EMT3701/101/0/2025
Tutorial Letter 101/0/2025
Engineering Materials Technology II
EMT3701
Year Module
Department of Mechanical, Bioresources and
Biomedical Engineering
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please register on myUnisa, activate your myLife e-mail account and
make sure that you have regular access to the myUnisa module
website, EMT3701-25-Y, as well as your group website.
Note: This is a fully online module. It is, therefore, available only on myUnisa.
BARCODE
CONTENTS
Page
1
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................4
2
MODULE OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................5
2.1
Purpose ........................................................................................................................................5
2.2
Outcomes .....................................................................................................................................5
3
CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION ........................................................................................... 5
4
LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS................................................................................... 6
4.1
Lecturer(s) ....................................................................................................................................6
4.2
Department ...................................................................................................................................6
4.3
University ......................................................................................................................................6
5
RESOURCES ...............................................................................................................................6
5.1
Prescribed book(s) ........................................................................................................................6
5.2
Recommended book(s) .................................................................................................................6
5.3
Electronic reserves (e-reserves) ................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4
Library services and resources ................................................................................................ 7
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STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................ 8
6.1
The Unisa First-Year Experience Programme ............................................................................... 8
6.2
Using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to apply for module credit within a qualification. ......... 9
7.
STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................................................. 10
8
HOW TO STUDY ONLINE .......................................................................................................... 11
8.1
What does it mean to study fully online? ..................................................................................... 11
9.
ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................................... 11
9.1
Assessment criteria..................................................................................................................... 11
9.2
Graduate Attributes ..................................................................................................................... 12
9.3
Assessment plan ........................................................................................................................ 12
9.4
Assessment/assignment due dates............................................................................................. 13
9.5
Submission of assessments/assignments ................................................................................... 13
9.5.1 Types of assignments and descriptions ......................................................................................... 14
9.6
The assessments/assignments ................................................................................................... 15
9.7
Other assessment methods ........................................................................................................ 16
9.8
The examination ......................................................................................................................... 16
9.8.1
Invigilation/proctoring .................................................................................................................. 16
10.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY ........................................................................................................ 17
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10.1
Plagiarism ................................................................................................................................... 17
10.2
Cheating ..................................................................................................................................... 17
10.3
For more information about plagiarism, follow the link below: ..................................................... 17
11.
STUDENTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES .................................................................................. 17
12.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................................ 18
13.
SOURCES CONSULTED ........................................................................................................... 18
14.
IN CLOSING ............................................................................................................................... 18
15.
ADDENDUM ............................................................................................................................... 18
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ANNEXURE 1: GRAPHICAL VIEW OF ENGINEERING QUALIFICATION ............................... 18
2
ANNEXURE 2: GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT GRADUATES ATTRIBUTES ADVANCED
DIPLOMA ................................................................................................................................... 19
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ANNEXURE 3: LIST OF GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES ADVANCED DIPLOMA ......................... 20
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ANNEXURE 4: GLOSSARY OF TERMS ................................................................................... 23
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1
INTRODUCTION
Dear Student
Unisa is a comprehensive open distance e-learning (CODeL) higher education institution. Our
comprehensive curricula encapsulate a range of offerings, from strictly vocational to strictly
academic certificates, diplomas and degrees. Unisa's "openness" and its distance eLearning
character result in many students who may not previously have had an opportunity to enrol in
higher education registering at the university. Our CODeL character implies that our
programmes are carefully planned and structured to ensure success for students, ranging from
the under-prepared but with potential to those who are sufficiently prepared.
Teaching and learning in a CODeL context involves multiple modes of delivery, ranging from
blended to fully online learning. As a default position, all post-graduate programmes are offered
fully online with no printed study materials, while undergraduate programmes are offered using
a blended mode of delivery where printed study materials are augmented with online teaching
and learning via the learner management system, myUnisa. In some instances, undergraduate
programmes are offered fully online as well.
Furthermore, our programmes are aligned with the vision, mission and values of the University.
