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About the course
Apply mechanical engineering principles to the study of vehicles and their supporting production and maintenance systems. The proposed degree emphasises requirements, measured performance and justified design choices. Southern African cases should consider operating conditions, maintainability, affordability and energy use, with vehicle specialisation built on a broad engineering foundation.
What you'll learn
- Use mechanics and thermal science to analyse a defined vehicle-system problem.
- Interpret engineering drawings, material data and experimental results.
- Compare design options against technical, environmental and user requirements.
- Prepare an integrated technical project with evidence and explicit limitations.
Requirements
- Recommended preparation includes strong mathematics, physical science, technical English and computer literacy. BMIT must publish its approved admissions and recognition-of-prior-learning rules before enrolment decisions. Comparator universities set their own thresholds. Their credits, module codes and duration have not been transferred to this outline.
Course content
Sections: 5
•Activities: 1
•Resources: 30
Subjects in this programme
The subjects are grouped by learning stage, from foundations to specialist study and supervised application. Complete earlier foundations before the related advanced work. Clinical, laboratory, field and workplace subjects use approved facilities and supervision appropriate to the programme.
30 subjects are listed below, with a short description of each. The Subject descriptions tab contains the learning outcomes, topics, practical tasks and assessments.
Stage 1: Mathematical, scientific and professional foundations
- Differential Calculus. Examine functions, limits and their relationship within differential calculus. The subject develops differentiation and rates of change, then examines optimisation and model assumptions. Analyse a measured change and compare graphical and algebraic solutions.
- Integral Calculus and Differential Equations. Develop your understanding of integral calculus and differential equations through integration and accumulated quantities. The subject develops first-order equations and second-order equations, then examines initial conditions and numerical checks. Model a simple accumulation process and check the solution against a numerical estimate.
- Linear Algebra. Study vectors and matrices as foundations for linear algebra. The subject develops linear systems and eigenvalues, then examines transformations and computational verification. Solve a small system using manual reasoning and a computational check.
- Mechanics and General Physics. Examine motion, forces and their relationship within mechanics and general physics. The subject develops energy and momentum, then examines oscillations and measurement uncertainty. Use a supervised teaching experiment to compare observation with a physical model.
- Electricity, Magnetism and Waves. Develop your understanding of electricity, magnetism and waves through electric fields and magnetic fields. The subject develops electromagnetic induction and wave behaviour, then examines optical principles and physical models. Interpret measurements from supervised electrical or optical teaching equipment.
- General Chemistry. Study atomic structure and bonding as foundations for general chemistry. The subject develops chemical quantities and solutions, then examines equilibrium and acids and bases. Analyse low-risk teaching data and complete approved laboratory exercises.
- Engineering Drawing and CAD. Examine orthographic views, sections and their relationship within engineering drawing and cad. The subject develops dimensions and tolerances, then examines assembly drawings and digital modelling. Produce drawings for a non-safety-critical teaching component.
- Programming Fundamentals. Develop your understanding of programming fundamentals through variables and control flow. The subject develops functions and data structures, then examines file handling and testing. Develop a small program which processes a defined teaching dataset.
- Engineering Materials. Study material classes and structure and properties as foundations for engineering materials. The subject develops mechanical behaviour and thermal behaviour, then examines corrosion and material selection. Compare material samples or published teaching data against a component brief.
- Engineering Statics. Examine force systems, equilibrium and their relationship within engineering statics. The subject develops free-body diagrams and structures, then examines friction and distributed loads. Analyse a simple structural model and check equilibrium experimentally.
- Academic and Professional Communication. Develop your understanding of academic and professional communication through reading strategies and evidence use. The subject develops report structure and presentations, then examines audience and referencing. Prepare a report and presentation for a defined professional audience.
- Engineering Professional Practice. Study professional responsibility and ethics as foundations for engineering professional practice. The subject develops technical communication and public welfare, then examines evidence integrity and continuing development. Analyse a regional engineering decision involving conflicting responsibilities.
