Yearbooks

Programme: BScHons (Applied Science) Mechanics - Physical Asset Management

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Code Faculty Department
12243037 Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology Department: Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 128 NQF level:  08

Programme information

This multidisciplinary programme exposes students to both the management as well as the technical aspects of Physical Asset Management from a theoretical perspective. Students will, however, have to choose whether they would prefer to conduct the research component of the programme in either the technical domain (register with the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering) or in the management domain (register with the Graduate School of Technology Management).

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

  1. BEng degree awarded by the University of Pretoria

or

relevant four-year bachelor’s degree in engineering that the Engineering Council of South-Africa (ECSA) regards as acceptable for registration as a candidate engineer and for eventual registration as a professional engineer

or

three-year BSc (or equivalent) degree (in Natural Sciences)

with a cumulative weighted average of at least 60% for the degree

or

relevant BTech qualification in an engineering discipline awarded by a university of technology in South Africa,

with a cumulative weighted average of at least 75% for the degree

and

no modules failed in the BTech degree

or
a relevant Advanced Diploma qualification (NQF Level 7) in an engineering discipline awarded by a university of technology in South Africa
with a cumulative weighted average of at least 70% for the diploma
and
no modules failed in the Advanced Diploma
or

four-year engineering-based university degree not recognised by ECSA for registration as a professional engineer

  1. An entrance examination may be required
  2. Comprehensive intellectual CV

Other programme-specific information

The curriculum comprises four core modules, two elective modules and a compulsory research project.

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.

All students must complete the module MSS 732 Research study 732.

A limited number of appropriate modules from other departments are allowed. Not all modules listed are presented each year. Please consult the postgraduate brochure found on the departmental website for further information.

Examinations and pass requirements

Refer also to G18 and G26.

  1. The examination in each module for which a student is registered, takes place during the normal examination period after the conclusion of lectures (i.e. October/November or May/June).
  2. G18(1) applies with the understanding that under exceptional circumstances an extension of a maximum of three years may be approved: provided that the Dean, on reccommendation of the relevant head of department, may approve a stipulated limited extension of this period.
  3. A student must obtain at least 50% in an examination for each module where no semester or year mark is required. A module may only be repeated once.
  4. In modules where semester or year marks are awarded, a minimum examination mark of 40% and a final mark of 50% is required.
  5. No supplementary or special examinations are granted at postgraduate level.

Pass with distinction

A student passes with distinction if he or she obtains a weighted average of at least 75% (not rounded) in the first 128 credits for which he or she has registered (excluding modules which were discontinued timeously). The degree is not awarded with distinction if a student fails any one module (excluding modules which were discontinued timeously). The degree must be completed within the prescribed study period. 

Minimum credits: 128

Core modules: 96 credits 
Elective modules: 32 credits 

Additional information: 

  • MSS 732 is a compulsory module and should be selected by all students as a core module. 
  • Students must select two elective modules (32 credits) focussing on either the management or technical domain: 
    • For the Management focus, the following two modules are compulsory: ISE 780 and IPK 780. 
    • For the Technical focus, two honours modules from the following list must be selected: MCT 780, MEV 781, MIC 780, MIP 782, MUU 781. 
  • Please note: A student must pass any two of the 16-credit core modules (i.e. excluding MSS 732) in the first semester of study in the programme to be allowed to continue with the programme. 
  • Consult the Department Brochure for additional information.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Engineering Economy assists the engineer in making a wide range of decisions. These decisions involve the fundamental elements of monetary cash flow, time, value of money, project life and the interest rate. Engineering Economy calculates the net present worth, future worth, annual equivalent worth and the internal rentability of the cash flows of the alternatives under consideration. By applying these values in different ways, the most economical alternative can be identified. Calculation of these values for a cash flow takes into account the effective interest rate, inflation and the income tax payable.

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  • Module content:

    Every man-made component, spare part, equipment, system or infrastructure has an inherent reliability that is determined by design, construction, installation, manufacture or how it is built. This inherent reliability is influenced by both organisational and physical conditions under which, for example, an item of equipment operates. The operational reliability significantly determines the availability of the equipment. A primary objective of maintenance intervention is to eliminate the operating environment hazards, which reduce the operational reliability of equipment and consequently, the availability of equipment for use. In the event of malfunction or failure, the goal of maintenance is to restore the operational reliability and availability of an item of equipment. Irrespective of whether a maintenance activity is intervening or restorative, it needs to be properly planned, scheduled and executed towards achieving the highest levels of operational reliability and availability, whilst concurrently minimising the expenditure of time and resources. Organisational systems of work (which encompass business processes, culture, and information technology) greatly influence the planning, scheduling and execution of maintenance activities. Furthermore, knowledge of technologies embedded, as well as how various items of equipment malfunction or fail in operation, determines how well the maintenance activities are planned, scheduled and executed. The content of the module not only covers strategies, technical principles, practical processes and systems but also includes standards (e.g., CEN13306) and legislative guidelines that influence the management of maintenance in all industrial sectors. The content will also include an introduction to the ISO 5500x asset management standards.

