| Code | Faculty | Department |
|---|---|---|
| 12136005 | Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology | Department: Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering |
| Credits | Duration | NQF level |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum duration of study: 5 years | Total credits: 667 | NQF level: 08 |
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.
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.
Learning outcomes of the BEng degree:
A graduate in engineering should be able to apply the following skills on an advanced level:
Learning contents of the BEng programmes:
Six essential knowledge areas are included in the syllabi of the programmes. The typical representation of each knowledge area as a percentage of the total contents of an undergraduate programme is given in brackets ( ) in the list below. This percentage varies for the different study directions, but conforms in all instances to the minimum knowledge area content as stipulated by ECSA.
Knowledge areas:
Important information for all prospective students for 2025
The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.
Minimum requirements | |||
Achievement level | |||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | Physical Sciences | APS |
NSC/IEB | NSC/IEB | NSC/IEB | |
5 | 65% | 65% | 33 |
For advice on a second-choice programme, please consult a Student Advisor. To make an appointment, send an email to [email protected].
Students may apply directly to be considered for the 5-year Bachelor of Engineering programme.
Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.
Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.
Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.
Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2025: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.
International students: Click here.
Transferring students
A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.
Closing dates: Same as above.
Returning students
A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.
Note:
Closing date for applications from returning students
Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.
Promotion to the second semester of the first year and to the second year of study
Please note:
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.
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.
Minimum credits: 129
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.
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.
Module content:
A project-based approach is followed to equip students wiuth academic and IT skills to succeed within the School of Engineering at UP.
Module content:
Background knowledge, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding and chemical reasoning skills required by CHM 171/172.
Module content:
Background knowledge, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding and mathematical reasoning skills required by WTW 158.
Module content:
A project-based approach is followed to equip students with academic and IT skills to succeed within the School of Engineering at UP.
Module content:
Background knowledge, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding and physical reasoning skills required by FSK 116/176.
Module content:
Background knowledge, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding and mathematical reasoning skills required by WTW 164.
Module content:
Introduction to fundamentals of engineering, professional development of engineers and sustainability practices. This module is intended to introduce students engineering, sustainability, design, technical communication and academic writing, as well as other engineering professional practices and skill sets necessary for your future employability. Technical communication in most cases can be broken down into writing, technical argument, and explanation, data visualisation as well as presentations. Specific components will include (but are not limited to) the following: an introduction to your chosen engineering discipline, ethics and sustainability, industry standards and professional conduct, teamworking, leadership, project management, career preparation and employability.
Module content:
Introduction to fundamentals of engineering, professional development of engineers and sustainability practices. This module is intended to further expose students to engineering, sustainability (social, economic and environmental) implications on design as well as appropriate technical communication practices. Specific components will include (but are not limited to) the following: an introduction to your chosen engineering discipline, the design process, critical, creative and entrepreneurial thinking, decisionmaking, problem solving, ethics and sustainability, industry standards and professional conduct, teamworking, leadership, project management, career preparation and employability.
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.
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.
Module content:
*Attendance module only
The module is offered at the end of the first year of study and lasts at least eight days, during which training is given in the following workshops: electronic projects, panel wiring, electrical motors and switch gear, general machines, welding, turning and sheet metal work. Each student's progress is assessed after each workshop.
Minimum credits: 120
Module content:
The general objective of this module is to develop expertise in solving electric and electronic circuits. The topics covered in the course are Ohm's law, Kirchoff's current and voltage laws, voltage and current division, mesh current and node voltage methods, linearity, Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits, source transformation, power transfer, energy storage elements in circuits (inductors and capacitors), and operational amplifiers and applications. Although circuits will mostly be solved using direct current (DC) sources, the final part of the course will consider methods to solve circuits using alternating current sources (AC).
Module content:
The Joint Community Project module is a credit-bearing educational experience where students are not only actively engaging in interpersonal skills development but also participate in service activities in collaboration with community partners. Students are given the opportunity to practice and develop their interpersonal skills formally taught in the module by engaging in teamwork with fellow students from different disciplines and also with non-technical members of the community. The module intends for the student to develop through reflection, understanding of their own experience in a team-based workspace as well as a broader understanding of the application of their discipline knowledge and its potential impact in their communities, in this way also enhancing their sense of civic responsibility. Compulsory class attendance 1 week before Semester 1 classes commence.
Module content:
Background knowledge, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding and reasoning skills required by EBN 111/122.
Module content:
Background knowledge, conceptual understanding, drawing skills and reasoning skills required by MGC 110.
Module content:
Background knowledge, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding and reasoning skills required by NMC 113/123.
