Yearbooks

Programme: BEng Electrical Engineering Engage

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty
12136031 Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Credits Duration
Duration of study: 5 years Total credits: 568

Programme information

Please note: The Engineering Augmented Degree Programme (ENGAGE) is an extended degree programme with a five-year curriculum. It is designed to enable students who show academic potential but who do not meet the normal entry requirements for the four-year degree programme, to obtain an Engineering degree. ENGAGE students spend the first three years of the programme covering the content of the first two years of the four-year degree programme. They also take compulsory augmented modules in each of the Level 1 subjects. These augmented modules provide students with background knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an engineering degree. The curriculum for years four and five of the ENGAGE programme are identical to the curriculum for years 3 and 4 of the 4-year programme, respectively. Students may apply directly for admission to the programme.

  • Students must register for the entire programme, not components of it. The curriculum is fixed; there are no electives.
  • Attendance at all components of years 1 to 3 of the programme is compulsory. Non-attendance will only be condoned in the case of illness (sick note required) or family crisis (e.g. a death in the family), in which case students must inform the programme administration immediately.
  • Students who fail to meet the attendance requirement for any module in any semester of years 1 to 3 of the programme will be excluded from the programme.
  • No augmented module may be repeated more than once.
  • Selection into the programme will be based on a combination of performance in the National Senior Certificate examinations or equivalent and other selection tests approved by the faculty.
  • A student who fails a mainstream module (e.g. Chemistry) but passes the associated augmented module (e.g. Additional chemistry) does not need to repeat the augmented module.
  • A student who fails an augmented module (e.g. Additional chemistry) but passes the associated mainstream module (e.g. Chemistry) does not need to repeat the mainstream module.
  • A student must meet the attendance requirement and obtain at least 40% for both the continuous assessment and test components as well as a final mark of 50% in order to pass an augmented module.

 

  1. The curricula of the fourth and the fifth years of study are identical to those of the third and the fourth years of the four-year programme.
  2. JPO 110 is a prerequisite for JPO 120. Credit for JPO is obtained with a final mark of more than 50%. Conditional admission to JPO 120: If the final mark for JPO 110 is between 45% and 49%, a student can register for JPO 120 but credit for JPO 110 and JPO 120 will only be obtained if the final combined mark for JPO 110 and JPO 120 is above 50%.


Please note: All students will be required to successfully complete JCP 203, Community-based project 203, as part of the requirements for the BEng degree. A student may register for the module during any of the years of study of the programme, but preferably not during the first or the final year of study.

Promotion to next study year

Promotion to the second semester of the first year and to the second year of study (Eng. 14)

  1. A new first-year student who has failed in all the prescribed modules of the programme at the end of the first semester, is excluded from studies in the School of Engineering. A student who is registered for the Engineering Augmented Degree Programme and has passed only 8 credits will also be excluded.
  2. A student who complies with all the requirements of the first year of study, is promoted to the second year of study.
  3. A student who has not passed at least 70% of the credits of the first year of study after the November examinations, must reapply for admission should he/she intend to proceed with his/her studies. Application on the prescribed form must be submitted to the Student Administration of the School of Engineering not later than 11 January. Late applications will be accepted only in exceptional circumstances after approval by the Dean. Should first-year students be readmitted, conditions of readmission will be determined by the Admissions Committee.
  4. Students who have not passed all the prescribed modules at first year level (level 100), as well as students who are readmitted in terms of Faculty Regulations must register for the outstanding first-year level (level-100) modules.
  5. A student who is repeating his or her first year, may, on recommendation of the relevant heads of department and with the approval of the Dean, be permitted to enroll for modules of the second-year of study in addition to the first-year modules which he or she failed, providing that he or she complies with the prerequisites for the second-year modules and no timetable clashes occur. Students on the ENGAGE programme may, following the same procedure, be permitted to enrol for level-200 modules in addition to the level-100 modules which he/she failed providing that he/she complies with the prerequisites for the modules at 200-level and no timetable clashes occur. On recommendation of the relevant head of department and with special permission from the Dean, permission may be granted to exceed the prescribed number of credits. The total number of credits which may be approved may not exceed the normal number of credits per semester by more than 16 credits.
  6. Students in Computer, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, who fail a first-year module for the second time, forfeit the privilege of registering for any modules of an advanced year of study.