Unisa's commitment to serving humanity and shaping futures – combined with a clear
appreciation of our location on the African continent – means that Unisa's graduates have
distinctive graduate qualities, which include:
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being independent, resilient, responsible and caring citizens able to fulfil and serve in
multiple roles in their immediate and future local, national and global communities
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having a critical understanding of their location on the African continent and taking
account of its histories, challenges and potential in relation to globally diverse contexts
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the ability to critically analyse and evaluate the credibility and usefulness of information
and data from multiple sources in a globalised world with ever-increasing information
and data flows and competing worldviews
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how to apply their discipline-specific knowledges competently, ethically and creatively
to solve real-life problems
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an awareness of their own learning and developmental needs and future potential
Whether a module is offered either as blended (meaning that we use a combination of printed
and online material to engage with you) or online (all information is available via the internet),
we use myUnisa as our virtual campus. This is an online system that is used to administer,
document and deliver educational material to you and support engagement with you. Look out
for information from your lecturer as well as other Unisa platforms to determine how to access
the virtual myUnisa module site. Information on the tools that will be available to engage with
your lecturer and fellow students to support your learning will also be communicated via various
platforms.
You are encouraged to log into the module site on myUnisa regularly (that is, at least twice per
week). [the module website code written out in full, eg MODULE CODE-25-Y].
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EMT3701/101/0/2025
Because this is a fully online module, you will need to use myUnisa to study and complete the
prescribed learning activities. Visit the website for EMT3701 on myUnisa frequently. The website
for your module is [the module website code written out in full, eg EMT3701-25-Y].
We wish you every success with your studies!
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MODULE OVERVIEW
2.1
Purpose
The module aims to develop the necessary knowledge and understanding of the importance of
composite materials in modern design and manufacturing processes. At the completion of the
module, the student will be able to practically apply material science technology principles to
broadly-defined engineering problems in all mechanisms, machine parts, and manufacturing
fields. To design and conduct experiments to analyze and interpret data related to the structure,
properties, processing, and performance of materials. And to apply theoretical knowledge to
design components, systems, and processes to meet the needs of the composites industry within
a set of realistic constraints, including economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health
and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
2.2
Outcomes
For this module, you will have to master several outcomes:
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Specific outcome 1: Apply engineering materials science and technology principles to
where composite materials are used.
Specific outcome 2: Produce design solutions using composite materials technologies.
Specific outcome 3: Conduct a minimum of three laboratory experiments relevant to the
composite materials technologies. This outcome is linked to Graduate Attribute 4. Without
CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION
Unisa has implemented a transformation charter that places curriculum transformation high on the
teaching and learning agenda. Curriculum transformation includes student-centred scholarship, the
pedagogical renewal of teaching and assessment practices, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and
the infusion of African epistemologies and philosophies. All of these are being phased in at both
programme and module levels. As a result of this, you will notice a marked change in the teaching and
learning strategy implemented by Unisa, together with the way in which the content is conceptualised in
your modules. We encourage you to embrace these changes during your studies at Unisa, responsively
and within the framework of transformation.
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LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS
4.1
Lecturer(s)
The primary lecturer for this module is [Mr. RD Murwamadala]:
Department: Department of Mechanical, Bioresources and Biomedical Engineering
Telephone: 011 471 3188
E-mail: murward@unisa.ac.za
The secondary lecturer for this module is [Prof. V Msomi]:
Department: Department of Mechanical, Bioresources and Biomedical Engineering
Telephone: 011 471 2446
E-mail: msomiv@unisa.ac.za
4.2
Department
You can contact the Department of Mechanical, Bioresources and Biomedical Engineering as
follows:
Telephone number: 011 471 2963
E-mail: nkambule@unisa.ac.za
4.3
University
Contact addresses of the various administrative departments appear on the Unisa website:
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Contact-us/Student-enquiries.
Please include your student number in all correspondence.
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RESOURCES
5.1
Prescribed book(s)
To access the reading materials please follow the following steps:
Go to: http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Find-e%E2%80%93resources
• Click on subjects
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Click on Engineering
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Click on Knovel
Ronald, FG. 2016. Principles of composite material mechanics. 4th edition. New York: CRC Press,
Taylor & Francis Group.
5.2
]
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Recommended book(s)
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Peters, ST. 1998. Handbook of composites. 2nd edition. London: Chapman & Hall.
•
Autar, KK. 2006. Mechanics of composite materials. 2nd edition. New York: CRC Press,
Taylor & Francis Group.
EMT3701/101/0/2025
Recommended material can be used as additional reading and can be requested online, via the
library catalogue.
