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Programme: BScHons Applied Science Metallurgy: Welding Technology

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Code Faculty
12243036 Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 150 NQF level:  08

Programme information

The BScHons (Applied Science) degree is conferred by the following academic departments:

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Industrial and Systems Engineering
  • Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
  • Mining Engineering

Any specific module is offered on the condition that a minimum number of students are registered for the module, as determined by the relevant head of department and the Dean. Students must consult the relevant head of department in order to compile a meaningful programme, as well as on the syllabi of the modules. The relevant departmental postgraduate brochures must also be consulted.

Admission requirements

  • Any one of the following:
    • a three-year BSc degree (in natural sciences) (or equivalent) with a weighted average of at least 60%;
    • an appropriate BTech qualification, i.e. one offered by a department of metallurgical engineering at a university of technology in South Africa, with a weighted average of at least 75% and no modules failed in the BTech, excluding the National Diploma;
    • a four-year engineering-based university degree not recognised by ECSA for registration as a professional engineer.
  • The departmental Postgraduate Committee reserves the right to make a thorough assessment of the applicant's academic transcript and CV, and to decide if the applicant is suitable for postgraduate studies. This assessment may include an oral or written entrance examination.

Minimum credits: 150

Core modules

  • Module content:

    This module looks at quality assurance and control in welded fabrication and manufacture, and introduces various standards and codes of manufacture used in the welding industry. Measurement, control and recording in welding, the principle of fitness for purpose, as well as health and safety issues are addressed. Control of residual stresses and distortion during welding, non-destructive testing, repair welding, and the economics of welding are considered. This module also examines plant facilities, welding jigs and fixtures. Special emphasis is placed on the design and implementation of welding procedure specifications, procedure qualification records and quality control plans. A number of case studies are examined.

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  • Module content:

    The refereed literature on a specific topic (normally related to subsequent research towards a master's degree) is studied and summarised in a written report.  The important skills are finding appropriate papers, reading and comprehending these, and using the information in the paper to construct your own view on the research topic.  There are no formal contact sessions.  The first part of this module involves definition of a research topic (to be approved by the head of the department), development of a literature survey and compilation of a detailed research proposal. The second part of the module involves generation, presentation and critical interpretation of a project plan/results, and compilation of a written report and an oral presentation. The written document must be submitted at the end of October, with an oral presentation of 20-30 minutes in the week following submission of the survey.

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  • Module content:

    This module examines the basic physical metallurgy and heat treatment of various metals and alloys, and the application of various mechanical testing techniques, microstructural analysis and corrosion testing to characterise metals and alloys.  The structure and properties of welds in carbon steels, stainless steels, cast irons, copper and copper alloys, nickel and nickel alloys, aluminium and aluminium alloys and other materials (Ti, Mg, Ta and Zr) are discussed.  Defects are discussed and various techniques to avoid the formation of these defects in welds are considered.

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  • Module content:

    This module examines arc physics, electrotechnics as applied to weld power sources, and power source design. The fundamental principles, applications, consumables and process variables of various arc welding processes, oxy-gas welding techniques, resistance welding processes, power beam processes and solid-state welding techniques are considered. Brazing and soldering, cutting, surfacing and metal spraying techniques are discussed. The module also looks at the welding of plastics, ceramics and composites, and at the mechanisation and use of robotics in the welding and joining industries. Practical training is included in this module.

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  • Module content:

    This module examines welded joint design, the basics of weld design and the role of fracture mechanics in joint design. The behaviour of welded structures under different types of loading are considered, with special focus on the design of welded structures with predominantly static loading and the design of dynamically loaded welded structures. The design of welded pressure equipment, aluminium alloy structures and reinforcing-steel welded joints is considered.

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The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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