SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
115167	Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Engineering and Related Design
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	480	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2034-06-30

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 Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics builds the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills for further learning towards becoming a competent practising engineer, and to provide learners with:

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.

Rationale:
The institution is located on the doorstep of the Coega Development and a large Automotive Manufacturing hub, which includes manufacturers such as VWSA, Isuzu, Daimler and 2nd tier suppliers. Projected statistics for the Eastern Cape automotive Industry alone indicate significant growth in the domestic vehicle market and growth in exports of South African manufactured vehicles. Substantial further investment by the Automotive and Coega development projects and other related industries in best practice productive assets and state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies are envisaged.

The institution infrastructure and geographic location position itself perfectly for a service to, not only the Eastern Cape but also to the Southern Cape (George area), which is currently experiencing economic growth. The Department of Science and Technology, in recognising the importance of manufacturing in the economy, developed the Technology Innovation Programme, which aims at ensuring that technology resources are better developed, focused and utilised, in areas such as robotics.

South Africa's future competitiveness depends on the capacity of human resources in the manufacturing sector to master advanced technology domains, to innovate and to meet the precise needs of customers. These economic sectors employ engineers, technologists and technicians. To increase international investor confidence in the Eastern Cape manufacturers, it is of vital and strategic importance that this institution meets the human resources needs at the qualification level.

Engineering is a discipline and profession that serves the needs of society and the economy. The qualification contributes to meeting this need by developing engineering competence. The qualification, with its broad fundamental base, is the starting point of a career path in one of many areas of engineering specialisation through structured development and lifelong learning. The broad base allows maximum flexibility and mobility for the holder to adjust to changing needs. Skills, knowledge, values and attitudes are reflected in the qualification are building blocks for the development of candidate engineers towards becoming competent engineers to ultimately lead complex engineering activities and solve complex engineering problems, thus contributing to economic activity and national development.

The qualification enables:

Preparation for careers in engineering and related areas, for achieving technical leadership and to contribute to the economy and national development;

Registration as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa as well as to allow the graduate to make careers in engineering and related fields;

Proceed to Postgraduate studies in both course-based and research Masters Qualifications.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
There is RPL practices.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules totalling 572 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 489 Credits:

Mathematics 1A, 16 Credits.

Physics 1A, 15 Credits.

Engineering Drawing 1, 16 Credits.

Computer Science for Engineers 1A, 8 Credits.

Computing Fundamentals for Scientists 1.1, 8 Credits.

Mathematics 1B, 16 Credits.

Physics for Mechatronics 1B, 15 Credits.

Material Science 1, 16 Credits.

Electrotechnology 2A, 10 Credits.

Computer Science for Engineers 1B, 8 Credits.

Mathematics 2A, 10 Credits.

Applied Mathematics 2A, 20 Credits.

Strength of Materials 2, 16 Credits.

Dynamics 2, 12 Credits.

Digital Electronics 2, 16 Credits.

Applied Mathematics 2B, 20 Credits.

Electronics 2, 16 Credits.

Machine Design 2, 12 Credits.

Thermo-fluids 2, 16 Credits.

Electrotechnology 2B, 10 Credits.

Control Systems 3A, 16 Credits.

Electric Machines 3, 16 Credits.

Machine Design 3, 16 Credits.

Data Structures and Algorithms 2.1, 8 Credits.

Strength of Materials 3, 16 Credits.

Control Systems 3B, 16 Credits.

Communications Systems 3, 12 Credits.

Power Electronics and Drives 3, 16 Credits.

Mechanical Design 3, 16 Credits.

Microprocessors 3, 20 Credits.

Advanced Manufacturing Systems 4, 16 Credits.

Mechatronics Project 4A, 8 Credits.

Process Control and Instrumentation 4, 16 Credits.

Professional Communication 4, 12 Credits.

Project Management: Engineering 4, 9 Credits.

Mechatronics Project 4B, 42 Credits.

Evolutionary Computing and Intelligent Systems, 11 Credits.

Environmental Engineering 4, 15 Credits.

Elective Modules, 83 Credits (Choose all):

Human Rights, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Identity, formulate, analyse and solve complex engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
2. Demonstrate the application of scientific and engineering knowledge.
3. Engineering Design.
4. Demonstrate competence to design and conduct investigations and experiments.
5. Demonstrate competence to use appropriate engineering methods, skills and tools, including those based on information technology.
6. Demonstrate competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.
7. Demonstrate critical awareness of the sustainability and impact of engineering activity on the social, industrial and physical environment.
8. Demonstrate competence to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments.
9. Demonstrate competence to engage in independent learning through well-developed learning skills.
10. Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically and to exercise judgment and take responsibility within own limits of competence.
11. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and economic decision-making.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Problem-solving.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, engineering fundamentals and an engineering speciality to solve complex engineering problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products or processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Investigations, experiments and data analysis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Engineering Methods, skills and tools, including information technology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Professional and technical communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Sustainability and impact of engineering activity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Individual, team and multidisciplinary working.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Independent learning ability.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

Engineering professionalism.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:

Engineering management.