Module content:
Background knowledge, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding and reasoning skills required by SWK 122.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Minimum credits: 144
Students are required to register for NTC 210 as well.
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.
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 induction motors: basic principles of induction motors, equivalent circuit and analysis thereof, calculation of power and torque through application of Thevenin's theorem. Synoptic introduction to other types of motors.
Module content:
Crystallography and internal order in minerals (space groups, unit cells, X-ray diffraction data). Bonding, mineral chemistry and solid solution (types of solid solution, calculation of mineral formulae and cation valency). Subsolidus reactions and defects in minerals (thermodynamic basis, defects, importance of subsolidus reactions). Classification and crystal structures of minerals. Mineralogical instrumentation and analysis. Major rock types and their classification. Mineralogical aspects of minerals processing.
Module content:
Spreadsheet applications: Formulas and calculations, named ranges, plotting and trend lines, goal seek, linear programming, importing and exporting data, data navigation and filtering. Programming fundamentals: Names and objects, conditional and unconditional looping, branching, functions, modules, packages, reading and writing data files, graphical output (plotting). Solving simple problems using a high level programming language to develop, code and debug programs. Solving complex problems by breaking it down into a number of simple problems using concepts such as functions, modules and available packages. Programming principles are developed through solving mathematics and physics problems.
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.
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.
Module content:
Phase diagrams, phases and solid solutions. The heat treatment of steel (phase equilibria, the diffusion-controlled and martensitic transformations of austenite, hardening and tempering, hardenability, the application of IT and CCT diagrams, heat treatments). Steel types and classification. Cast irons (white, grey, malleable and spherical graphite irons). Stainless steels (ferritic, martensitic, austenitic and duplex types).
Module content:
The first, second and third laws of thermodynamics, enthalpy and heat capacity. The criteria for equilibrium, Gibbs free energy, chemical potential, partial molar Gibbs free energy, activity, activity coefficient and the equilibrium constant. Solution thermodynamics of ideal and non-ideal solutions, as well as solution models. Ellingham, Kellogg and Pourbaix diagrams. The thermodynamic principles are applied to metallurgical processes. Applications also include stoichiometry and mass balance problems, as well as the calculation of energy balances.
Module content:
The content relates to metallurgical calculations: dimensions, units and their conversion. The mol unit, density, concentration. Specific volume, bulk density, the density of ideal mixtures. Empirical formulae, chemical reaction and stoichiometry, excess reactant, conversion yield, selectivity. Gas laws. Material balances where gases are involved. Fuels and combustion. Introduction to material balances: a strategy for solving problems. Material balances. Basic electrochemistry.
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.
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.
Minimum credits: 129
Students are required to register for NTV 310 and NPB 312.
Module content:
The purpose of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and economic decision-making so that students can design, manage, evaluate and participate in engineering projects in the workplace. As such elements from engineering economics, project management and systems engineering are combined.
Module content:
Two exit-level Graduate Attributes (GAs) of ECSA are addressed and each must be passed in the same semester. GA7: 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. GA8: 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 teamwork: 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-worker’s 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-worker’s discipline. Students communicate between disciplinary boundaries.
Module content:
Merits of hydrometallurgy relative to other extraction methods. Unit processes in hydrometallurgy. Chemical principles of hydrometallurgy. Chemistry of important metals and lixiviants. Application of chemical principles to: leaching; purification and upgrading of leach solutions (precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, activated carbon); product recovery from solution (precipitation, reduction). Relevant analytical methods.
Module content:
Binary and ternary phase diagrams. Diffusion in alloys (steady-state and nonsteady-state, solid solutions, grain boundaries, homogenisation). Solidification (pure metals and alloys; ingots, castings and welds; segregation, porosity and eutectic solidification). Metallographic and analytical techniques (diffraction, electron microscopy). Precipitation and solid-solution strengthening (principles, and applications to aluminium, magnesium, copper and nickel-base alloys).
Module content:
Dislocations and deformation (defects in crystalline materials, movement and elastic energy of dislocations, different crystal lattices, origin of and strengthening by dislocations). Strength of engineering materials (tensile testing, plastic deformation of single crystals and polycrystalline materials, hardness, residual stress). Creep deformation (primary and secondary creep, stress and temperature dependence, creep rupture). Introduction to fracture mechanics (Griffith criterion, stress intensity, fracture toughness, fatigue). Failure analysis. Hot and cold rolling of metals.
Module content:
Minerals processing in perspective (economic importance, economic nature of mineral deposits, mineral properties and analysis, mineral processing functions). Liberation analysis (importance and measurement of liberation; particle size analysis). Comminution (theories and principles, crushers, grinding mills). Screening and classification (industrial screening, cyclones). Concentration processes (gravity concentration, dense medium concentration). Froth flotation.