Please note:

  1. From the second year of study each student should be in possession of an approved calculator. It is assumed that each student will have easy access to a personal computer.
  2. Students who intend transferring to Mining Engineering, must familiarise themselves with the stipulations set out in the syllabi of PWP 121 Workshop practice 121.


Promotion to the third year of study of the Four-year Programme, as well as to the third and the fourth years of study of the ENGAGE Programme. In case of the fourth year of study of the ENGAGE Programme, the words "first", "second" and "third" must be substituted with the words "second", "third" and "fourth" respectively. (Eng. 15)

  1. A student who complies with all the requirements of the second year of study, is promoted to the third year of study.
  2. A student must pass all the prescribed modules at first year level (level 100) before he or she is admitted to any module at third year level (level 300).
  3. A student who is repeating his or her second year must register for all the second-year modules still outstanding. Such a student may, on recommendation of the relevant head of department and with the approval of the Dean, be permitted to enroll for modules of the third year of study in addition to the second-year modules which he or she failed, providing that he or she complies with the prerequisites for the third-year modules and no timetable clashes occur. On recommendation of the relevant head of department, and with special permission from the Dean, permission may be granted to exceed the prescribed number of credits. The total number of credits which may be approved may not exceed the normal number of credits per semester by more than 16 credits.
  4. Students in Computer, Electrical and Electronic Engineering who fail a second-year module for the second time forfeit the privilege of registering for any modules of the third year of study.
  5. Students who intend transferring to Mining Engineering must familiarise themselves with the stipulations set out in the syllabi of PWP 120 Workshop practice 120, as well as PPY 317 Practical training 317.


Promotion to the fourth year of study of the Four-year Programme, as well as to the fifth year of study of the ENGAGE Programme. In case of the fifth year of study of the ENGAGE Programme, the words "second", "third" and "fourth" must be substituted with the words "third", "fourth" and "fifth" respectively. (Eng. 16)

  1. A student who complies with all the requirements of the third year of study is promoted to the fourth year of study. A student who does not comply with all the requirements but who is able to register for all outstanding modules in order to complete the degree programme, may at registration be promoted to the fourth year of study.
  2. A student must pass all the prescribed modules of the second year of study, before he or she is admitted to any module of the fourth year of study.
  3. A student who has not passed all the prescribed modules of the third year of study, must register for the outstanding modules. A student may be admitted by the Dean, on the recommendation of the head of department concerned, to modules of the fourth year of study, in addition to the outstanding third-year modules, provided that he or she complies with the prerequisites of the fourth-year modules and no timetable clashes occur. The total number of credits per semester for which a student registers may not exceed the normal number of credits per semester by more than 16 credits. In exceptional cases, the Dean may, on recommendation of the relevant head of department, permit a student to exceed the above limit.
  4. Students in Computer, Electrical and Electronic Engineering who fail a third-year module for the second time, forfeit the privilege of registering for any modules of the fourth year of study.

Pass with distinction

  1. A student graduates with distinction if:
  1. no module of the third or fourth year of study of the four year programme or of the fourth or fifth year of the ENGAGE programme was repeated and a weighted average of at least 75% was obtained in one year in all the modules of the final year of study; and
  2. the degree programme was completed within the prescribed four years for the four year programme and within the prescribed five years of the ENGAGE programme.
  1. Exceptional cases to the above will be considered by the Dean.

Minimum credits: 128

Fundamental modules

Core modules

  • Module content:

    General introduction to inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry. Nomenclature of inorganic ions and compounds, stoichiometric calculations concerning chemical reactions, redox reactions, solubilities and solutions, atomic structure, periodicity. Molecular structure and chemical bonding using the VSEPR model. Principles of reactivity, electrochemistry, energy and chemical reactions, entropy and free energy.
    Appropriate tutorial classes and practicals.