5.3
Library services and resources
The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources and has made
numerous library guides available at http://libguides.unisa.ac.za
Recommended guides:
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For brief information on the library, go to https://www.unisa.ac.za/library/libatglance
For more detailed library information, go to
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library
For Frequently Asked Questions, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Frequently-Asked-Questions
For research support and services such as the Personal Librarian service and the
Information Search Librarian's Literature Search Request (on your research topic)
service, go to http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Libraryservices/Research-support
For library training for undergraduate students, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Training
For Lending Services, go
to https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Lendingservices
For Services for Postgraduate students, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Services-for-Postgraduates
For Support and Services for students with disabilities, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Services-for-students-withspecial-needs
For Library Technology Support, go to https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/techsupport
For information on finding and using library resources and tools, go to
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/Research_skills
For an A–Z list of library databases, go to https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/az.php
Important contact information:
Technical problems encountered in accessing library online services: Libhelp@unisa.ac.za
General library-related queries: Library-enquiries@unisa.ac.za
Queries related to library fines and payments: Library-fines@unisa.ac.za
Interlibrary loan service for postgraduate students: libr-ill@unisa.ac.za
Literature Search Service: Lib-search@unisa.ac.za
Social media channels: Facebook: UnisaLibrary and X Twitter: @UnisaLibrary
To view the Library orientation video – please click here :
Services Video_1_1 (2).mp4
Unisa Library and Information
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6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
The Study@Unisa brochure is available on myUnisa at www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies
This brochure contains important information and guidelines for successful studies through Unisa.
If you need assistance concerning the myModules system, you are welcome to use the following
contact details:
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Toll-free landline: 0800 00 1870 (Select option 07 for myModules)
E-mail: mymodule22@unisa.ac.za or myUnisaHelp@unisa.ac.za
You can access and view short videos on topics such as how to view your calendar, how to access
module content, how to view announcements for modules, how to submit assessments and how
to participate in forum activities by visiting https://dtls-qa.unisa.ac.za/course/view.php?id=32130
Registered Unisa students receive a free myLife e-mail account. Important information, notices
and updates are sent exclusively to this account.
Please claim your e-mail account immediately after registering at Unisa by following this link:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/static/myunisa/Content/Announcements/Documents/Claim-myUnisamyLife-Nov-2017.pdf
Note that it can take up to 24 hours for your account to be activated after you have claimed it.
Your myLife account is the only e-mail account recognised by Unisa for official correspondence
between you and the University and it will remain your official primary e-mail address on record
at Unisa.
You remain responsible for the management of this e-mail account.
6.1
The Unisa First-Year Experience Programme
Many students find the transition from school education to tertiary education stressful and this is often true
for students enrolling at Unisa for the first time. Unisa is a dedicated open distance and e-learning
institution and is very different from face-to-face/contact institutions. It is a mega university and all its
programmes are offered through either blended learning or fully online learning. For these reasons, we
offer first-time students additional/extended support to help them navigate the Unisa teaching and learning
journey seamlessly and with little difficulty and few barriers.
Unisa’s First-Year Experience (FYE) Programme has been specially designed to provide you with prompt
and helpful information about the services that the institution offers.
The following FYE services are currently available:
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Email Support
FYE Website
fye@unisa.ac.za
www.unisa.ac.za/FYE
PostRegistration
Orientation
FYE1500
Referrals to
other support
services
myUnisa; Study
Skills; Academic &
Digital Literacies;
etc
e.g. Counselling;
Reading & Writing
workshops
To ensure that you do not miss out on important academic and support communication from the
SRU, please check your myLife inbox regularly.
6.2
Using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to apply for module credit within a
qualification.
Now that you are a registered student, you are advised to familiarise yourself with the learning outcomes
of the module or modules you have chosen. If you have been exposed to those learning outcomes for
three years or more – either through work experience or other involvement – you can apply to be exempted
from completing assignments and writing examinations. As part of your application for this exemption, you
will be required to compile a portfolio of evidence substantiating how your experience is equivalent to the
learning outcomes. The diagram below shows the steps involved in obtaining recognition of prior learning
(RPL) for module credit. For more information on the process, RPL fees, and the contact details of your
college RPL coordinator, visit the Unisa website: www.unisa.ac.za/rpl
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7.
STUDY PLAN
After studying each chapter, attempt the example questions and practice questions will be
uploaded on the module site. It is highly recommended you work through these; also engage in
discussion with your etutor (if available), fellow class peers (e.g. through Whatsapp Groups or
Telegram, MS Teams) and your lecturer. A workbook with practice questions is also made
available on the module site.