Stage 2: Core engineering subjects
- Engineering Dynamics. Examine kinematics, kinetics and their relationship within engineering dynamics. The subject develops work and energy and impulse and momentum, then examines rotating systems and vibration. Model a moving teaching system and compare predicted and measured behaviour.
- Strength of Materials. Develop your understanding of strength of materials through stress and strain and elastic behaviour. The subject develops bending and torsion, then examines deflection and failure criteria. Interpret supervised material-test results and relate them to a component model.
- Fluid Mechanics. Study fluid properties and pressure as foundations for fluid mechanics. The subject develops continuity and energy equations, then examines pipe flow and flow measurement. Compare flow estimates with data from a supervised water-based teaching rig.
- Thermodynamics. Examine properties and states, energy balances and their relationship within thermodynamics. The subject develops entropy and cycles, then examines real-system losses and performance measures. Compare ideal and measured performance using an approved thermal-system dataset.
- Manufacturing Processes. Develop your understanding of manufacturing processes through casting concepts and forming. The subject develops machining and joining, then examines process capability and production quality. Compare manufacturing routes for a teaching component using supervised observations.
- Machine Design. Study design loads and shafts as foundations for machine design. The subject develops bearings and fasteners, then examines power transmission and design verification. Analyse a non-safety-critical mechanical assembly against a defined brief.
- Circuit Analysis. Examine circuit quantities, network laws and their relationship within circuit analysis. The subject develops resistive circuits and transients, then examines alternating-current circuits and measurement. Analyse and test low-voltage teaching circuits under supervision.
- Applied Statistics. Develop your understanding of applied statistics through descriptive measures and probability. The subject develops sampling and estimation, then examines hypothesis testing and regression. Analyse an approved dataset and distinguish uncertainty from systematic bias.
Stage 3: Specialist and integrative subjects
- Vehicle Dynamics. Study longitudinal motion and lateral behaviour as foundations for vehicle dynamics. The subject develops load transfer and tyre concepts, then examines ride behaviour and stability limits. Compare vehicle behaviour in a non-road teaching simulation.
- Vehicle Systems. Examine vehicle layout, powertrain functions and their relationship within vehicle systems. The subject develops chassis and steering, then examines braking principles and maintenance interfaces. Map vehicle subsystems using isolated teaching equipment or authorised documentation.
- Automotive Energy and Emissions. Develop your understanding of automotive energy and emissions through engine energy conversion and electric drivetrains. The subject develops energy storage and hybrid concepts, then examines emission measurement and lifecycle comparison. Compare energy-use evidence for alternative vehicle concepts.
- Automotive Design and Manufacture. Study user requirements and vehicle packaging as foundations for automotive design and manufacture. The subject develops material selection and manufacturing constraints, then examines ergonomics and prototype review. Develop a civilian vehicle-component design study without road deployment.
- Quality Management and Improvement. Examine quality criteria, process variation and their relationship within quality management and improvement. The subject develops traceability and nonconformity, then examines corrective action and improvement measures. Investigate a quality problem using permissioned records or teaching data.
- Research Methods. Develop your understanding of research methods through research questions and literature review. The subject develops study design and data collection, then examines ethics and interpretation. Prepare a feasible investigation proposal with a defined evidence need.
Stage 4: Design, practice and final project
- Engineering Design Methods. Study problem definition and requirements as foundations for engineering design methods. The subject develops concept comparison and constraints, then examines verification planning and design review. Develop and review alternatives for a defined civilian technical need.
- Project Development and Feasibility. Examine problem definition, evidence review and their relationship within project development and feasibility. The subject develops requirements and method selection, then examines feasibility and evaluation criteria. Develop an approved discipline-specific project proposal with a supervisor.
- Supervised Workplace Learning. Develop your understanding of supervised workplace learning through workplace roles and approved task planning. The subject develops professional conduct and technical records, then examines feedback and reflective learning. Complete an agreed placement task under an approved workplace supervisor.
- Integrated Project and Technical Report. Study implementation and evidence collection as foundations for integrated project and technical report. The subject develops analysis and verification, then examines limitations and communication. Complete the approved project and maintain an auditable evidence record.