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  • Module content:

    Introductory mathematics: Symbols, exponents, logarithms, angles in degrees, radial measure, goniometry, differentiation, and integration. Motion along a straight line: position and displacement, acceleration. Vectors: adding vectors, components, multiplying vectors. Motion in two and three dimensions: projectile motion, circular motion. Force and motion: Newton’s Law, force, friction. Kinetic energy and work: work, power. Potential energy: Centre of mass, linear momentum. Collisions: impulse and linear momentum, elastic collisions, inelastic collisions. Rotation: kinetic energy of rotation, torque.  Oscillations and waves: Simple harmonic motion, types of waves, wavelength and frequency, interference of waves, standing waves, the Doppler effect. Temperature, heat and the first law of thermodynamics.

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  • Module content:

    A project-based approach is followed towards the development of skills 
    needed for success in engineering. Skills include communication, 
    information technology, technology, academic and life skills. The 
    modules are presented in English.

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  • Module content:

    A project-based approach is followed towards the development of skills 
    needed for success in engineering. Skills include communication, 
    information technology, technology, academic and life skills. The 
    modules are presented in English.

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  • Module content:

    *This module is designed for first-year engineering students. Students will not be credited for more than one of the following modules for their degree: WTW 158, WTW 114, WTW 134, WTW 165.
    Introduction to vector algebra. Functions, limits and continuity. Differential calculus of single variable functions, rate of change, graph sketching, applications. The mean value theorem, the rule of L'Hospital. Indefinite integrals, integration.

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  • Module content:

    Background knowledge, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding and mathematical reasoning skills required by WTW 158.

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  • Module content:

    Background knowledge, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding and mathematical reasoning skills required by WTW 161 and WTW 168.

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  • Module content:

    Background knowledge, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding and reasoning skills required by FSK116/176.

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  • Module content:

    Background knowledge, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding and reasoning skills required by CHM 171/172.

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  • Module content:

    Social sciences: Perspectives on contemporary society
    An introduction to long-standing questions about the nature of human societies and contemporary challenges. Topics to be discussed include globalisation and increasing connectedness; rising unemployment, inequality and poverty; rapid urbanisation and the modern city form; transformations in the nature of work; environmental degradation and tensions between sustainability and growth; shifts in global power relations; the future of the nation-state and supra-national governance structures; and possibilities for extending human rights and democracy. Critical questions are posed about modern selfhood, sociality, culture and identity against the background of new communications technologies, ever more multicultural societies, enduring gender, class and race inequities, and the emergence of new and the resurgence of older forms of social and political identity. These issues are approached from the vantage of our location in southern Africa and the continent, drawing on social science perspectives.

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  • Module content:

    Humanities: Text, culture and communication
    Successful communication of ideas, values and traditions depends on understanding both the literal and implied meanings of texts. In this module students are introduced to a variety of texts, including original literary and visual texts, with a view to developing an understanding of how textual meanings have been constructed and negotiated over time. Students are encouraged to understand themselves as products of – and participants in – these traditions, ideas and values. Appropriate examples will be drawn from, among others, the Enlightenment, Modernism, Existentialism, Postmodernism and Post-colonialism.

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  • Module content:

    *This module is designed for first-year engineering students. Students will not be credited for more than one of the following modules for their degree: WTW 146, WTW 148 and WTW 124,

    Vector algebra with applications to lines and planes in space, matrix algebra, systems of linear equations, determinants, complex numbers, factorisation of polynomials and conic sections. Integration techniques, improper integrals. The definite integral, fundamental theorem of Calculus. Applications of integration. Elementary power series and Taylor’s theorem. Vector functions, space curves and arc lengths. Quadratic surfaces and multivariable functions.

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Minimum credits: 120

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Electrical quantities, units, definitions, conventions. Electrical symbols, ideal and practical current and voltage sources, controlled sources. Ohm’s law in resistive circuits, Kirchoff’s current and voltage laws, resistors in series and parallel circuits, voltage and current division, mesh current and node voltage methods. Circuit theorems: Linearity, superposition, Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits, sources transformation, power calculation, maximum power transfer. Energy storage elements: current, voltage, power and energy in inductors and capacitors, inductors and capacitors in series and parallel. Ideal operational amplifiers and applications: inverting and noninverting amplifiers, summing amplifiers, current sources, integrators.

