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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123427  Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
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
Registered  EXCO 0729/25  2025-02-04  2028-02-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-02-04   2035-02-04  

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 
The purpose of the Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is to equip learners with the relevant theory, knowledge, principles, and competencies to apply engineering science and design principles in the agricultural and/or biosystems context towards becoming a professional engineer. The qualification will develop professional engineers who will apply mathematical and scientific principles, and innovative thought, to evaluate, design and develop systems and equipment to improve the efficiency of farms and agribusinesses while preserving energy, and natural resources in the environment, and develop sustainable and efficient agricultural biosystems.

The qualification was purposefully designed, in line with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) requirements, to develop key knowledge and competencies that underpin engineering, spanning the foundational core engineering disciplines of science, mathematics, applied mathematics, engineering drawing, computer science and information technology, electro-technique, material science, machine design, design and synthesis and workshop practice. Learners will be able to draw upon fundamental knowledge and principles underpinning engineering, to integrate and apply relevant knowledge and competencies in the field of agricultural and biosystems engineering.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Draw upon theory to identify and apply relevant engineering principles, techniques, technologies, and tools to identify and develop solutions to agricultural engineering challenges, being mindful of the interactions with agricultural biosystems.
  • Select and integrate relevant mathematical and scientific principles, and innovative thought, to evaluate, design and develop equipment, processes, and structures to improve the efficiency of farms and agricultural production systems while preserving energy and natural resources.
  • Apply theory and principles of the related aspects influencing the design decisions, the context of application and appropriate effective and efficient engineering designs for optimal agricultural production systems.
  • Develop, communicate and apply practical and digital solutions to agricultural engineering challenges, by applying critical and creative thought.
  • Develop and implement engineering strategies and solutions within an agricultural context through inquiry and analysis, problem-solving, quantitative reasoning, teamwork, and collaboration.
  • Debate the complex relationship between engineering, optimal agricultural production, and environmental sustainability within the context of smart farming and the preservation of energy and natural resources.
  • Analyse, critique and debate the complexities of agricultural engineering and the interrelationships with sustainable biosystems at local and global levels.
  • Apply leadership by drawing upon a relevant theory which applies to the engineering-related design aspects in an agricultural enterprise setting.

    Rationale:
    Agriculture and food production is an international priority. Worldwide, countries are working to achieve sustainable food production for an increasing world population.
    Biosystems Engineering is a new scientific discipline that applies biological principles to develop new engineering solutions for agriculture, food, forestry, aquaculture, energy, environment, medicine, industry, and many other fields. This discipline integrates the life sciences with engineering and the physical sciences. Biosystems Engineering implements this knowledge to develop new techniques and technologies and converts them into bioproducts that meet global demands. Biosystems Engineering is a multidisciplinary discipline encompassing many speciality areas in engineering. Agricultural and Biosystems consist of crops, poultry, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture resources, forestry and other plants, new renewable energy, wastes, natural resources, and climates.

    The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) published the List of Occupations in High Demand and categorizes Engineering as a high-demand job. Furthermore, agricultural engineering has been rated in the categories of scarcity and high demand. The qualification addresses the national need for skilled engineering graduates, the need for sustainable food production, and the international drive towards food security. The qualification intends to address the demand for engineers, with a specific focus on the scarce skills of engineers working in agriculture and biosystems.

    The qualification was developed in consultation with the National Council of the South African Institute for Agricultural Engineers (SAIAE), a Voluntary Association (VA) under and the ECSA to determine market needs in the industry. The qualification was approved by ECSA, granting the professional status. Graduates from the qualification will be able to register with ECSA as professional Agricultural Engineers.