Assessment and practical learning
- Proposed assessment: mathematical problem sets and technical reports with calculations, units, assumptions and limitations made explicit.
- Supervised laboratory or workshop tasks assessed through observation, evidence records and an individual explanation of results.
- An integrated design or investigation portfolio, presentation and written assessment. BMIT must approve weighting and progression rules.
Practical application
Practical delivery requires supervised workshops and laboratories with suitable machinery, test equipment and safe operating procedures. Vehicle activities should begin with simulation and controlled educational rigs. Road testing needs separate institutional arrangements. The final project should document requirements, calculations, observations and changes made after evaluation.
Subject descriptions
Each subject below includes its purpose, learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment approach.
Differential Calculus
Stage 1: Mathematical, scientific and professional foundations
Examine functions, limits and their relationship within differential calculus. The subject develops differentiation and rates of change, then examines optimisation and model assumptions. Analyse a measured change and compare graphical and algebraic solutions.
Learning outcomes
- Explain functions and limits using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving differentiation and rates of change.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing optimisation and model assumptions.
Main topics
- Functions
- Limits
- Differentiation
- Rates of change
- Optimisation
- Model assumptions
Practical task
Analyse a measured change and compare graphical and algebraic solutions.
Assessment
Submit worked problems and a short interpretation of an optimisation case.
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
Stage 1: Mathematical, scientific and professional foundations
Develop your understanding of integral calculus and differential equations through integration and accumulated quantities. The subject develops first-order equations and second-order equations, then examines initial conditions and numerical checks. Model a simple accumulation process and check the solution against a numerical estimate.
Learning outcomes
- Explain integration and accumulated quantities using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving first-order equations and second-order equations.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing initial conditions and numerical checks.
Main topics
- Integration
- Accumulated quantities
- First-order equations
- Second-order equations
- Initial conditions
- Numerical checks
Practical task
Model a simple accumulation process and check the solution against a numerical estimate.
Assessment
Complete an analytical assignment explaining initial conditions and solution limits.
Linear Algebra
Stage 1: Mathematical, scientific and professional foundations
Study vectors and matrices as foundations for linear algebra. The subject develops linear systems and eigenvalues, then examines transformations and computational verification. Solve a small system using manual reasoning and a computational check.
Learning outcomes
- Explain vectors and matrices using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving linear systems and eigenvalues.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing transformations and computational verification.
Main topics
- Vectors
- Matrices
- Linear systems
- Eigenvalues
- Transformations
- Computational verification
Practical task
Solve a small system using manual reasoning and a computational check.
Assessment
Submit calculations and an explanation of the meaning of the solution.
Mechanics and General Physics
Stage 1: Mathematical, scientific and professional foundations
Examine motion, forces and their relationship within mechanics and general physics. The subject develops energy and momentum, then examines oscillations and measurement uncertainty. Use a supervised teaching experiment to compare observation with a physical model.
Learning outcomes
- Explain motion and forces using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving energy and momentum.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing oscillations and measurement uncertainty.
Main topics
- Motion
- Forces
- Energy
- Momentum
- Oscillations
- Measurement uncertainty
Practical task
Use a supervised teaching experiment to compare observation with a physical model.
Assessment
Submit a laboratory report and quantitative problem set.
Electricity, Magnetism and Waves
Stage 1: Mathematical, scientific and professional foundations
Develop your understanding of electricity, magnetism and waves through electric fields and magnetic fields. The subject develops electromagnetic induction and wave behaviour, then examines optical principles and physical models. Interpret measurements from supervised electrical or optical teaching equipment.
Learning outcomes
- Explain electric fields and magnetic fields using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving electromagnetic induction and wave behaviour.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing optical principles and physical models.
Main topics
- Electric fields
- Magnetic fields
- Electromagnetic induction
- Wave behaviour
- Optical principles
- Physical models
Practical task
Interpret measurements from supervised electrical or optical teaching equipment.
Assessment
Complete calculations and a report explaining discrepancies from theory.