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to Asset management, Mechanisms of failure, Quantitative descriptions of failure, Maintenance policies/strategies, Renewal theory, Lubrication, Asset management strategy, Replacement decision-making, RCM principles, Maintenance & failure risk, A business case for maintenance, Repairable systems, Integrated failure data analysis, Maintenance profit impact, Life cycle modelling.

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to probabilistic distributions, computation of system reliability, building reliability models and optimisation of system reliability; Fault Tree Analysis; Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), Monte Carlo Simulation; probability-based design.

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  • Module content:

    *This is a compulsory research module.

    This module allows a student to do research on a certain topic in mechanical or aeronautical engineering, as specified by a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, on an individual basis, under the supervision of that lecturer. The study should be seen as a precursor to the master’s degree research that may follow the honours degree. The total volume of work that is to be invested in this module by an average student must be 320 hours. The body of knowledge studied must be of an advanced nature, at the level of the other postgraduate modules offered by the Department. Normal requirements for assessment that include the use of an external examiner apply to this module also.

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Elective modules

  • Module content:

    This module addresses basic project management concepts, principles and techniques. The module is aligned with both the U.S. Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK) as well as PRINCE2 methodology developed in the UK. Scheduling of projects is a core element of project management and IPK780 covers project scheduling in somewhat more detail and at a more advanced level than the other topics.

    The aim of the module is to develop the learner’s ability to identify and solve problems in a way that display critical thinking and the application of quantitative methods. The module focuses on project initiation, planning, monitoring and control. Specifically the development of a project plan, different scheduling techniques, earned value, decision making and basic risk management. A deliverable of the module is a project plan (including project scope, WBS, schedule, risk management plan and cash flow) for a project in the learner’s work environment.

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  • Module content:

    A company's ability to remain competitive in modern times hinges increasingly on its ability to perform systems engineering. The technology and complexity of a company's products appears to steadily increase and with it, the risks that need to be managed. This module provides specialised knowledge to apply systems engineering by understanding the tools, processes and management fundamentals.

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  • Module content:

    Probabilty, design and management in non-destructive testing (NDT). Fundamental theory of commonly used NDT methods: Ultrasonic testing, Electromagnetic testing (MT and ACFM). Radiographic testing, Penetrant testing, Eddy current testing. Other NDT technologies, including phased array UT, time-of flight diffraction. Digital (RT and Acoustic emission. Monitoring.

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  • Module content:

    Vibration measurement: conventional and optical technique, digital signal processing in vibrations, vibration monitoring: diagnostics and prognostics, artificial intelligence in vibration monitoring, human vibration.

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  • Module content:

    Theory and practical applications of condition based maintenance techniques. Pitfalls of the various condition based maintenance techniques. Acoustic emission, wear debris monitoring, oil analysis, thermography and non-destructive testing.

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  • Module content:

    Modelling Philosophies, Background Mathematics for Modelling with Data, Modelling Formulation, Data Representation and Projections, Model Calibration, Model Selection, Uncertainty Quantification, Computational Tools.

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to Logistics, RAM (Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability), Measures of Logistics, Inventory Systems,
    Systems Engineering and Supportability Analysis: Systems Engineering Process, Supportability Analysis,
    Aspects of Logistical Design: Logistics in the Design and Development Phase, Just-in-Time Systems, Facility Layout, Job Design and Work Measurement,
    Logistics from the Development to the Retirement Phase: Logistics in the Production/Construction Phase, Logistics in the Utilisation and Support Phase,
    Planning and Scheduling: Forecasting, Planning, Maintenance Scheduling, Project Management, Theory of Constraints,
    Logistics Management: Quality Management, Supply Chain Management, Logistics Management.

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  • Module content:

    This module contains a comprehensive study of all mechanical systems and processes of a fossil fuel power station. The module will include the analysis of steam cycles, combined cycle power generation, fuels and combustion, combustion mechanisms, combustion equipment and firing methods, the draught group, steam generators, steam turbines, condenser, feed water and circulating water systems, coal handling, ash handling, compressor plant, water treatment, the importance of HVAC, control and instrumentation, control philosophies and environmental considerations.

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General Academic Regulations and Student Rules
The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations. The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information.

Regulations, degree requirements and information
The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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