    Learners will be uniquely qualified to integrate knowledge of mathematics, physics, biological sciences, agricultural processing, and engineering principles to solve problems and devise sustainable solutions in environmentally responsible ways. Furthermore, learners will be able to articulate vertically into postgraduate studies and engage in research in the relevant subfields of agricultural and biosystems engineering. The qualification can serve a broad range of career interests and can provide excellent career opportunities as a design engineer, test engineer, project engineer, plant engineer, quality control engineer, process engineer, energy adviser, consulting engineer and environmental engineer. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

    RPL for access:
  • The Department of Engineering Sciences provides admission based on their prior learning and experience.
  • In exceptional cases where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, they may be allowed access to the qualification via a rigorous process to assess and recognize prior learning. RPL is subject to the institutional RPL policy and procedure administered by a dedicated RPL office.
  • Note that no more than 10% of enrolments per cohort will be admitted via RPL.
  • In line with the institution's RPL Policy, recognition can be granted irrespective of the context of the learning experience, provided that the prior learning can be assessed and that credits may be awarded based on that assessment to permit entry into the qualification

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification.
  • For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.
  • A maximum of 50 percent of the credits of a completed qualification may be transferred towards this programme.
  • There is a restriction of a maximum of 25 percent of credits required and earned at the highest NQF level, except if specific national qualification requirements stipulate that more than 25 percent at the highest NQF level must be acknowledged. This practice seeks to protect the integrity of qualifications by ensuring that the exception does not become the norm.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Systems Engineering, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 586 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 156 Credits:
  • Mechanics, optics and electricity, 16 Credits.
  • Calculus 1, 16 Credits.
  • Inorganic and analytical, 12 Credits.
  • Inorganic and analytical practical, 4 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 4 Credits.
  • Engineering Literacy and Communication, 4 Credits.
  • Introduction to Agricultural Economics, 12 Credits.
  • Engineering Drawings, 8 Credits.
  • Programming and Problem solving for Engineers, 16 Credits.
  • Mechanics, waves, optics, 16 Credits
  • Physics Practical, 8 Credits.
  • Vector analysis, 12 Credits.
  • Engineering Dynamics, 16 Credits.
  • Engineering Materials, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 152 Credits:
  • Mechanics, thermodynamics, electric, magnetism, 16 Credits.
  • Calculus and Algebra, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Advanced Mathematics, 8 Credits.
  • Engineering Statics, 16 Credits.
  • Electronics, 16 Credits.
  • Electromagnetism, 8 Credits.
  • Machine Design, 16 Credits.
  • Forces and stresses in members, 16 Credits.
  • Agricultural Citizenship, 8 Credits.
  • Soil Fertility, 16 Credits.
  • Crop Production, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 8 Credits (Select one module from the following options):
  • Crop Development, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Monogastric Production, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 132 Credits:
  • Electro technique, 12 Credits.
  • Stress/strain transformation, advanced stress calculations, 16 Credits.
  • Scientific Computing, 16 Credits.
  • Fluid Mechanics, 16 Credits.
  • Engineering Thermodynamics, 16 Credits.
  • Statically Indeterminate Structures, 16 Credits.
  • Precision Agriculture, Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), 8 Credits.
  • Hydrology and Dam Design, 16 Credits.
  • Food Process Engineering, 8 Credits.
  • Agro-processing Unit Operations, 8 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 12 Credits (Select one module from the following options):
  • Fruit Production Science, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Ruminant Production, 12 Credits.
  • Production of Summer Grain, Oil and Protein Rich Crops, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 126 Credits:
  • Capstone Design Project Part I, 4 Credits.
  • Tractors and Alternative Energy, 12 Credits.
  • Greenhouse design, 12 Credits.
  • Irrigation and Drainage Design, 16 Credits.
  • Soil Conservation Design, 8 Credits.
  • Agriculture 5.0, 8 Credits.
  • Agricultural Production Equipment, 12 Credits.
  • Capstone Design Project Part II, 26 Credits.
  • Agricultural Structures, 8 Credits.
  • Animal Husbandry Design, 12 Credits.