General Chemistry
Stage 1: Mathematical, scientific and professional foundations
Study atomic structure and bonding as foundations for general chemistry. The subject develops chemical quantities and solutions, then examines equilibrium and acids and bases. Analyse low-risk teaching data and complete approved laboratory exercises.
Learning outcomes
- Explain atomic structure and bonding using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving chemical quantities and solutions.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing equilibrium and acids and bases.
Main topics
- Atomic structure
- Bonding
- Chemical quantities
- Solutions
- Equilibrium
- Acids and bases
Practical task
Analyse low-risk teaching data and complete approved laboratory exercises.
Assessment
Submit a practical record and calculations with units and assumptions.
Engineering Drawing and CAD
Stage 1: Mathematical, scientific and professional foundations
Examine orthographic views, sections and their relationship within engineering drawing and cad. The subject develops dimensions and tolerances, then examines assembly drawings and digital modelling. Produce drawings for a non-safety-critical teaching component.
Learning outcomes
- Explain orthographic views and sections using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving dimensions and tolerances.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing assembly drawings and digital modelling.
Main topics
- Orthographic views
- Sections
- Dimensions
- Tolerances
- Assembly drawings
- Digital modelling
Practical task
Produce drawings for a non-safety-critical teaching component.
Assessment
Submit dimensioned drawings and explain design communication choices.
Programming Fundamentals
Stage 1: Mathematical, scientific and professional foundations
Develop your understanding of programming fundamentals through variables and control flow. The subject develops functions and data structures, then examines file handling and testing. Develop a small program which processes a defined teaching dataset.
Learning outcomes
- Explain variables and control flow using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving functions and data structures.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing file handling and testing.
Main topics
- Variables
- Control flow
- Functions
- Data structures
- File handling
- Testing
Practical task
Develop a small program which processes a defined teaching dataset.
Assessment
Submit working code, tests and a concise user explanation.
Engineering Materials
Stage 1: Mathematical, scientific and professional foundations
Study material classes and structure and properties as foundations for engineering materials. The subject develops mechanical behaviour and thermal behaviour, then examines corrosion and material selection. Compare material samples or published teaching data against a component brief.
Learning outcomes
- Explain material classes and structure and properties using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving mechanical behaviour and thermal behaviour.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing corrosion and material selection.
Main topics
- Material classes
- Structure and properties
- Mechanical behaviour
- Thermal behaviour
- Corrosion
- Material selection
Practical task
Compare material samples or published teaching data against a component brief.
Assessment
Submit a selection report explaining evidence and trade-offs.
Engineering Statics
Stage 1: Mathematical, scientific and professional foundations
Examine force systems, equilibrium and their relationship within engineering statics. The subject develops free-body diagrams and structures, then examines friction and distributed loads. Analyse a simple structural model and check equilibrium experimentally.
Learning outcomes
- Explain force systems and equilibrium using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving free-body diagrams and structures.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing friction and distributed loads.
Main topics
- Force systems
- Equilibrium
- Free-body diagrams
- Structures
- Friction
- Distributed loads
Practical task
Analyse a simple structural model and check equilibrium experimentally.
Assessment
Submit calculations, diagrams and a short validation report.
Academic and Professional Communication
Stage 1: Mathematical, scientific and professional foundations
Develop your understanding of academic and professional communication through reading strategies and evidence use. The subject develops report structure and presentations, then examines audience and referencing. Prepare a report and presentation for a defined professional audience.
Learning outcomes
- Explain reading strategies and evidence use using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving report structure and presentations.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing audience and referencing.
Main topics
- Reading strategies
- Evidence use
- Report structure
- Presentations
- Audience
- Referencing
Practical task
Prepare a report and presentation for a defined professional audience.
Assessment
Submit revised written work and an individual presentation.
Engineering Professional Practice
Stage 1: Mathematical, scientific and professional foundations
Study professional responsibility and ethics as foundations for engineering professional practice. The subject develops technical communication and public welfare, then examines evidence integrity and continuing development. Analyse a regional engineering decision involving conflicting responsibilities.
Learning outcomes
- Explain professional responsibility and ethics using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving technical communication and public welfare.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing evidence integrity and continuing development.