The module is broken down into learning Units as below. The Week number given is a rough
guide and may change; this will be communicated by the lecturer.
Week 1 to 15
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Introduction to composites
Processing of composites
Week 16 to 20
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Properties of composites
Elastic behavior of composite lamina
Week 21 to 25
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Damage in composites
Fatigue of composites
Week 26 to 30
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Design of composites
Week 31 to 36
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Non-destructive testing of composites
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8 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE
8.1
What does it mean to study fully online?
9. ASSESSMENT
9.1
Assessment criteria
Specific outcomes
Assessment criteria
Evidence shows that the learner is competent in:
1
Apply engineering materials
science and technology
principles to where composite
materials are used.
• Using composite materials in engineering design and
manufacturing;
• Understanding the difference between the mechanical properties of
different composite materials such as polymer-matrix composites,
metal-matrix composites, ceramic-matrix composites, and hybrid
composites.
• Manufacturing processes and non-destructive testing of composite
materials;
Evidence shows that the learner is competent in:
• Using multi-play laminates, short-fibre composites,
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Produce design solutions using
composite materials
technologies
• Calculating the strength of fibre composites (tensile, compressive,
shear),
• Fracture and toughness of composites, The Griffith model of
fracture;
• Design of damage-tolerant composites, Fatigue behaviour of fibre
composites, Cumulative damage laws, Damage accumulation and
residual strength
Evidence shows that the learner is competent in:
• Correctly reading and recording the data of the experiment,
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Conduct a minimum of three
laboratory experiments relevant
to the Composite materials
technologies
• Producing a well-balanced laboratory report where the theoretical
background knowledge is integrated with the practical experiment
results,
• Correctly interpreting the experiment results.
The specific outcome of the module and the assessment criteria
used, are in line with the following ECSA defined Exit Levels
Outcomes (ELO) 2, 4, 6 and 7.
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9.2
Graduate Attributes
To maintain our programme/qualification accreditation, each programme must provide evidence
that our students are attaining key “attributes” as defined by the ENGINEERING COUNCIL of
SOUTH AFRICA (ECSA). As such it is important as a student that you are familiar with the ECSA
assessment criteria (graduate attributes). Please see the annexture regarding information about
graduate attributes.
Does your module have GA’s?
Which GA’s is covered in this module?
How will you measure the GA’s?
9.3
Assessment plan
School of Engineering is following a continuous assessment system. So, you will be able to
accumulate marks throughout the year.
The formative assessment for this module will be in the form of timed online tests and written
submissions via my. The major online tests will be 2 hours long with an additional 15 minutes
to download the test and 30 minutes to upload the answer script. There will be a total of two-timed
online tests plus one additional resubmission in the event you do not meet the passing mark.
There will also be two minor tests, these assessments will come before each test to guide students
on what is expected on the major tests.
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Your final mark will be calculated from a total of 4 assessments. All 4 assessments are
compulsory.
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To complete this module, you will be required to submit 4 assessments.
All information about when and where to submit your assessments will be made available
to you via the myModules site for your module.
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Due dates for assignments, as well as the actual assignments, will be available on the
myModules site for this module.
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Your continuous assessment mark allocation for this module is as follows:
Assessments
Contribution
Minor test 1 (online)
15%
Major test 1 (online)
35%
Minor test 2 (online)
15%
Major test 2 (online)
35%
Repeat minor tests
15%
Repeat major tests
35%
Total assessment
100%
contribution
9.4
Assessment/assignment due dates
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There are no assessment due dates included in this tutorial letter.
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Assessment due dates will be made available to you on the myUnisa landing page for this
module. We envisage that the due dates will be available to you upon registration.
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Please start working on your assessments as soon as you register for the module.
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Log on to the myUnisa site for this module to obtain more information on the due dates for
the submission of the assessments/assignments
9.5
Submission of assessments/assignments
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Unisa, as a comprehensive open distance e-learning institution (CODeL), is moving
towards becoming an online institution. You will see, therefore, that all your study material,
assessments and engagements with your lecturer and fellow students will take place
online. To facilitate this, we use myUnisa as our virtual campus.
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The myUnisa virtual campus offers students access to the myModules site, where
learning material is available online and where assessments should be completed.