  • Food Factory Design, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Draw upon theory to identify and apply relevant engineering principles, techniques, technologies, and tools to identify and develop solutions to agricultural engineering challenges, being mindful of the interactions with agricultural biosystems.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to select and integrate relevant mathematical and scientific principles, and innovative thought, to evaluate, design and develop equipment, processes, and structures to improve the efficiency of farms and agricultural production systems while preserving energy and natural resources.
    3. Apply theory and principles of the related aspects influencing the design decisions, the context of application and appropriate effective and efficient engineering designs for optimal agricultural production systems.
    4. Develop, communicate and apply practical and digital solutions to agricultural engineering challenges, by applying critical and creative thought.
    5. Develop and implement engineering strategies and solutions within an agricultural context through inquiry and analysis, problem-solving, quantitative reasoning, teamwork, and collaboration.
    6. Debate the complex relationship between engineering, optimal agricultural production, and environmental sustainability within the context of smart farming and the preservation of energy and natural resources.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to analyse, critique, and debate the complexities of agricultural engineering and the interrelationships with sustainable biosystems at local and global levels.
    8. Apply leadership by drawing upon a relevant theory which applies to the engineering-related design aspects in an agricultural enterprise setting. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Appropriately apply engineering principles, techniques, technologies, and tools.
  • Sufficiently identify agricultural engineering challenges, being mindful of the interactions with agricultural biosystems.
  • Develop solutions to agricultural engineering challenges, being mindful of the interactions with agricultural biosystems.
  • Identify the cause and effect of a specific engineering design problem in the agricultural or biosystems.
  • Apply design principles and techniques to solve problems and improve agricultural production or systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Sufficiently select and integrate relevant mathematical and scientific principles.
  • Apply principles, and innovative thought, evaluate, design and develop equipment, processes and structures and improve the efficiency of farms and agricultural production systems while preserving energy and natural resources.
  • Apply the appropriate scientific principles to formulate suitable solutions to agricultural production and/or practical design problems.
  • Synthesize and apply the appropriate mathematical, scientific, and engineering fundamentals to operate as a collective whole.
  • Integrate and apply knowledge, as well as innovative thought, to design, evaluate, and improve structures, machines, and systems in an agricultural and/or biosystems context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply the correct theory and principles that influence design decisions appropriate for effective and efficient engineering designs to optimize agricultural production systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop practical and digital solutions, communicate and apply thorough critical and creative thought to agricultural engineering challenges.
  • Correct theory and principles which influence design decisions and context of the application for appropriate, effective and efficient engineering designs to optimize agricultural production systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Develop appropriate engineering strategies and solutions in an agricultural engineering context through enquiry and analysis.
  • Apply the correct problem-solving and quantitative reasoning using effective teamwork and collaboration techniques.
  • Conduct a research project by identifying a relevant problem and analyse and integrate knowledge and principles of agricultural engineering to propose a possible solution.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Debate and apply the complex relationship between the optimisation of engineering, agricultural production, and environmental sustainability within the appropriate context of smart farming and the preservation of energy and natural resources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Critique, debate and analyse the complexities of the interrelationships between agricultural engineering and sustainable biosystems at local and global levels.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Apply the relevant engineering theories and related design aspects to appropriate leadership in an agricultural enterprise setting.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The assessment of the qualification is subject to institutional policies and procedures and is integral to the teaching and learning process. Assessment is purposefully designed and used to generate data that reflects learners' progress and academic achievement. Furthermore, data obtained via assessment are used to provide feedback to learners and staff; it is used to inform teaching methods to ensure student success.