Module content:
Elements of metallurgical process control. Introduction to process instrumentation. Control loops, identification of controlled and manipulated variables and disturbances. Principles of proportional integral controller, tuning of PID controllers. Principles of steady-state and transient heat transfer. Transient and steady-state heat transfer in metallurgy (formation of freeze layers, heating and cooling of components). Introduction to the numerical solution to steady-state and transient heat transfer problems.
Module content:
Overview of pyrometallurgical process routes, types of reactions, and reactor designs. Review of relevant thermodynamic principles (equilibrium constants, Henrian and Raoultian activities and activity coefficients). Slag basicity and viscosity. Energy and reductants. Overview of pyrometallurgical separation principles (vapour-phase, solid-state and liquid-liquid routes). Examples of pyrometallurgical separation processes (ironmaking and steelmaking, sulphide smelting and converting, ferroalloys).
Module content:
*Attendance module only
During or at the end of the second year of study, students in Metallurgical Engineering undergo at least six weeks of prescribed training in industry. A satisfactory report on the practical training must be submitted to the Faculty Administration within one week of registration. In exceptional circumstances the prescribed minimum period can be reduced, as approved by the Dean.
Module content:
Introduction: Liquids and gases, pressure, viscosity, temperature. Fluid statics and pressure measurement. Introduction to control volume method for mass, momentum and energy conservation. Bernoulli equation. Flow in pipes and channels: friction coefficients and Reynolds number, pressure drop; laminar, turbulent and transitional flow.
Module content:
Classification, requirements and properties of refractory materials. Manufacturing principles. Specification and testing of refractory materials. The main refractory systems, i.e silica, aluminosilicates, alumina, magnesia, magnesia-chrome, magnesia-carbon, doloma, zircon, zirconia, silicon carbide and graphite, and their applications. Principles of ternary phase diagrams and their application in refractory systems, and interactions between slag, metal and refractory materials.
Minimum credits: 145
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.
Module content:
Extraction routes and the extractive metallurgy of metals such as gold, copper, zinc, manganese, nickel, cobalt, uranium and the platinum group elements, from ores and secondary sources. Application of thermodynamics and reaction kinetics (including laboratory kinetic data) in understanding and optimisation of extraction routes, and sizing of reactors. Environmental impact of processing routes.
Module content:
Thermodynamics and kinetics of electrochemical processes relevant to corrosion. Application of electrochemical techniques in corrosion. Theory and practice of corrosion phenomena such as uniform and localised forms of corrosion including crevice and pit corrosion, dealloying, sensitisation and environmentally assisted cracking. Mitigation of corrosion through materials selection, modification of the environment, and by the application of cathodic and anodic protection, and protective coatings.
Module content:
The sizing, application and efficiency determination of the most commonly used unit operations covering crushing, screening, classification, milling, gravity concentration, dense medium separation, magnetic separation and thickening.
Module content:
Philosophy of design and the design process; phases of plant design and their interrelationships. Principles of project planning and management. Unit and process design, simulation, economic evaluation and optimising as applicable to the metallurgical industry. Execution of a process design project, submission of a report, oral presentations and construction of a scale model.
Module content:
Introduction to welding and joining processes. Welding of carbon steels, stainless steels, aluminium and aluminium alloys. Development and qualification of welding procedure specifications. Liquid metal processing (casting processes, solidification of castings and mould design). Deformation processing (forging, extrusion and rolling), sheet metal processing and surface processing. The identification and prevention of defects.
Module content:
*Attendance module only
During or at the end of the third year of study, students in Metallurgical Engineering undergo at least six weeks of prescribed training in the industry. A satisfactory report on the practical training must be submitted to the department within one week of registration. In exceptional circumstances the prescribed minimum period can be reduced, as approved by the Chairman of the School of Engineering.
Module content:
Literature search (using electronic databases of publications, formulating search strategies). Hypothesis formulation and preliminary experimental planning (identifying research question and stating hypothesis, proposing critical experiments, evaluating feasibility of possible experimental approaches). Literature survey (critical evaluation of published information, synthesising available information into a coherent argument, written and oral reporting). Final experimental planning (formulation of experiments with attention to calibration, uncertainty, reliability and safety). Execution of a research project: experimentation (with attention to safety, reliability, calibration and reproducibility); analysis of results to yield data (with statistical analysis of uncertainty); interpretation of data (to test the stated hypothesis); written reporting of results (with updated literature survey, description of experimental approach, data obtained, conclusions, and scientific and industrial implications); oral and poster presentations.
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