Durban University of Technology

BTech Biotechnology; DTech Biotechnology

The focus is on generation of knowledge and expertise by developing state-of-the-art knowledge and skills to produce quality manpower needed in biotechnology and related fields for societal and industrial benefit. The programmes are driven by the development of theoretical knowledge base as well as the business needs of the biotechnology sector with a flexible model where the course content continuously evolves to keep pace with the rapid changes in the industry without compromising on the basic tools in the area.

The programme has well-established research groups led by nationally-rated researchers. The three primary research areas in the Biotechnology programme are Enzyme Technology, Plant Biotechnology, Water and Wastewater Research. The Masters and Doctoral qualifications prepare students to conduct scientific research in a chosen specialisation and to contribute to knowledge production. Persons achieving these qualifications will be competent scientific researchers who can work independently in developing and applying knowledge and skills to make an original contribution to the global knowledge.

Microbial Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry

Persons achieving this qualification will be competent in applying theoretical and practical fundamental knowledge and skills in the fields of biotechnology, microbiology and biochemistry in the relevant biotechnology industries and research institutions. They will have skills to be employed by a range of research, government and industrial sector employers. On completion of the qualification the student will be able to register with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as a certified Natural Scientist.

yes

full time

Students achieving the Masters qualification will be able to conduct scientific research under minimal guidance in a chosen field, and to contribute to knowledge production in that field. The research problem, its justification, process and outcome are reported in a dissertation which complies with the generally-accepted norms for research at this level. In addition, oral presentations and peer-reviewed publications are required.

full time, part time

B Tech: Chemistry; DTech: Chemistry

The Department’s quality assurance is done through regular meetings of separate Subject Committees for each of the following sections: Analytical Chemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry including First Year Subject Committee. Issues pertaining to the subject matter are adequately addressed and Subject Review Reports are compiled after each examination. Strategies to improve teaching and learning includes tutorship programme to work with at risk students and Induction programme for new staff where innovation in teaching, learning and assessment is emphasised.

The Department of Chemistry has identified Teaching, Research and Community Engagement as the 3 key drivers for a sustainable futurein and its strategic focus areas. Computational Modelling, Ionic Liquids and Synthetic Organic Chemistry are the 3 main areas of research which encapsulate the current research profile and trends in Chemistry. Research has grown from fundamental to applied studies with a growing corps of postdocs with national and international collaborations.

BioAnalytical Chemistry, Phicisal Organic Chemistry, Computational Chemistry and Molecular Modelling

This course is designed to meet the human resource needs of the chemical and allied industries and educational institutions by providing nationally and internationally recognized tertiary education and training to learners. Diplomates of this course can obtain employment as chemical laboratory technicians in quality control, research and development or teaching laboratories.

yes

full time

This course will give students the ability to use scientific literature, make informed decisions on the choice of methods or instruments for solving a given problem, communicate ideas, and disseminate results of scientific investigations. Students are expected to complete a research project and submit a dissertation. It is an advanced course aimed at supplementing the in-depth education of the different aspects of chemistry and modern instrumental analysis.

full time, part time

Teaching and learning are conducted through formal lectures, laboratory demonstrations, self managed learning tutorial, self directed learning through standard tents and specifications prepared materials. On-line materials, videos, blackboard are also used in teaching and learning

The department conducts research in the following areas : HVDC and HVAC, renewable energy and microgrod, power system modelling and protetoms. Modelling and analysis of dynamic behaviour of transmission line conductors

Electrical Machines, Power Systems, Renewable Energy

This qualification is intended for persons who will make a contribution, through research, to understanding the application and evaluation of existing knowledge in a specialized area of technology. They will also demonstrate a high level of overall knowledge in that area, ranging from fundamental concepts to advanced theoretical or applied knowledge.

yes

full time, part time

This qualification is designed for the development of engineering technicians. A graduate with this qualification will be competent to apply technical knowledge, engineering principles and problem-solving techniques in the field of Electrical Engineering by operating within the relevant standards and codes in collaboration with other members of the engineering team.

yes

full time

To provide a career oriented education that will prepare students in the field of instrumentation and control engineering. The engineering profession contributes to the technical, social, economic and environmental infrastructure of the country leading to socio-economic growth. The qualification is designed for the development of engineering technicians. A graduate will be competent to apply technical knowledge, engineering principles and problem solving techniques by operating within the relevant standards and codes. Also work independently as a member of a team.

The department has established 5 areas namely:- Radio astronomy, Applied Computational Intelligence and process optimisation, Qfree (logistics and traffic handling), next generation networking group (wireless and networking) renewable energy (collaboration with the department of physics at DUT)

Instrumentation and Control, Communication Engineering, Computer Systems

It deals with specific areas comprising of instrumentation and control, electronic communication and computer systems. Prospective students can branch into a wide range of research areas such as electronic communication, image processing, robotics, aerospace engineering and automotive, just to mention a few. Interdisciplinary fields of study are:- Bio-medical engineering, marine engineering, gas and oil industry, astronomy instrumentation

yes

full time

Teaching and learning is mainly done by lectures. Some subjects have practicals undertaken in laboratories for which written reports are required. The main design subject is project driven whereby students undertake a design and produce a thesis report on it.

Research is undertaken in various fields, the main thrust being reinforced and moulded plastics as well as nanotechnology. Other areas include systems modelling and energy use. There are 4 professors in the department who drive this research. Several other department members are busy with PhDs in the associated fields.

Design, Mechatronics,

Students who have successfully completed the Master of Engineering degree should: Be capable of assimilating and evaluating appropriate literature and resources to the field of study; Be capable of determining and stating the objectives of a specific research topic and planning an appropriate strategy to reach the objectives; Efficiently expedite the research strategy in order to generate an effective solution; Be capable of evaluating the quality of the solution in terms of the stated objectives.

yes

full time, part time

Persons achieving this qualification will be able to, independently, as well as under supervision, integrate analytical and practical engineering techniques and engineering knowledge to solve well-defined and open-ended engineering problems. They will also be able to select criteria to judge processes and outcomes. This qualification is intended for engineering practitioners in industry.Completion of this accredited qualification may enable the diplomat to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa as a Candidate Mechanical Engineering Technician.

yes

full time

The department ensures that diverse learning activities are infused into the programme, ranging from “chalk and talk” sessions to interactive syndicated learning activities. Students are encouraged to participate in activities from attending formalised guest lectures to industrial site visits and hands on workshop activities. Project based learning activities require students to work in groups, engaging in use of computer facilities to generating technical reports. An assessment plan ensures various techniques and a balanced workload is incorporated into the delivery.

Research at the department is practical and problem based. The fields that are covered include: 1) Lean Manufacturing 2) Process simulation 3) Scheduling 4) Ergonomics and Work Measurement 5) Engineering Education

www.dut.ac.za

Lean Manufacturing, Process Simulation, Quality

Student will be competent in applying Operations Management techniques and strategies resulting in effectiveness and productivity in industry. The program focuses on process and system optimisation and has a strong alignment to the manufacturing sector. At this level there is no area of specialisation however there is a strong focus on the understanding of the human/machine interface at the workplace and how this interface adds values to the organisation. Research based practical activities are conducted which is relevant to workplace expectation.

yes

full time