    Assessment in the qualification comprises formative and summative methods, subject to a ratio of 40% formative and 60% summative assessment. Learners are required to work continuously and attend contact sessions daily, which sometimes include class tests or short assignments that may contribute to formative assessment. All learners must complete and submit written assignments for each module. These are comprehensive assignments that are completed during independent study and submitted via Blackboard. Assignments may be individual assignments or group assignments. Furthermore, learners write two semester tests that contribute to the formative assessment mark. A summative assessment is a written examination that is invigilated on campus.

    The assessment ratio applies to most of the modules in the qualification, where formative assessment includes assignments, presentations, engineering design projects, class tests and semester tests. A few modules deviate from the 40:60 assessment ratio, given their nature and purpose in the programme such as the following:
  • Engineering 1: Engineering Literacy and Communication. Formative assessments are used throughout this module, including written assignments, oral presentations, summaries and more.
  • Engineering Forum. Continuous assignments are used throughout this module.
  • The two Engineering Design Capstone modules in the final year.
    The assessment ratio for the capstone module is 50% formative and 50% summative.

    These modules integrate knowledge and competence that were developed throughout the programme, where learners work with supervisors and identify and conduct industry-related design projects which utilize principles of engineering design, engineering analysis and functional operation of engineering systems in an agricultural engineering and/or biosystems context. Learners are grouped as design teams. Projects are determined, and literature is surveyed and planned during the first semester. The same project extends into the second semester (2nd Capstone module) where concepts are visualized, alternatives evaluated and selected final design is constructed and tested. The project emphasizes synthesis and design strategies, project management and execution, group work and communication skills and technical writing. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability of the qualification standard is ensured through the Washington Accord. The standards are comparable with those for professionally oriented degrees in engineering in countries having comparable engineering education systems to South Africa: The qualification compares well with similar qualifications offered by the following international institutions.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: North Dakota State University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
    Total Credits: 131
    Duration: 4 years
    Entry Requirements:
    A secondary or high school grade point average of at least 2.75 (4.0 scale) or the equivalent in core subjects is recommended.

    Purpose:
    Agricultural and biosystems engineers are uniquely qualified to use their knowledge of mathematics, biological and physical sciences, and engineering principles to solve problems relating to the:
  • Design, testing and production of machine systems.
  • Production, handling and processing of crops and biological materials for food, feed, fibre, and fuel.
  • Building environmental design.
  • Utilization and conservation of natural resources
  • Protection of the environment

    A major in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering can serve a broad range of career interests and can provide excellent career opportunities for learners from diverse backgrounds. The qualification is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

    Graduates may also pursue an advanced degree in engineering, medicine, veterinary medicine, management, or law, position titles of graduates for both concentrations may include design engineer, test engineer, project engineer, plant engineer, quality control engineer, process engineer, energy adviser, consulting engineer and environmental engineer.
    The qualification prepares learners for careers in:
  • Machine Systems Engineering for mechanical equipment and power units such as tractors and other equipment.
  • Process Engineering for food, feed, fibre, biofuels, and other bioproducts.
  • Natural Resources and Environmental Systems Engineering for soil, water, air, waste, and other areas.

    On completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Design, develop, test, and manufacture agricultural power and machine systems.
  • Develop electrical and electronic applications for agricultural problems.
  • Handle, store, process and enhance or protect the quality of agricultural commodities and processed products.
  • Design environmental control and housing systems for plant and animal production.
  • Design equipment and systems for processing, manufacturing, distribution, and quality protection of food products.
  • Manage air, land, and water resources.
  • Design and manage irrigation, drainage, and agricultural waste management systems.
  • Convert bio-based resources to food, feed, fuel and other renewable products.
  • Design new generations of devices or systems for biological systems.
  • Control biological systems for natural resource protection, waste remediation and ecosystem restoration.
  • Manage air, land, and water resources.
  • Create new and improved processes through the innovative use of microorganisms, plant and animal cells and enzymes; and
  • Develop sensors, control systems and computer models to monitor and control biological processes.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Introduction to Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering comparable to Agricultural Structures.
  • Agricultural Technology Exposition comparable to Agriculture and Agricultural Production Equipment.
  • General Chemistry I
  • General Chemistry II.
  • Fundamentals of Visual Communication for Engineers comparable to Engineering Literacy and Communication.
  • College Composition I.
  • Calculus I comparable to Calculus 1.
  • Computer Aided Analysis and Design comparable to Engineering Drawings.
  • Engineering Mechanics I.
  • Fundamentals of Public Speaking.
  • Engineering Mechanics II
  • Mechanics of Materials comparable to Engineering Materials
  • Multivariate Calculus comparable to Calculus and Algebra
  • Biological Materials Processing
  • University Physics II comparable to Physics Practical.
  • University Physics II Laboratory comparable to Physics Practical.
  • Introduction to Differential Equations.
  • Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer comparable to Mechanics, thermodynamic, electric, magnetism
  • Evaluation of Engineering Data
  • Fluid Mechanics comparable to Fluid Mechanics.
  • Electric Energy Application in Agriculture comparable to Mechanics, optics, and electricity.
  • Writing in the Technical Professions.
  • Design Project I Capstone comparable to Design Project Part I
  • Design Project II Capstone comparable to Design Project Part II
  • Engineering Economy comparable to Introduction to Agricultural Economics
  • Ethics, Engineering, and Technology