Main topics
- Professional responsibility
- Ethics
- Technical communication
- Public welfare
- Evidence integrity
- Continuing development
Practical task
Analyse a regional engineering decision involving conflicting responsibilities.
Assessment
Submit an ethical decision brief and a professional communication exercise.
Engineering Dynamics
Stage 2: Core engineering subjects
Examine kinematics, kinetics and their relationship within engineering dynamics. The subject develops work and energy and impulse and momentum, then examines rotating systems and vibration. Model a moving teaching system and compare predicted and measured behaviour.
Learning outcomes
- Explain kinematics and kinetics using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving work and energy and impulse and momentum.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing rotating systems and vibration.
Main topics
- Kinematics
- Kinetics
- Work and energy
- Impulse and momentum
- Rotating systems
- Vibration
Practical task
Model a moving teaching system and compare predicted and measured behaviour.
Assessment
Submit a dynamics investigation and calculations.
Strength of Materials
Stage 2: Core engineering subjects
Develop your understanding of strength of materials through stress and strain and elastic behaviour. The subject develops bending and torsion, then examines deflection and failure criteria. Interpret supervised material-test results and relate them to a component model.
Learning outcomes
- Explain stress and strain and elastic behaviour using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving bending and torsion.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing deflection and failure criteria.
Main topics
- Stress and strain
- Elastic behaviour
- Bending
- Torsion
- Deflection
- Failure criteria
Practical task
Interpret supervised material-test results and relate them to a component model.
Assessment
Submit a test report and justified calculations.
Fluid Mechanics
Stage 2: Core engineering subjects
Study fluid properties and pressure as foundations for fluid mechanics. The subject develops continuity and energy equations, then examines pipe flow and flow measurement. Compare flow estimates with data from a supervised water-based teaching rig.
Learning outcomes
- Explain fluid properties and pressure using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving continuity and energy equations.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing pipe flow and flow measurement.
Main topics
- Fluid properties
- Pressure
- Continuity
- Energy equations
- Pipe flow
- Flow measurement
Practical task
Compare flow estimates with data from a supervised water-based teaching rig.
Assessment
Submit a laboratory report and engineering calculations.
Thermodynamics
Stage 2: Core engineering subjects
Examine properties and states, energy balances and their relationship within thermodynamics. The subject develops entropy and cycles, then examines real-system losses and performance measures. Compare ideal and measured performance using an approved thermal-system dataset.
Learning outcomes
- Explain properties and states and energy balances using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving entropy and cycles.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing real-system losses and performance measures.
Main topics
- Properties and states
- Energy balances
- Entropy
- Cycles
- Real-system losses
- Performance measures
Practical task
Compare ideal and measured performance using an approved thermal-system dataset.
Assessment
Submit a cycle analysis with assumptions and loss estimates.
Manufacturing Processes
Stage 2: Core engineering subjects
Develop your understanding of manufacturing processes through casting concepts and forming. The subject develops machining and joining, then examines process capability and production quality. Compare manufacturing routes for a teaching component using supervised observations.
Learning outcomes
- Explain casting concepts and forming using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving machining and joining.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing process capability and production quality.
Main topics
- Casting concepts
- Forming
- Machining
- Joining
- Process capability
- Production quality
Practical task
Compare manufacturing routes for a teaching component using supervised observations.
Assessment
Submit a process-selection and quality-control report.
Machine Design
Stage 2: Core engineering subjects
Study design loads and shafts as foundations for machine design. The subject develops bearings and fasteners, then examines power transmission and design verification. Analyse a non-safety-critical mechanical assembly against a defined brief.
Learning outcomes
- Explain design loads and shafts using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving bearings and fasteners.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing power transmission and design verification.
Main topics
- Design loads
- Shafts
- Bearings
- Fasteners
- Power transmission
- Design verification
Practical task
Analyse a non-safety-critical mechanical assembly against a defined brief.
Assessment
Submit calculations, drawings and verification evidence.
