From First-Year to Engineer!

A love of mathematics and science is necessary but not sufficient for becoming a good engineer. Well-rounded engineering students have to be equipped for industry by being exposed to both practical and theoretical engineering challenges as they collaborate on hands-on projects, designing, manufacturing, and testing their ideas for solving complex problems. They have to learn how to balance the responsibilities of daily life with passion-driven initiatives.

There are many ways in which academic curricula could be developed to achieve this goal, but one thing is certain—the more passionate you are about what you have to do, the better your chances of achieving success and living a rewarding life. That brings us to one of my passions: TuksBaja!

TuksBaja is the University of Pretoria's BajaSAE® team, hosted by the EBIT faculty. BajaSAE® is an intercollegiate competition that requires engineering teams to build and design a compact, single-seater, off-road vehicle. Vehicles are tested in annual competitions on tough terrains featuring steep, rocky hills and muddy lakes. The competition aims to develop practical design, production, and management skills.

Every year around March, the team recruits first-year students. They arrive full of energy and excitement but often wondering how their mathematics and physics are going to help them solve the complex engineering problems required to develop a new vehicle. Initially, they are introduced to basic tasks such as disassembling an old car and fixing a few problems before reassembly and getting the car to drive. This first drive leaves an impression in their minds, a smile on their faces, and excitement that lasts for months and even years. As they progress, they start manufacturing simple parts. Later they design and manufacture more complex subsystems using advanced simulation tools and experimental testing.

Senior students develop a complete car. A well-oiled TuksBaja team can handle anything from finite element analysis to multi-body dynamics vehicle testing up to CNC machining and TIG welding of the chromoly frame. New designs are extensively tested, redesigned, and continuously refined. Not only are the students technically skilled, but they also develop an ethos of excellence, the ability to work in a team, and mutual consideration for the world and the people around them. This development cycle culminates in a brand-new car every few years.

Additionally, TuksBaja engages with the community through initiatives such as ChooseUPDay, EBIT Week, and hosting secondary school students, inspiring and encouraging others to get involved in engineering.

TuksBaja nurtures a pool of talented, industry-ready engineering students committed to supporting innovation, education, and developing into the engineering industry’s next generation of leaders. It is a summary of many good reasons for first-years to become engineers!

By Prof Schalk Els

TuksBaja Faculty Advisor since 1999