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  • Module content:

    *Attendance module only This module is presented during one of the recess periods during the second year. The duration is one week. During this period the student will become acquainted with relevant regulations and legislation and basic aspects of wiring practice. For practical reasons this module may be presented during another time slot, such as the beginning of the third year.

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  • Module content:

    This module is integrated into all undergraduate academic programmes offered by the Faculty. Main objectives: execution of a community project aimed at achieving a beneficial impact on a section of society; awareness of personal, social and cultural values and an understanding of social issues; and development of life skills. Assessment: project proposal, written progress reports, peer assessment, assessment by community, presentation, report presented in the form of a blog.

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  • Module content:

    Freehand sketching covering the following: perspective, isometric and orthographic drawings. Drawing conventions, graphical techniques and assembly drawings. Evaluation of drawings and error detection. True lengths of lines, projections and intersections. Practical applications of these techniques. Introduction to computer-aided drawings, including dimensioning, crosshatching and detailing. Introduction to basic manufacturing processes including primary (casting, forging and extrusion) and secondary (drilling, turning, milling, grinding, broaching and sawing) manufacturing procedures.

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to materials: the family of materials, atomic structure and types of bonding, crystal types and space arrangement of atoms, directions and planes in crystals, defects in crystals, diffusion in solids. Mechanical properties of materials: stress and strain, mechanical testing (strength, ductility, hardness, toughness, fatigue, creep), plastic deformation, solid-solution hardening, recrystallisation.
    Polymeric materials: polymerisation and industrial methods, types of polymeric materials and their properties. Corrosion of metals: mechanisms and types of corrosion, corrosion rates, corrosion control. The heat treatment of steel: Fe-C phase diagram, equilibrium cooling, hardening and tempering of steel, stainless steel. Composite materials: Introduction, fibre reinforced polymeric composites, concrete, asphalt, wood.

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  • Module content:

    Equivalent force systems, resultants. Newton's laws, units. Forces acting on particles. Rigid bodies: principle of transmissibility, resultant of parallel forces. Vector moments and scalar moments. Relationship between scalar- and vector moments. Couples. Equivalent force systems on rigid bodies. Resultants of forces on rigid bodies. Equilibrium in two and three dimensions. Hooke's law. Trusses and frameworks. Centroids and second moments of area. Beams: distributed forces, shear force, bending moment, method of sections, relationship between load, shear force and bending moment.

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  • Module content:

    Calculus of multivariable functions, directional derivatives. Extrema. Multiple integrals, polar, cylindrical and spherical coordinates. Line integrals and the theorem of Green. Surface integrals and the theorems of Gauss and Stokes.

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  • Module content:

    Numerical integration. Numerical methods to approximate the solution of non-linear equations, systems of equations (linear and non-linear), differential equations and systems of differential equations. Direct methods to solve linear systems of equations.

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  • Module content:

    Background knowledge, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding and reasoning skills required by EBN 111/122.

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  • Module content:

    Background knowledge, conceptual understanding, drawing skills and reasoning skills required by MGC 110.

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  • Module content:

    Background knowledge, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding and reasoning skills required by NMC 113/123.

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  • Module content:

    Background knowledge, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding and reasoning skills required by SWK 122.

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  • Module content:

    This module is presented at the end of the first semester during the recess period and lasts for one week. This module serves as an introduction to measurement techniques and basic principles of a laboratory for electrical, electronic and computer engineering students. It also provides basic training in a computer simulation environment (Matlab, including Simulink) in the computer laboratories. The importance and complementary nature of simulations and accurate experimental measurements is emphasized in the module.

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Minimum credits: 120

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Engineering systems are often subjected to variation, uncertainty and incomplete information. Mathematical statistics provides the basis for effectively handling and quantifying the effect of these factors. This module provides an introduction to the concepts of mathematical statistics and will include the following syllabus themes: data analysis, probability theory, stochastic modelling, statistical inference and  regression analysis.