    Elective Modules:
  • College Composition II.
  • Calculus II comparable to Calculus and Algebra.
  • Computer Elective comparable to Scientific Computing.
  • Wellness

    Similarities:
  • The North Dakota State University (NDSU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over four-year full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require learners who completed the high school qualification.
  • The purpose of the qualifications is to enable learners to design machines, processes, and natural resource systems and solve problems using mathematics and applying physical, biological, and engineering sciences.
  • Both qualifications share similar learning outcomes.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules.
  • Both qualifications articulate to Master's degree studies.

    Difference:
    The NDSU qualification has 131 credits whereas the SA qualification has 588 credits.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Flinders University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Honours
    Credits: 144
    Duration: 4 years
    Entry Requirements.
    Successful completion of either South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) Stage 2 (Year 12) Specialist Mathematics or Mathematical Methods or equivalent International Baccalaureate subjects is normally required for entry. Knowledge of SACE Stage 2 (Year 12) Physics is assumed.

    Purpose:
    The qualification provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study or for a career in an engineering-related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable. It is anticipated that on completion of the qualification, learners will be eligible for professional membership in Engineers Australia.

    The qualification has been designed to provide graduates with:
  • A strong understanding of both the theoretical and the practical aspects of engineering, particularly those relevant to the systematic development of agricultural engineering solutions.
  • An awareness of social, economic, and environmental aspects of agricultural engineering.
  • An ability to critically analyse and evaluate information and solve problems.
  • An understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and a commitment to them.
  • Well-developed written and oral communication skills.
  • Structured engineering work experience.
  • The ability to work professionally as an individual and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • An understanding of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so.
  • An ability to undertake a substantial research-oriented project.
  • Preparation for future management roles as professional engineers.

    On completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Proficiently use professional skills and knowledge in the systematic development of complex agricultural engineering solutions.
  • Demonstrate a broad understanding of the engineering discipline and a deeper understanding of some areas of agricultural engineering.
  • Apply their skills and knowledge in a professionally responsible manner.
  • Communicate effectively with other engineers and the wider community using a wide range of communication technologies.
  • Work professionally as an individual and in a team.
  • Develop and apply engineering solutions appropriate to the social, political, economic, and environmental contexts
  • Engage in the process of continuing learning needed to retain the necessary level of professional skills and knowledge in the areas of agricultural engineering.
  • Contribute successfully to project management.
  • Plan and execute a research project, applying relevant methodologies and knowledge.
  • Apply skills adopted through the thesis and advanced discipline topics to postgraduate-level research or advanced industrial investigation.

    Similarities:
  • The Flinders University (FU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over four-year full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require learners who completed the Year 12 qualification or equivalent qualification.
  • Both qualifications have the same purpose and rationale.
  • The FU and the SA qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules.
  • Both qualifications articulate to Master's degree studies.
  • On completion of both qualifications, learners will be eligible for professional membership of Engineers Australia and ECSA.

    Difference:
    The FU qualification has 144 credits whereas the SA qualification has 588 credits.

    Country: Kenya
    Institution: Kenyatta University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
    Duration 5 years Full time
    Entry Requirements:
  • The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), secondary school qualification.
    Or
  • National Diploma holders in Agricultural Engineering. Civil Engineering, Building Construction or Water Engineering and Mechanical engineering from National Polytechnics

    Purpose:
    The qualification is designed to effectively empower its graduates across a broad range of engineering activities seeking practical solutions to societal problems. The qualification has been designed from carefully selected specialized courses within the conventional Engineering fields and includes key areas revolving around agriculture and food production, meteorology, and climate change, geography, and environmental management, limnology, and biological disciplines. The qualification will produce experts who are effective practitioners of Engineering as a profession while underscoring the changing biosystems need in Agriculture.