Integrated Assessment:
The development of learner towards the Exit Level Outcomes takes place progressively by exposing them to and then assessing them against the outcomes on the lower levels of the qualification first. The outcomes, methods of assessment, criteria and level of performance required for each module are outlined in learner study guides:

Examination papers with memoranda;

Final examination, the exam paper and memo;

Tests, assignments and/or projects.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The University of Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom offers a Mechatronics Engineering (Hons).

Admission requirements: A Level minimum of A or BBC to include Mathematics and a Technology or Science based-subject. BTEC QCF Extended Diploma grade DMM, BTEC QCF Diploma grade D. Learners holding/studying an Access to HE Diploma may be considered on an individual basis.

Qualification purpose: The qualification reflects this emphasis and, in addition to gaining in-depth knowledge and understanding of the mechatronics engineering by the integration of the mechatronics engineering and electrical/electronic engineering disciplines. Learners gain experience in designing engineering systems that incorporate aspects of the mechatronics and electrical/electronic technologies learners use industry-standard software.

Qualification outcome: Learners have a comprehensive engineering education combined with specialist knowledge of mechatronics engineering recognised in the professional engineering community by an accredited Degree. Learners are equipped with the appropriate knowledge and enterprising spirit to practise professionally and ethically. Thus, the course:

Addresses industry's demand for learners who can integrate the principles and applications of mechatronics engineering, and apply them to the analysis and synthesis of engineering products and systems across the engineering sector.

Enables learners to pursue professional careers in the mechatronics engineering field at a level which requires the exercise of sound judgement, initiative, and demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances that reflect a responsible, ethical, and socially aware outlook.

Furnishes learners with a detailed understanding of the principles of electrical engineering, electronics and mechanical engineering science, enabling the rational selection of the most appropriate approach to solve engineering problems engender a top-down, systems approach to the analysis, synthesis and realisation of mechatronic products and systems.

Provide a broadly based education in electrical engineering, electronics, mechanical engineering and design, allowing scope for entry into a wide range of disciplines within the engineering field.

Require learners to participate in a group project where the project team members are drawn from a range of cognate engineering disciplines.

Develop the ability to research unfamiliar subject areas in mechatronics engineering and cognate disciplines, thereby enhancing the creative aspects of engineering design and innovation.

Require the application of the knowledge and skills, in an appropriate industrial environment, thereby broadening the learner's knowledge of industrial procedures and practices.

This qualification has similar core modules and the structure.

The Central Connecticut State University in the USA offers a Bachelor of Science in Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Technology.

Admission requirements: Strong learners for admission will have achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, a class rank in the top 50 per cent of the graduating class, and a combined SAT score of at least 1,000.

Qualification purpose: The Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Technology program provides learners with in-depth technical knowledge in the fields of computers, control systems, electronics, mechanical, and applications through the textbook and hands-on learning in designing, improving, or maintaining robotic systems; manufacturing automation systems; and process control systems. The program's professional development section prepares learners to advance their careers through continued self-development and by creating innovative, practical solutions to diverse real-world technical problems. The RMET curriculum is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC of ABET).

Qualification outcome: This sequence of courses is designed to supply the learner with knowledge and experiences that will enable him/her to work with and design robotic and mechatronic systems. The emphasis is on developing the practical; hands-on skills engineers need in order to meet modern industrial demands. This is a 130-Credit Qualification.

This qualification has similar core modules and the structure.

De Montford University in the UK offers a Mechatronics BEng (Hons).
Admission requirements: Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Mathematics or equivalent, plus one of the following: Normally 112 UCAS points from at least two A-levels or equivalent, including one of the following subjects: Mathematics or Physics at grade C.

Qualification purpose: The Mechatronics (Hons) course from De Montfort University has a unique balance of key analytical subjects and professional skills, ensuring that the learner gains confidence with challenging engineering situations in the industry. The management skills necessary to operate successfully as a multidisciplinary engineer in modern industry are promoted and developed at all stages of the qualification.

Qualification outcome: Multidisciplinary engineers are sought and expect significantly enhanced job prospects worldwide. The learner will have the ability to work in areas of design, research and development, marketing, sales, production management and quality control. The learner could go into industries including aerospace, automotive, defence and energy as well as large manufacturing industries and domestic/consumer product industries.

This qualification has similar core modules and the structure.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Engineering in a related field, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Engineering, NQF Level 9.

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.	Nelson Mandela University