Dissertation, 75 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse and solve Nanoelectronics engineering research and development problems by applying relevant fundamental knowledge.
    2. Plan and conduct appropriate levels of investigation, research and experiments.
    3. Use and assess appropriate methods, skills, Electronic Design Automation (EDA) and simulation tools, open-access software and information technology effectively and critically in engineering research/development practice.
    4. Perform procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of nanoelectronic components and nanosystems.
    5. Employ various learning strategies and skills to master outcomes required to engage in continuous learning.
    6. Exhibit cultural and aesthetic sensitivity across a range of social contexts in the execution of engineering research and development activities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify correct models to be used to complete the complex-circuit design cycle and make use of the available design and simulation tools to verify the design.
  • Apply the first-principle transistor theory to design innovative complex real-life digital, analogue and RF circuits.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Use databases correctly to conduct advanced literature and patent searches.
  • Analyse and interpret data by using appropriate theories and methodologies and perform data analysis and interpretation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify correct models used to complete the complex-circuit design cycle. Make use of the available design and simulation tools to verify designs that can be used to prove or disprove the hypothesis.
  • Reproduce said designs in the form of a real-life fully testable prototype using applicable design software.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Create entirely-testable systems.
  • Connect the systems into a set of related systems forming a prototype.
  • Incorporate social, legal, health safety and environmental principles of such prototype.
  • Generate prototypes and product-oriented processes as a set of related systems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding Design for Test (DFT) principles, and assess social, legal, health, safety and environmental impact and benefits of the above, where applicable.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Produce research output which is current with world trends.
  • Suggest the future work that can be performed to keep in-line in industry trends in micro- and Nanoelectronics.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills abreast of requirements in the field of Nanoelectronics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate using examples, how the research performed, can benefit a range of social contexts.

    Integrated Assessment:
    There are formative and cumulative assessments. The coursework consists of different forms of formative assessments consisting of project reports, case studies, and assignments. These will be implemented in each module, depending on the nature of the module. The qualification requires two assessors for the dissertation component, one of whom will be an internal assessor and the other, an external assessor, as per the institution's policy.

    Module lecturers must provide detailed, written and constructive feedback on learner work within fifteen working days after an assessment opportunity. Moderation verifies that assessments are fair, reliable, valid, practicable and transparent and evaluates assessor performance.

    The following principles apply for the moderation of learner evidence in this qualification:
  • Moderate at least one assessment opportunity (including the special assessment or supplementary thereof) per module.
  • The moderated assessment opportunities are those that carry the highest weight in the calculation of the final module mark and are determined by the assessor.
  • Moderate all modules externally. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Sweden:
    Name of Institution: KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm, Sweden).
    Qualification title: Master in Nanotechnology.

    The qualification is comparable in the following content offered:
  • Semiconductor Devices;
  • Methods and Instruments of Analysis;
  • Nanoelectronics;
  • Nanotechnology;
  • Superconductivity and Applications;
  • Chemistry of Nanomaterials;
  • Characterisation of Nanomaterials.
    Synopsis: The institution offers this qualification as coursework with mini-dissertation, with core modules, specialisation and electives focusing on nanotechnology.

    Country: South Korea.
    Name of Institution: Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Daejeon, South Korea).
    Qualification title: Korea MEE (Nanodevices and integrated system).

    The qualification is comparable in the following content offered:
  • VLSI devices;
  • Modern physics;
  • MEMS,
  • Microwave and mm-wave circuits;
  • Solid-state physics.
    Synopsis: The institution offers this qualification as coursework Degree only on contact mode of delivery.

    Country: Greece.
    Name of Institution: University of Crete (Rethymno, Crete).
    Qualification title: Master of Science in Photonics and Nanoelectronics.
    The qualification is comparable in the following content offered:
    Applied quantum mechanics; quantum electronics; optics; lasers; photonic materials.
    Synopsis: The institution offers this qualification as contact coursework degree focusing more on the photonics and less on the nanoelectronic design side.

    Country: United States of America.
    Name of Institution: Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD, US).
    Qualification title: MS Eng (ICs and Microsystems).
    Content: EDA tools; coding theory; electromagnetics; Digital speech processing; sustainable energy systems.
    Synopsis: The institution offers this qualification as coursework with a mini-dissertation course focusing on the current microelectronic trends and sustainable energy.

    Conclusion:
    The qualifications mentioned above compare favourably with the institutional Master' degree in terms of design.
    The qualifications compares well in terms of the design which consists of:
  • A mini dissertation and coursework, and
  • Focus on nanoelectronics or microelectronics.
    However, the South Korea qualification does not have the research component. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Engineering Management, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctoral of Engineering, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Johannesburg 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.