Together, myUnisa and myModules form an online system that is used to administer,
13
document, and deliver educational material to students and support engagement between
those students and Unisa’s academics.
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The myUnisa platform can be accessed via https://my.unisa.ac.za. Click on the myModules
2025 button to access the online sites for the modules that you are registered for.
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The University undertakes to communicate clearly and as frequently as is necessary to
ensure that you obtain the greatest benefit from your use of the myModules learning
management system. Please access the Announcements on your myModules site
regularly, as this is where your lecturer will post important information to be shared with
you.
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When you access your myModules site for the module/s you are registered for, you will
see a welcome message posted by your lecturer. Below the welcome message you will
see the assessment shells for the assessments that you need to complete. Some
assessments may be multiple choice, some may be tests and others may be written
assessments/assignments, while some may be forum discussions and so on. All
assessments must be completed on the assessment shells available on the respective
module platforms.
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To complete quiz assessments, please log on to the module site where you need to
complete the assessment. Click on the relevant assessment shell (Assessment 1,
Assessment 2, etc.). There will be a date recorded there telling you when the assessment
will open for you. When the assessment is open, access the quiz online and complete it
within the time available to you. Quiz assessment questions are not included in this tutorial
letter (Tutorial Letter 101) and are made available online only. You must therefore access
and complete the quiz online where it has been created.
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It is not advisable to use a cellphone to complete quizzes and you should please use a
desktop computer, tablet or laptop for this task. Students who use cellphones find it difficult
to navigate the Online Assessment tool on the small screen and often struggle to navigate
between questions and successfully complete the quizzes. In addition, cellphones are
more vulnerable to dropped internet connections than other devices. If at all possible,
please do not use a cellphone for this assessment type.
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For written assessments/assignments, please note the due date by which your work must
be submitted. Ensure that you follow the guidelines given by your lecturer to complete the
assessment/assignment. Click on the submission button on the relevant assessment shell
on myModules. You will then be able to upload your written assessment to the myModules
site for the modules that you are registered for. Before you finalise the upload, doublecheck that you have selected the correct file for uploading. Remember, no marks can be
allocated for incorrectly submitted assessments/assignments.
9.5.1 Types of assignments and descriptions
All assignments are defined as either optional, mandatory, compulsory, or elective.
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I.
Elective assignments
- If not submitted, the student gets no mark for this item.
- The best of the required submissions will count.
Mandatory assignments
- If not submitted, the student gets no mark for this item.
Optional assignments – You are encouraged, as a student, to do optional
assignments in order to benefit your learning.
Elective assignments
a. The student is given a choice of which assignments within an identified group to submit
and only the best result/s, the number of which is specified in advance, will contribute
towards the year mark.
b. Elective assignments must be grouped into an elective group.
c. For the student to select which assignment to submit, the elective assignments must
be grouped together. For such an elective group, relevant information (such as how
many of the assignments must be submitted and how many of the assignment marks
should be combined into the year mark) will be supplied to you.
d. The selection criteria define how marks received for assignments in an elective group
are to be combined into the year mark. Three different criteria may be used for
calculating the year mark:
• The best mark should be used, or
• If the student submits fewer than the required number of assignments per
group, or no assignment in a group, a mark of 0% will be used.
• 0% is awarded to all non-submitted or unmarked assessments. A best mark is
then calculated from all the qualifying items submitted.
II. Mandatory assessments/assignments
a. Mandatory assessments/assignments contribute to the year mark.
b. If a student fails to submit a mandatory assignment, no mark is awarded and the year
mark is calculated accordingly. The student will therefore forfeit the marks attached to
such an assignment when the final mark for the module is calculated.
III. Optional assessments assignments – You are encouraged, as a student, to do
optional assessments/assignments in order to benefit your learning.
9.6
The assessments/assignments
As indicated in section 9.2, you need to complete 4 assessments for this module. Details of the
tasks set will appear on the assessments/assignments themselves.
There are no assignments/tests included in this tutorial letter. Tests and due dates will be
made available to you on myModules for this module.
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9.7
Other assessment methods
N/A
9.8
The examination
As indicated above School of Engineering and Built environment follow a continuous assessment
approach and there is
no exam for this module, but minor and major tests only. Major tests will be proctoring.