Circuit Analysis
Stage 2: Core engineering subjects
Examine circuit quantities, network laws and their relationship within circuit analysis. The subject develops resistive circuits and transients, then examines alternating-current circuits and measurement. Analyse and test low-voltage teaching circuits under supervision.
Learning outcomes
- Explain circuit quantities and network laws using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving resistive circuits and transients.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing alternating-current circuits and measurement.
Main topics
- Circuit quantities
- Network laws
- Resistive circuits
- Transients
- Alternating-current circuits
- Measurement
Practical task
Analyse and test low-voltage teaching circuits under supervision.
Assessment
Submit circuit calculations and a measured-results record.
Applied Statistics
Stage 2: Core engineering subjects
Develop your understanding of applied statistics through descriptive measures and probability. The subject develops sampling and estimation, then examines hypothesis testing and regression. Analyse an approved dataset and distinguish uncertainty from systematic bias.
Learning outcomes
- Explain descriptive measures and probability using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving sampling and estimation.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing hypothesis testing and regression.
Main topics
- Descriptive measures
- Probability
- Sampling
- Estimation
- Hypothesis testing
- Regression
Practical task
Analyse an approved dataset and distinguish uncertainty from systematic bias.
Assessment
Submit a reproducible analysis with justified methods and interpretation.
Vehicle Dynamics
Stage 3: Specialist and integrative subjects
Study longitudinal motion and lateral behaviour as foundations for vehicle dynamics. The subject develops load transfer and tyre concepts, then examines ride behaviour and stability limits. Compare vehicle behaviour in a non-road teaching simulation.
Learning outcomes
- Explain longitudinal motion and lateral behaviour using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving load transfer and tyre concepts.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing ride behaviour and stability limits.
Main topics
- Longitudinal motion
- Lateral behaviour
- Load transfer
- Tyre concepts
- Ride behaviour
- Stability limits
Practical task
Compare vehicle behaviour in a non-road teaching simulation.
Assessment
Submit a model-based performance and limitation report.
Vehicle Systems
Stage 3: Specialist and integrative subjects
Examine vehicle layout, powertrain functions and their relationship within vehicle systems. The subject develops chassis and steering, then examines braking principles and maintenance interfaces. Map vehicle subsystems using isolated teaching equipment or authorised documentation.
Learning outcomes
- Explain vehicle layout and powertrain functions using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving chassis and steering.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing braking principles and maintenance interfaces.
Main topics
- Vehicle layout
- Powertrain functions
- Chassis
- Steering
- Braking principles
- Maintenance interfaces
Practical task
Map vehicle subsystems using isolated teaching equipment or authorised documentation.
Assessment
Submit a system map and a fault-reasoning case.
Automotive Energy and Emissions
Stage 3: Specialist and integrative subjects
Develop your understanding of automotive energy and emissions through engine energy conversion and electric drivetrains. The subject develops energy storage and hybrid concepts, then examines emission measurement and lifecycle comparison. Compare energy-use evidence for alternative vehicle concepts.
Learning outcomes
- Explain engine energy conversion and electric drivetrains using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving energy storage and hybrid concepts.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing emission measurement and lifecycle comparison.
Main topics
- Engine energy conversion
- Electric drivetrains
- Energy storage
- Hybrid concepts
- Emission measurement
- Lifecycle comparison
Practical task
Compare energy-use evidence for alternative vehicle concepts.
Assessment
Submit an energy and environmental appraisal.
Automotive Design and Manufacture
Stage 3: Specialist and integrative subjects
Study user requirements and vehicle packaging as foundations for automotive design and manufacture. The subject develops material selection and manufacturing constraints, then examines ergonomics and prototype review. Develop a civilian vehicle-component design study without road deployment.
Learning outcomes
- Explain user requirements and vehicle packaging using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving material selection and manufacturing constraints.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing ergonomics and prototype review.
Main topics
- User requirements
- Vehicle packaging
- Material selection
- Manufacturing constraints
- Ergonomics
- Prototype review
Practical task
Develop a civilian vehicle-component design study without road deployment.
Assessment
Submit a design dossier and manufacturing rationale.
