Vaal University Of Technology Chemical Engineering, The Department of Chemical Engineering welcomes you to the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the Vaal University of Technology. This is one of the leading chemical engineering departments in South Africa producing readily employable graduates. The undergradute programmes in the department of chemical engineering are New Diploma and Bachelors of Technology (B.Tech). Both programs are accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), which is a statutory body established in terms of the Engineering Profession Act (EPA), 46 of 2000. ECSA is a signatory to international accords including the Washington Accord, the Sydney Accord and the Dublin Accord. All postgraduates programmes (M.Tech, M.Eng and Ph.D) are by research.
The department has two campuses situated in Vanderbijlpark and Secunda. The programmes at Vanderbijlpark campus are for full time students and ones at Secunda campus are for both part-time and full-time students. The department strives towards integration of existing knowledge with new knowledge and to afford the learner the ability to:
• Think logically, sytematically and visualise concepts;
• Develop entrenpreneural skills
• Apply chemical engineering principles in efforts to solve community based, national and global problems.
• Make a positive contribution to the field of chemical engineering once you have completed your studies.
• Work at the forefront of innovative technology and engineering science research
What is Chemical Engineering?
Chemical engineering is the science and technology concerning process design and the manufacturing of products economically from raw materials in a sustainable, environmentally benign and safe way. The foundamental laws upon which chemical engineering is anchored are laws of conservation of mass, momentum and energy. The two key subjects required to do chemical engineering in this department are Mathematics and Physical Science (Chemistry and Physics) in addition to other relevant subjects.
Vision
To be a leading chemical engineering department of choice, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that are designed to promote innovative thinking to address real-life and emerging challenges.
Mission
• To prepare students for life-long learning as they apply chemical engineering principles to solve basic and complex environmental, industrial and fundamental problems.
• To develop and implement programmes that equip students with skills and competencies required to promote sustainable growth through developmenet of processes, products and technologies that improve quality of life in Africa.
Programmes offered
The following programmes are currently offered in the department:
1. New Diploma (From January 2017)
2. Bachelors of Technology (B.Tech)
3. Masters of Technology (M.Tech) and Mastersof Engineering (MEng)
4. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
Research
All postgraduate programmes are by research only. The research focus areas include nanotechnology, water & wastewater management, simulation and modelling, renewable energy, coal processing, green technology and hydrometallury. Some of the research focus areas are linked to projects in the Centre for Renewable Energy and Water (CREW).
Chemical Engineering – Course & Programmes
National Diploma: Engineering: Chemical
Program Structure
Three year full time qualification:
Two years (four semesters S1 to S4) at the Vaal University of Technology
One year (two semesters P1 and P2) Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
Purpose of the National Diploma: Engineering: Chemical
The purpose of the qualification National Diploma: Engineering: Chemical is to develop the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills required for the student’s further learning towards becoming a competent practicing Chemical Engineering Technician. It is intended to subsequently empower candidate Engineering Technicians to demonstrate that they are capable of applying their acquired knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and values in the work environments in South Africa. It is designed also to add value to the qualifying student in terms of enrichment of the person, status and recognition.
The qualified technician may find himself / herself as a member of an engineering team which may consist of engineers, scientists, artisans, process personnel, technologists and technicians from other disciplines. Functions may include the commissioning and maintenance of chemical plants, process control, design and development, optimising of chemical processes, quality control over the products of the manufacturing processes, feasibility studies and a variety of tasks related to the chemical process industry.
Career Opportunities
A profession in the field of Chemical Engineering offers a challenging and exciting career in both the private and public sectors. There is a continuous demand for trained manpower in the field of Chemical Engineering. Job designations may vary from production foremen, area superintendents, line managers and various others within several branches of heavy, light and general types of industries where the services and expertise of such persons are required.
The qualified technician may find himself / herself as a member of an engineering team which may consist of engineers, scientists, artisans, process personnel, technologists and technicians from other disciplines. Functions may include the commissioning and maintenance of chemical plants, process control, design and development, optimising of chemical processes, quality control over the products of the manufacturing processes, feasibility studies and a variety of tasks related to the chemical process industry.