9.8.1
Invigilation/proctoring
Since 2020, Unisa has conducted all its assessments online. Given the stringent requirements
imposed by professional bodies, as well as increased solicitation of Unisa’s students by third
parties to unlawfully assist them with the completion of assignments and examinations, the
University is obliged to assure the integrity of its assessment integrity by using various proctoring
tools: Turnitin, Moodle Proctoring, the Invigilator App and IRIS. These tools authenticate the
student’s identity and flag suspicious behaviour to assure the credibility of their responses during
assessments. The description below is for your benefit as you may encounter any or all of these
in your registered modules:
Turnitin is plagiarism software that facilitates checks for originality in students’ submissions
against internal and external sources. Turnitin assists in identifying academic fraud and ghost
writing. Students are expected to submit typed responses when using the Turnitin software.
The Moodle Proctoring tool is facial recognition software that authenticates students’ identities
during their Quiz assessments. This tool requires access to a student’s mobile or laptop camera.
Students must ensure that their cameras are activated in their browser settings prior to starting
their assessments.
The Invigilator App is a mobile application-based service that verifies the identity of an
assessment participant. The Invigilator app detects student dishonesty-by-proxy and ensures that
the assessment participant is the student registered for the module concerned. This invigilation
tool requires students to download the app from the Google Play Store (Android devices), the
Huawei AppGallery (Huawei devices) or the Apple App Store (Apple devices) on their cameraenabled mobile devices prior to their assessment.
The IRIS Invigilation software verifies the identity of a student during assessment and provides
for both manual and automated facial verification. It can record and review a student’s
assessment session and it flags suspicious behaviour by the student for review by an academic
administrator. The IRIS software requires installation on students’ webcam-enabled laptop
devices. IRIS invigilation software is used for all CSET online examinations/tests. It is the
responsibility of students to ensure the software is working properly before the examination
session, and attendance of training.
Students who are identified and flagged for suspicious or dishonest behaviour arising from the
invigilation and proctoring reports will be referred to the disciplinary office for formal proceedings.
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Please note:
Students must refer to their module assessment information on their myModule sites to determine
which proctoring or invigilation tool will be used for their formative and summative assessments.
(For academics, it is mandatory to assist students in preparation of examination to be ready to
use IRIS. In CSET the Quiz assessment and written assessments (tests/exams) utilises the
utilises Turnitin tools, and IRIS software. Please note that you can only use Turnitin for typed
responses.)
10. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
10.1
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of taking the words, ideas and thoughts of others and presenting them as
your own. It is a form of theft. Plagiarism includes the following forms of academic dishonesty:
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10.2
Copying and pasting from any source without acknowledging that source.
Not including references or deliberately inserting incorrect bibliographic information.
Paraphrasing without acknowledging the source of the information.
Cheating
Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the following:
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Completing assessments on behalf of another student, copying the work of another
student during an assessment, or allowing another student to copy your work.
Using social media (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram) or other platforms to disseminate
assessment information.
Submitting corrupt or irrelevant files. (This matter is addressed in the examination
guidelines.)
Buying completed answers from so-called “tutors” or internet sites (contract cheating).
10.3 For more information about plagiarism, follow the link below:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/myunisa/default/Study-@-Unisa/Student-values-and-rules
11. STUDENTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES
The Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD) provides an
opportunity for staff to interact with first-time and returning students with disabilities.
If you are a student with a disability and would like additional support, or if you need additional
time for assignments/assessments, you are invited to contact (name and e-mail address of the
lecturer must be inserted) to discuss the assistance that you need.
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12.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
N/A
13.
SOURCES CONSULTED
N/A
14.
IN CLOSING
Do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail if you are experiencing problems with the content of this
tutorial letter or with any academic aspect of the module.
We wish you a fascinating and satisfying journey through the learning material, and trust that you
will complete the module successfully.
Enjoy the journey!
15.
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ADDENDUM
ANNEXURE 1: GRAPHICAL VIEW OF ENGINEERING QUALIFICATION
EMT3701/101/0/2025
2
ANNEXURE 2: GENERAL INFORMATION
ATTRIBUTES ADVANCED DIPLOMA
ABOUT
GRADUATES
The Advanced Diploma in XXX Engineering was designed considering the HEQSF document
from 2013 and the generic ECSA document “Qualification Standard for AdvancedDiploma in
Engineering: NQF Level 7; Document: E-05-PT; Rev 5”
Due to the extraordinary development of engineering knowledge and technology, there is a
need for defining a common denominator for the engineering qualifications in order to ensure
the mobility and global recognition. To this end, under the umbrella of International Engineering
Alliance (IEA), Sydney Accord was signed in 2001.