    Rationale:
    With agriculture being the mainstay of the Kenyan economy and contributing directly and indirectly 52 percent of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), there is a dire need to embrace technology-reducing the over-reliance on unskilled/semi-skilled labour that accounts for over 40 percent of the total population and over 70 percent of the rural people. This can only be achieved by the invocation of technology, innovation, and inventions. The need for this qualification has continued to be recognized through various global, regional, and national initiatives. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG#1- end poverty, SDG#2- No hunger, SDG#6- clean water and sanitation), the African Union Agenda 2063, and the National Government's Big Four (4) Agenda, are the latest policy shifts that promote the intensification of the agricultural value chain through technological innovation and inventions realized through the programme.

    Objectives:
  • To enable the graduate to identify, plan and solve arising problems not only in the engineering field but also at the interface of Agriculture and Environment based on the
  • To produce professional and consulting Engineers, who understand and respect ethical values and responsibilities of serving the community, society, and the environment at large.
  • To produce graduates with basic entrepreneurial skills endowed with the ability for self-employment.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Communication Skills comparable to Engineering Literacy and Communication and Writing in the Technical Professions
  • Development Studies comparable to Agricultural Citizenship
  • Chemistry for Engineers I
  • Engineering Mathematics I, II, III, IV comparable to Calculus and Algebra, Introduction to Advanced Mathematics
  • Engineering Mathematics II comparable to Calculus 2
  • 109: Fundamentals of Computing comparable to Computer Literacy
  • Engineering Drawing and Design I, II comparable to Engineering Drawings.
  • Physics for Engineers, I, II comparable to Physics Practical.
  • Introduction to Material Science comparable to Engineering Materials
  • Computer Programming I, II comparable to Scientific Computing.
  • Computer Aided comparable to Engineering Drawing
  • Fluid Mechanics I, II comparable to Fluid Mechanics.
  • Engineering Thermodynamics, I, II, III comparable to Engineering Thermodynamics.
  • Engineering Materials comparable to Engineering Materials.
  • Soil Mechanics comparable to Soil Fertility.
  • Engineering Hydrology comparable to Hydrology and Dam Design.
  • Engineering Electronics comparable to Electronics
  • Principles of Crop Production comparable to Crop Production.
  • Research Methodology comparable to Capstone Design Project Part I and II.
  • Irrigation and Drainage comparable to Irrigation and Drainage Design
  • Farm Power and Machinery I, II comparable to Tractors and Alternative Energy
  • Agric. Animal Production and Husbandry comparable to Animal Husbandry Design.
  • Engineering Economics comparable to Agricultural Economics.
  • GIS and RS in Resource Management comparable to Precision Agriculture, Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Engineering Design Project I comparable to Capstone Design Project Part I.
  • Physics for Engineers

    Elective (Select one specialisation):
    Elective 1: Farm Power and Energy Engineering
  • Engineering Design Project II comparable to Capstone Design Project Part II.
  • Mechanization and Machinery Management
  • Solar and Wind Energy Resources
  • Machinery Systems Engineering
  • Energy Resources and Utilization
    Elective 2: Biosystems Structures and Agricultural Processing Engineering
    Elective 3: Soil, Water and Environmental Engineering

    Similarities:
  • The Kenyatta University (KU) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed the secondary school qualification or equivalent.
  • The purpose of the qualifications is to produce graduates with sound knowledge of principles of Engineering Sciences for continued research and development in their areas of expertise and for postgraduate studies.
  • Both qualifications share similar rationale and objectives.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically to postgraduate studies such as the Honours degree in the cognate field.

    Differences:
  • The KU qualification is offered over five years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification is offered over four years of full-time study.
  • The KU qualification consists of three specialisations different from the SA electives.
  • The KU qualification consists of Internal Practical and Industrial Attachments whereas the SA qualification does not have Practical Attachments. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Agriculture Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture Honours in Agricultural Economics, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture Honours in Agricultural Extension, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture Honours in Plant Production, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture Honours in Animal Production, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Engineering Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Management, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Economics, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Engineering, NQF Level 9
  • Master of Agricultural Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Agricultural Management, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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 the Free State 


    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.