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  • Module content:

    Transient response phenomena in RC, RL and RLC circuits: Natural response and step response. Alternating current (AC) circuits: Phasors, impedances, and power in AC circuits. The application of Ohm’s law, Kirchoff’s circuit theorems, matrix methods and Thevenin and Norton equivalents to sinusoidal steady-state analysis. Three-phase circuits: Balanced three-phase circuits, star/delta configurations, and three-phase power transfer calculations. Magnetically coupled circuits: Mutual inductance, coupling factor, transformers, ideal transformers and autotransformers. Application of circuit theory to an induction machine: basic principles of induction machines, equivalent circuit and analysis thereof, calculation of power and torque through application of Thevenin's theorem. Synoptic introduction to other types of machines.

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  • Module content:

    Frequency domain analysis of linear time-invariant systems. Laplace, Fourier and Z-transforms applied to periodic, aperiodic and sampled signals; exponential and trigonometric Fourier series. Nyquist sampling theorem, transfer functions, poles and zeros, bandwidth and rise time, frequency response, impulse response, Bode diagrams, natural frequency, natural and forced response. Instability and oscillations. Computer simulation.

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to digital circuit design, digital representations of numbers, device electronics in digital circuits, representation and simplification of logic functions, components of combinational circuits, analysis and design of combinational circuits, components of sequential circuits, analysis and design of sequential circuits, programmable components for combinatorial and sequential logic.

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  • Module content:

    Kinetics of systems of particles, Newton’s 2nd law generalised for a system of particles, rate of change of momentum and angular momentum relations, work-energy relations, conservation laws, steady mass flow. Plane kinematics of rigid bodies, rotation, translation, general 2D motion, relative motion analysis. Moments and products of inertia. Plane kinetics of rigid bodies, equations of motion, rotation, translation, general 2D motion, work-energy relations. Vibration and time response.

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  • Module content:

    Linear algebra, eigenvalues and eigenvectors with applications to first and second order systems of differential equations. Sequences and series, convergence tests. Power series with applications to ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients. Fourier series with applications to partial differential equations such as potential, heat and wave equations.

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  • Module content:

    Theory and solution methods for linear differential equations as well as for systems of linear differential equations. Theory and solution methods for first order non-linear differential equations. The Laplace transform with application to differential equations. Application of differential equations to modelling problems.

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  • Module content:

    *Note: All students registered for degrees within the School of IT, excluding the two four year programmes, BIS (Information Science) and BIS (Publishing), need to enrol for this module.
    This module introduces imperative computer programming, which is a fundamental building block of computer science. The process of constructing a program for solving a given problem, of editing it, compiling (both manually and automatically), running and debugging it, is covered from the beginning. The aim is to master the elements of a programming language and be able to put them together in order to construct programs using types, control structures, arrays, functions and libraries. An introduction to object orientation will be given. After completing this module, the student should understand the fundamental elements of a program, the importance of good program design and user-friendly interfaces. Students should be able to conduct basic program analysis and write complete elementary programs.

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  • Module content:

    Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large. Written communication as evidenced by: uses appropriate structure, use of modern or electronic communication methods; style and language for purpose and audience; uses effective graphical support; applies methods of providing information for use by others involved in engineering activity; meets the requirements of the target audience. Effective oral communication as evidenced by appropriate structure, style and language; appropriate visual materials; delivers fluently; meets the requirements of the intended audience. Audiences range from engineering peers, management and lay persons, using appropriate academic or professional discourse. Typed reports range from short (300-1 000 word plus tables diagrams) to long (10 000-15 000 words plus tables, diagrams, references and appendices), covering material at exit level. Methods of providing information include the conventional methods of the discipline, for example engineering drawings, as well as subject-specific methods.

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Minimum credits: 144

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Modelling and simulation of physical systems. Block and signal flow diagrams. State variable formulation. Time and frequency domain analysis. Stability and sensitivity. Design methods, cascade (eg. PID) and feedback controllers.