The Sydney Accord is an agreement for the international recognition of Engineering
Technologist qualifications.
For the Advanced Diploma qualifications, the Sydney Accord rules and regulations are
applicable
The following countries are the signatories of Sydney Accord.
•
Australia - (Engineers Australia, 2001)
•
Canada - (Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists, 2001)
•
Taiwan - (Institute of Engineering Education Taiwan, 2014)
•
Hong Kong - (The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, 2001)
•
Ireland - (Engineers Ireland, 2001)
•
Korea - (Accreditation Board for Engineering Education of Korea, 2013)
•
Malaysia - (Board of Engineers Malaysia, 2018)
•
New Zealand - (Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand, 2001)
•
South Africa - (Engineering Council of South Africa, 2001)
•
United Kingdom - (Engineering Council UK, 2001)
•
United States - (ABET, 2009)
•
Sri Lanka - (The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka)
Assurance of substantial equivalence through this agreement may enhance mutual exemption
between jurisdictions by leading to opportunities to streamline processes and procedures for the
recognition of competent individuals in other jurisdictions.
The agreement recognizes that there is substantial equivalence of programs accredited by
signatories. Graduates of accredited programs in any of the signatory countries are recognized
by the other signatory countries as having met the academic requirements for entry to the practice
of engineering.
The equivalency of the engineering programmes was possible through the introduction of
Graduate Attributes. Graduate Attributes are assessable outcomes, developed by the
signatories that give confidence that the educational objectives of programmes are being
achieved ensuring the quality of the programme.
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As the Graduate Attributes are “assessable outcomes”, each module part of the qualification, has
several Graduate Attributes attached to them and must be assessed in a measurable way, namely
through assignment or laboratory reports or projects or exams. Some Graduate Attributes may
be assessed via several measurable ways.
Since 2022 the Graduate Attributes (GAs) are assessed in design, practical, project and modules
and the total number of 11 Graduate Attributes will be assessed over the whole qualification.
. The qualification may be awarded only if:
•
the student has obtained the minimum of credits distributed in the knowledge areas defined
in the E – 05 – PT document,
•
The graduates of this qualification will be able to demonstrate competence in the Graduate
Attributes from 1 to 11 as defined in the E – 05 – PT document.
If the student is not declared competent in all 11 Graduate Attributes, he /she
will not be able to graduate, regardless of the credit obtained in the knowledge
areas.
Therefore, it is extremely important for the students to understand the importance of the
graduate attributes, as is the only measure of the substantial equivalency of engineering
technologist qualifications, between signatory countries.
3
ANNEXURE 3: LIST OF GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES ADVANCED DIPLOMA
The graduate attributes defined below are stated generically and may be assessed in various
engineering disciplinary or cross-disciplinary contexts in a provider-based or simulated practice
environment. Words and phrases having specific meaning are defined in this document or in
ECSA Document E-01-POL.
General Range Statement: The competencies defined in the eleven graduate attributes may be
demonstrated in a university-based, simulated workplace context. Competencies stated
generically may be assessed in various engineering disciplinary or cross-disciplinary contexts.
Level Descriptor: Broadly-defined engineering problems:
a) require coherent and detailed engineering knowledge underpinning the technology area; and
one or more of the characteristics
i) are ill-posed, under- or over specified, or requiring identification and interpretation into the
technology area.
ii) encompass systems within complex engineering systems.
iii) belong to families of problems which are solved in well-accepted but innovative ways
b) and their solutions have one or more of the characteristics:
i) can be solved by structured analysis techniques.
ii) may be partially outside standards and codes; must provide justification to operate outside.
iii) require information from practice area and source interfacing with the practice area that is
incomplete.
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EMT3701/101/0/2025
iv) involves a variety of issues which may impose conflicting needs and constraints; technical,
engineering and interested or affected parties
Graduate Attribute 1: Problem solving.
Identify, formulate, analyse and solve broadly-defined engineering problems
Graduate Attribute 2: Application of scientific and engineering knowledge
Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, engineering fundamentals and an
engineering speciality to solve broadly-defined engineering problems.
Level descriptor: Knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences is
characterized by:
• A knowledge of mathematics using formalism and oriented toward engineering analysis and
modelling; fundamental knowledge of natural science: both as relevant to a discipline or
recognised practice area.