Semester 1
| Code | Subject Name | Prerequisite |
| EHTCI1B | Chemical Engineering Drawing | None |
| AMATH1E | Mathematics 1 | None |
| APFSG1A | Physics 1 | None |
| HKEDL1A | EDL | None |
| AEREV1B | Computer Skills | None |
| AACHA1C | Chemistry 1 | None |
| HKACX1A | Applied Communication Skills 1.1 | None |
Semester 2
| Code | Subject Name | Prerequisite | Code |
| EHCIT2B | Chemical Engineering Technology 2 | Mathematics 1 | AMATH1E |
| HKACY1A | Applied Communication Skills 1.2 | None | None |
| AAICC2C | Inorganic Chemistry | Chemistry 1 | AACHA1C |
| AAOCC2B | Organic Chemistry | Chemistry 1 | AACHA1C |
| AAFCC2B | Physical Chemistry | Chemistry 1 | AACHAIC |
| AACPE2A | Chemistry Practical | Chemistry 1 | AACHA1C |
| AMATH2E | Mathematics 2 | Mathematics 1 | AMATH1E |
| APPHP2A | Physics Theory 2 | Physics 1 | APFSG1A |
| APPHT2A | Physics Practical | Physics 1 | APFSG1A |
Semester 3
| Code | Subject Name | Prerequisite | Code |
| EHCPA2B | Process Industries | None | None |
| EEESX1A | Entrepreneurial Skills: Module 1 | None | None |
| EHTCE3B | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | Chemical Engineering Technology 2 | EHCIT2B |
| EHCIX3C | Chemical Technology 3.1 | AAFCC2B | |
| EHCAX3D | Chemical Plant 3.1 | Chemical Engineering Technology 2 | EHCIT2B |
| BHMSX1A | Management Skills 1A | None | None |
| HKACX2A | Applied Communication Skills 2.1 | None | None |
| Applied Communication Skills 1.1 | HKACX1A | ||
| Applied Communication Skills 1.2 | HKACY1A |
Semester 4
| Code | Subject Name | Prerequisite | Code |
| EHCPB3B | Chemical Process Design: Principles 3 | Chemical Technology 3.1 | EHCIX3C |
| EEESY1A | Entrepreneurial Skills: Module 2 | None | None |
| EHTTA3C | Thermodynamics: Applied 3 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | EHCTE3B |
| EHCIY3C | Chemical Technology 3.2 | Chemical Technology 3.1 | EHCIX3C |
| EHCAY3C | Chemical Plant 3.2 | Chemical Plant 3.1 | EHCAX3C |
| BHMSX1A | Management Skills 1B | Management Skills 1A | BHMSX1A |
| EHPBH3B | Process Control (S4) | Mathematics 2 | AMATH2E |
| Chemical Engineering Technology 2 | EHCIT2B | ||
| HKACY2A | Applied Communication Skills 2.1 | Applied Communication Skills 1.1 | HKACX1A |
| Applied Communication Skills 1.2 | HKACY1A |
Course & Programmes
National Diploma: Engineering: Chemical
Program Structure
Three year full time qualification:
Two years (four semesters S1 to S4) at the Vaal University of Technology
One year (two semesters P1 and P2) Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
Purpose of the National Diploma: Engineering: Chemical
The purpose of the qualification National Diploma: Engineering: Chemical is to develop the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills required for the student’s further learning towards becoming a competent practicing Chemical Engineering Technician. It is intended to subsequently empower candidate Engineering Technicians to demonstrate that they are capable of applying their acquired knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and values in the work environments in South Africa. It is designed also to add value to the qualifying student in terms of enrichment of the person, status and recognition.
The qualified technician may find himself / herself as a member of an engineering team which may consist of engineers, scientists, artisans, process personnel, technologists and technicians from other disciplines. Functions may include the commissioning and maintenance of chemical plants, process control, design and development, optimising of chemical processes, quality control over the products of the manufacturing processes, feasibility studies and a variety of tasks related to the chemical process industry.
Career Opportunities
A profession in the field of Chemical Engineering offers a challenging and exciting career in both the private and public sectors. There is a continuous demand for trained manpower in the field of Chemical Engineering. Job designations may vary from production foremen, area superintendents, line managers and various others within several branches of heavy, light and general types of industries where the services and expertise of such persons are required.
The qualified technician may find himself / herself as a member of an engineering team which may consist of engineers, scientists, artisans, process personnel, technologists and technicians from other disciplines. Functions may include the commissioning and maintenance of chemical plants, process control, design and development, optimising of chemical processes, quality control over the products of the manufacturing processes, feasibility studies and a variety of tasks related to the chemical process industry.
Semester 1 & 2
| Code | Subject Name | Prerequisite | Code |
| EHPBH4A | Process Control 4 | Done or enrolled for | AMISS3A |
| EHCIX4A | Fluid Flow 4 | None | |
| AMISS3A | Mathematics 3 | None | |
| EHPIC4A | Production Engineering 4 | None | |
| EHCPX4A | Equipment Design 4 | None | |
| EHCIP4A | BTech Project | None | |
| EHCIY4A | Heat and Mass Transfer 4 | None | |
| EHCPY4A | Plant Design | Equipment Design 4 | EHCPX4A |
| EHRTN4A | Reactor Technology 4 | None | |
| EHCIZ4A | Unit Operations 4 | None |
Magister Technologiae: Engineering: Chemical
This qualification is offered at the Vanderbijlpark campus only.
Programme Structure
At least one year full time research, concluded with a Masters Dissertation.
Purpose of the Magister Technologiae: Engineering: Chemical
The purpose of this qualification is to develop a student into a researcher, able to conduct independent research with minimum guidance in a chosen field of Chemical Engineering. The outcomes of the research will contribute to knowledge production in the specialisation field. It is also promotes a lifelong learning approach and an aptitude for training other students in similar fields. (also see paragraph 4.3)
Admission Requirements
Baccalaureus Technologiae: Engineering: Chemical.
Proof of successful completion of a Vaal University of Technology approved course in Research Methodology.
Ad hoc cases will be treated on merit.
Assessment
The department follows the assessment strategy of formal written examination. The year mark is compiled from a series of not less than three tests and / or a practical mark. The year mark for admittance to the formal examination is 50%. Weights for calculating the year mark as well as the final mark will be reflected in the Learning Guide. All tests, assignments and practical work done during a particular semester, will help learners learn and understand the work.
Some subjects follow the assessment strategies of Continuous Assessment (CASS). All marks obtained during the semester will make up the learner’s final mark. Each Learning Guide will indicate which tests and activities will contribute according to a pre-determined weight, to the final mark.
Work Integrated Learning
The National Diploma: Engineering: Chemical has a formal Work Integrated Learning component of twelve months. This takes place at a Vaal University of Technology accredited employer (company). The student has the responsibility of finding suitable placement after which the student will register for the two semesters of practical. In co-operation with a mentor, the learner will provide progress reports at regular intervals.