Quality Management and Improvement
Stage 3: Specialist and integrative subjects
Examine quality criteria, process variation and their relationship within quality management and improvement. The subject develops traceability and nonconformity, then examines corrective action and improvement measures. Investigate a quality problem using permissioned records or teaching data.
Learning outcomes
- Explain quality criteria and process variation using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving traceability and nonconformity.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing corrective action and improvement measures.
Main topics
- Quality criteria
- Process variation
- Traceability
- Nonconformity
- Corrective action
- Improvement measures
Practical task
Investigate a quality problem using permissioned records or teaching data.
Assessment
Submit a quality review and a measurable improvement proposal.
Research Methods
Stage 3: Specialist and integrative subjects
Develop your understanding of research methods through research questions and literature review. The subject develops study design and data collection, then examines ethics and interpretation. Prepare a feasible investigation proposal with a defined evidence need.
Learning outcomes
- Explain research questions and literature review using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving study design and data collection.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing ethics and interpretation.
Main topics
- Research questions
- Literature review
- Study design
- Data collection
- Ethics
- Interpretation
Practical task
Prepare a feasible investigation proposal with a defined evidence need.
Assessment
Submit a proposal, methods rationale and ethics considerations.
Engineering Design Methods
Stage 4: Design, practice and final project
Study problem definition and requirements as foundations for engineering design methods. The subject develops concept comparison and constraints, then examines verification planning and design review. Develop and review alternatives for a defined civilian technical need.
Learning outcomes
- Explain problem definition and requirements using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving concept comparison and constraints.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing verification planning and design review.
Main topics
- Problem definition
- Requirements
- Concept comparison
- Constraints
- Verification planning
- Design review
Practical task
Develop and review alternatives for a defined civilian technical need.
Assessment
Submit a requirements-led design dossier with review responses.
Project Development and Feasibility
Stage 4: Design, practice and final project
Examine problem definition, evidence review and their relationship within project development and feasibility. The subject develops requirements and method selection, then examines feasibility and evaluation criteria. Develop an approved discipline-specific project proposal with a supervisor.
Learning outcomes
- Explain problem definition and evidence review using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving requirements and method selection.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing feasibility and evaluation criteria.
Main topics
- Problem definition
- Evidence review
- Requirements
- Method selection
- Feasibility
- Evaluation criteria
Practical task
Develop an approved discipline-specific project proposal with a supervisor.
Assessment
Submit a proposal, evidence review and evaluation plan.
Supervised Workplace Learning
Stage 4: Design, practice and final project
Develop your understanding of supervised workplace learning through workplace roles and approved task planning. The subject develops professional conduct and technical records, then examines feedback and reflective learning. Complete an agreed placement task under an approved workplace supervisor.
Learning outcomes
- Explain workplace roles and approved task planning using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving professional conduct and technical records.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing feedback and reflective learning.
Main topics
- Workplace roles
- Approved task planning
- Professional conduct
- Technical records
- Feedback
- Reflective learning
Practical task
Complete an agreed placement task under an approved workplace supervisor.
Assessment
Submit an authenticated work portfolio and reflective presentation.
Integrated Project and Technical Report
Stage 4: Design, practice and final project
Study implementation and evidence collection as foundations for integrated project and technical report. The subject develops analysis and verification, then examines limitations and communication. Complete the approved project and maintain an auditable evidence record.
Learning outcomes
- Explain implementation and evidence collection using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving analysis and verification.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing limitations and communication.
Main topics
- Implementation
- Evidence collection
- Analysis
- Verification
- Limitations
- Communication
Practical task
Complete the approved project and maintain an auditable evidence record.
Assessment
Submit the final project, report and individual oral defence.
Instructors
Enrolment options
BEngTech in Automotive Design and Engineering
Course modified date: 13 September 2026
Apply mechanical engineering principles to the study of vehicles and their supporting production and maintenance systems. The proposed degree emphasises requirements, measured performance and justified design choices. Southern African cases should consider operating conditions, maintainability, affordability and energy use, with vehicle specialisation built on a broad engineering foundation.
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