• A coherent range of fundamental principles in engineering science and technology underlying
an engineering sub-discipline or recognised practice.
• A systematic body of established and emerging knowledge in specialist area or recognized
practice area; and
• The use of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences, supported by established
models, to aid solving broadly-defined engineering problems.
Range Statement: Mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences are applied in formal
analysis and modelling of engineering situations, and for reasoning about and conceptualizing
engineering problems.
Graduate Attribute 3: Engineering design
Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems,
engineering works, products or processes.
Range Statement: Design problems used in exit-level assessment must conform to the definition
of a broadly-defined engineering problem.
i) A major design problem should be used to provide evidence.
ii) The selection of components, systems, engineering works, products or processes to be
designed are dependent on the discipline or practice area
Graduate Attribute 4: Investigations, experiments and data analysis
Demonstrate competence to design and conduct investigations and experiments.
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Range Statement: The balance of investigation and experiment should be appropriate to the
discipline. Research methodology is to be applied in research or an investigation where the
student engages with selected knowledge in the research literature of the discipline.
Note: An investigation differs from a design in that the objective is to produce knowledge and
understanding of a phenomenon and a recommended course of action rather than specifying how
an artifact could be produced.
Graduate Attribute 5: Engineering methods, skills and tools, including information
technology.
Demonstrate competence to use appropriate engineering methods, skills and tools, including
those based on information technology.
Range Statement: A range of methods, skills and tools appropriate to the disciplinary designation
of the program including:
• Discipline-specific tools, processes or procedures.
• Computer packages for computation, modelling, simulation, and information handling.
• Computers and networks and information infrastructures for accessing, processing, managing,
and storing information to enhance personal productivity and teamwork
Graduate Attribute 6: Professional and technical communication
Demonstrate competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering
audiences and the community at large.
Range Statement: Material to be communicated is in an academic or simulated professional
context.
i) Audiences range from engineering peers, management and lay persons, using appropriate
academic or professional discourse.
ii) Written reports range from short (300-1000 words plus tables diagrams) to long (10 000 to 15
000 words plus tables, diagrams and appendices), covering material at exit-level.
iii) Methods of providing information include the conventional methods of the discipline, for
example engineering drawings, as well as subject- specific methods
Graduate Attribute 7: Sustainability and impact of engineering activity
Demonstrate critical awareness of the sustainability and impact of engineering activity on the
social, industrial and physical environment.
Range Statement: The combination of social, workplace (industrial) and physical environmental
factors must be appropriate to the discipline or other designation of the qualification.
Comprehension of the role of engineering in society and identified issues in engineering practice
in the discipline: health, safety and environmental protection; risk assessment and management
and the impacts of engineering activity: economic, social, cultural, environmental and
sustainability.
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EMT3701/101/0/2025
Graduate Attribute 8: Individual, team and multidisciplinary working
Demonstrate competence to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary
environments.
Range Statement: Multidisciplinary tasks require co-operation across at least one disciplinary
boundary. Co-operating disciplines may be engineering disciplines with different fundamental
bases other than that of the programme or may be outside engineering.
Graduate Attribute 9: Independent learning ability
Demonstrate competence to engage in independent learning through well-developed learning
skills.
Range Statement: Operate independently in complex, ill-defined contexts requiring personal
responsibility and initiative, accurately self-evaluate and take responsibility for learning
requirements; be aware of social and ethical implications of applying knowledge in particular
contexts.
Graduate Attribute 10: Engineering professionalism
Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically and to exercise
judgment and take responsibility within own limits of competence.
Range Statement: Evidence includes case studies typical of engineering practice situations in
which the graduate is likely to participate. Ethics and the professional responsibility of an engineer
and the contextual knowledge specified in the range statement of Graduate Attribute 7 is generally
applicable here.
Graduate Attribute 11: Engineering management
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and economic
decision-making.
Range Statement: Basic techniques from economics, business management; project
management applied to one’s own work, as a member and leader in a team, to manage projects
and in multidisciplinary environments.
References
Qualification Standard for Advance Diploma in Engineering: NQF Level 7 E-05-PT
REVISION No. 5: 01 September 2020. Available via www.ecsa.co.za
4 ANNEXURE 4: GLOSSARY OF TERMS
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Unisa 2025
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