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  • Module content:

    Semiconductor components: Power diodes, silicon-controlled-rectifiers, bipolar transistors, power mosfets, IGBTs, emerging devices. Ancillary issues: Heat sinks, snubbers, gate drive circuits. Converter topologies: AC-DC converters, DC-DC converters; Applications: Sizing of converter components, isolated high-frequency power supplies.

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  • Module content:

    Magnetic circuits: flux, flux density, reluctance, hysteresis, MMF.Magnetic Energy, Conversion: Process, field energy, mechanical force in electromagnetic systems. Transformers: Types of transformers, per unit system, voltage regulation and efficiency, three phase circuit analysis. Principles of machines: Torque, speed, efficiency and heat loss, circuit models. Machines: Power transformers, DC motors, induction motors.

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  • Module content:

    Hardware based introduction to system designing microprocessors. General microprocessor architecture assembly language and limited C embedded code development, with specific focus on a RISC (Microchip PIC 18) and MIPS (Microchip PIC 32) type processor, memory interfacing and address decoding, microprocessor input/output and interfacing, general programming concepts, general microprocessor system design principles, current trends and new processors exposure to development boards and integrated development environments.

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  • Module content:

    Transmission line equations, wave propagation, input impedance, power flow, transients; Electrostatics, charge and current, laws of Coulomb and Gauss, scalar potential, properties of materials, boundary conditions, capacitance, Magnetostatics, laws of Biot-Savart and Ampère, magnetic properties of materials, boundary conditions; Plane wave propagation, polarisation, power density; Wave reflection and transmission, normal and oblique incidence.

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  • Module content:

    Amplifier concepts: gain, input impedance, output impedance, bandwidth, cascaded stages. Amplifier power dissipation and power efficiency. Operational amplifiers: non-ideal, limitations, low power, programmable. Diode operational circuits: Logarithmic amplifiers, peak detector, clamp, absolute value, voltage regulators. Feedback and stability in amplifiers. Operational circuits: Instrumentation amplifiers, multipliers, oscillators, filters, translinear circuits, and sampling electronics.

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  • Module content:

    Single and three-phase basic concepts, Transformers: the ideal transformer, equivalent circuit, single and three-phase transformers, auto-transformers, tap changing transformers. Synchronous machines: equivalent circuit, real and reactive power control, two-axis machine model. Transmission lines, Underground Cables, Capacitors, Reactors, Single and three-phase induction motors, Load modelling.

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to system level design; the system design process; design for operational feasibility; power transformer design; power cable design; power capacitor design; protection system design; introduction to electrical design software; design project.

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  • Module content:

    This module will deal only with the practical aspects of DSP applications: Universal applications of DSP (Space, medical, commercial, telecommunications, military, industrial and scientific); ADC and DAC; Discrete Fourier-Transform (DFT); Fast Fourier-Transform (FFT); z-Transform; Correlation and Convolution; Digital filter design; FIR and IIR filters; Adaptive digital filters; Computer architecture for DSP; Analysis of finite wordlength effects; Data, audio and video processing and compression. Simulation (MATLAB) and real-time implementation of selected signal processing algorithms on DSP hardware. Programming and mapping of DSP algorithms onto DSP hardware.

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  • Module content:

    Programme and systems engineering Concepts: Application of project management, systems thinking, systems approach, product, system and project life cycles, project phases and specification practices. Development models: stage-gate development, project charter, systems engineering models, systems engineering management and life cycle characteristics. Planning and Scheduling: task definition, work breakdown structures, duration estimation, Gantt charts, critical path, resource handling. Costs and Budgets: cost estimates, project life cycle costs, work authorisation. Control: project organisation. Legal: contracts, intellectual property. Case studies and semester project Engineering Economics Decision making in an engineering environment. Allocation of cost. Money-time relationships (discreet interest formulae, tables, financial calculator, Excel). Bases for comparison of alternatives (present worth, annual worth,). Decision making among alternatives before and after tax (useful lives equal to study period, useful lives different among alternatives).

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  • Module content:

    Two exit learning outcomes (ELO) of ECSA are addressed and each must be passed in the same semester. ELO7: Demonstrate critical awareness of the impact of engineering activity on the social, industrial and physical environment. The history of engineering globally and in South Africa. Most important engineering projects globally and in South Africa. The impact of technology on society. Occupational and public health and safety. Occupational Health and Safety Act. Impacts on the physical environment. The personal, social, cultural values and requirements of those affected by engineering activity. The combination of social, workplace (industrial) and physical environmental factors are appropriate to the discipline of the qualification. ELO8: Demonstrate competence to work effectively on a small project as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments. Identifies and focuses on objectives. Works strategically. Executes tasks effectively. Delivers completed work on time. Effective team work: Makes individual contribution to team activity; performs critical functions; enhances work of fellow team members; benefits from support of team members; communicates effectively with team members; delivers completed work on time. Multidisciplinary work by the following: Acquires a working knowledge of co-workers’ discipline; uses a systems engineering approach; communicates across disciplinary boundaries. Report and presentation on team project. Tasks require co-operation across at least one disciplinary boundary. Students acquire a working knowledge of co-workers discipline. Students communicate between disciplinary boundaries.

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Minimum credits: 136

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Single and three-phase DC-AC invertors, PWM, 4-quadrant conversion, DC and AC variable speed drives and high frequency transformer design.

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  • Module content:

    Plant automation issues. The steps taken to establish controllers for industrial processes. Static and dynamic properties of sensors and actuators. Obtaining models from process data. Plant automation platforms. Model-bases PID and internal model control. Turning and troubleshoot control loops. Unconstrained single-input-single-output model predictive control. Economic evaluation of automation systems.

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  • Module content:

    This module consists of four parts: Energy system basics, solar energy systems, energy system modelling and optimisation, and advanced applications of energy systems. The first part (energy system basics) will include basic power and energy calculation, electricity tariffs, energy efficiency and the energy audit. The third part, energy system modelling and optimisation includes the general modelling processes and optimisation basics, linear programming and Matlab applications in energy optimisation. The last part on advanced applications of energy systems will be dynamically updated to cater for the national needs and international trends in energy efficiency and the topics covered can be energy management for any one or more of the commercial, industrial, residential or transport energy systems.

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  • Module content:

    This module entails the individual completion of an engineering project from concept to delivery. The student must demonstrate independent mastery of an engineering project. The module focuses on the formulation of an engineering problem, the development of appropriate technical specifications, project planning and management and then completion of a technical project of a given nature, scope and complexity. The nature of projects is either mainly design (design, synthesis and testing) with a smaller component of investigation (experimental work and data analysis), or, alternatively, mainly investigation with a smaller component of design. As final step in the project, the student evaluates the final outcome of the design or investigation against the specifications and he/she also evaluates the impact of the project (social, legal, safety and environmental). Oral and written technical communication is evaluated as an important part of the module.

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  • Module content:

    Power flow: bus admittance matrix, bus impedance matrix, Gauss Seidal and Newton Raphson methods. Fault analysis: balanced fault analysis, symmetrical components, unbalanced fault analysis. Power system protection: definite time, invese-definite-minimum-time (IDMT), introduction to over-current and earth fault protection, distribution system protection, transmission system protection, reticulation system protection. Sizing of protection devices. High voltage control: over-voltages, transients.

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  • Module content:

    Four weeks practice-orientated experience at any institution of the student’s choice (preferably in electrical, electronic or computer engineering).  The student must acquire experience in the working environment and more specifically work ethics, ecology, economy, punctuality, knowledge of human nature, etc.  One week after the commencement of the second semester the student must submit a report on the aspects of his/her work experience as determined by the Head of the Department.

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  • Module content:

    Requirements to maintain continued competence and to keep abreast of up-to date tools and techniques. ECSA code of conduct, Continuing Professional Development, ECSA outcomes, ECSA process and reasons for registration as CEng and PrEng. Displays understanding of the system of professional development. Accepts responsibility for own actions. Displays judgment in decision making during problem solving and design. Limits decision making to area of current competence. Reason about and make judgment on ethical aspects in case study context. Discerns boundaries of competence in problem solving and design. Case studies typical of engineering practice situations in which the graduate is likely to participate.

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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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