PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

The purpose of the degree is to develop knowledge, skills, and competencies in the field of Electrical and Electronic Engineering that are relevant to various entrepreneurial and employment opportunities in Zimbabwe, regionally and globally. It is also to prepare students for specialist higher degree studies within the field and to be able to achieve a high level of environmental consciousness in the field.

2. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry

For normal entry the candidates should have:

            (i) Passed at least 5 subjects at Ordinary Level including Mathematics, English and Combined Science or equivalent.

            (ii) At least two Advanced Level passes; Mathematics, Physics and any other relevant science subject.

Special Entry

For special entry candidates should:

(i) Have passed at least 5 subjects at Ordinary Level including Mathematics, English and Combined Science or equivalent.

(ii) Hold at least a National Diploma in an approved Engineering field or any other recognized equivalent. Candidates may be invited for an interview or entrance examination.

 

3. PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of Study: Electrical Power Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Communication and Network Engineering, Environmental Sustainability, Energy Management and Auditing

Specialist Focus: Electrical power engineering and Electronic engineering

Orientation:    

Integrated Electrical/Electronic problem-solving, using knowledge and practical skills for research, innovation, industrialization, commercialization and community service

Distinctive Features: The programme focuses on the production of research and development orientated engineers who are able to solve electrical or electronic engineering problems to achieve sustainable economic development, and empowerment of society through the application of sound theoretical and practical knowledge.   

4. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Employability: Electrical and Electronic engineering graduates find employment as Electrical engineers, Electronic engineers, Energy Auditors, Energy Consultants, Power Plant Engineers, Communication Engineers, Renewable Energy Engineers, Control system Engineers, Electrical/Energy Projects Managers, Process Design Engineers, Electrical Transmission and Distribution Engineers, Electrical/Electronic Techno-preneurs.

Further Studies: Masters’ and Doctoral studies applied to the Electrical, Electronic and Energy Engineering

Level 1 Semester 1

Code	Module Description	Prerequisite	Credits
HMTE111	Engineering Mathematics I		12
HFEE112	Engineering Drawing		15
CSENG131	Communication Skills		6
HFEE113	Computer Applications for Engineers		12
HEEE111	Introduction to Electrical Engineering		12
HEEE112	Introduction to Electronic Engineering		12

Level 1 Semester 2

Code	Module Description	Prerequisite	Credits
HMTE122	Engineering Mathematics II	HMTE111	12
HFEE122	Computer Programming		12
HEEE121	Workshop Practice		12
HEEE122	Power Electronics	HEEE112	12
HEEE123	Electrical Engineering Technology	HEEE111	12
HEEE124	Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution Networks	HEEE111	12

Level 2 Semester 1

Code	Module Description	Prerequisite	Credits
HMTE211	Engineering Mathematics III	HMTE111, HMTE122	12
HEEE211	Electrical Engineering Design and Materials	HEEE111, HEEE123	12
HEEE212	Analogue Electronics	HEEE112	12
HEEE213	Digital Electronics	HEEE112	12
ENT215	Entrepreneurship		12
GS212	Introduction to Gender Studies		6

Level 2 Semester 2

Code	Module Description	Prerequisite	Credits
HFEE221	Engineering Statistics	HMTE111	12
HEEE221	Process Control and Instrumentation Systems		12
HEEE222	Embedded Systems I	HEEE213	12
HEEE223	Signals and Systems I	HEEE212	12
HEEE224	Electronics Innovation Project		12

Level 3 Semester 1

Code	Module Description	Prerequisite	Credits
HEEE311	Embedded Systems II	HEEE222	12
HEEE312	Signals and Systems II	HEEE223	12
HEEE313	Electromagnetic Engineering		12
HEEE314	Electrical Machines and Drives		12
HFEE314	Research Methods and Technical Writing		12

Level 3 Semester 2

Code	Module Description	Prerequisite	Credits
HEEE321	Control Systems Engineering	HEEE221	12
HEEE322	Electrical Power Systems	HEEE314	12
HEEE323	Advanced Electrical Networks	HEEE111	12
HEEE324	Communication Engineering		12
HEEE325	Electrical Power Innovation Project		12

Level 4: Work-Related Learning

Semester 1:

Code	Module Description	Credits
HEEE400	Work-Related Learning Placement Report	10

Semester 2:

Code	Module Description	Credits
HEEE401	Academic Supervisors’ Report	45
HEEE402	Employer’s Assessment Report	30
HEEE403	Student’s Industrial Report	35

Level 5 Semester 1

Code	Module Description	Prerequisite	Credits
HFEE512	Project Management		12
HFEE513	Power Systems Analysis		12
HEEE511	Modelling and Simulation of Electrical and Electronic Systems		12
HEEE512	Digital Signal Processing	HEEE213	12
HEEE513	Communication and Network Engineering		12

Level 5 Semester 2

Code	Module Description	Prerequisite	Credits
HEEE521	Mobile and Wireless Networks		12
HEEE522	Microwave Engineering		12
HEEEXXX	Elective		12
HEEE525	Design and Make Project

Electives:

Code	Module Description	Credits
HEEE523	Power Plant Technology	12
HEEE524	Advanced Power Electronics	12
HFEE511	Energy Management and Auditing	12

 

MODULE SYNOPSES

HMTE111 Engineering Mathematics I

This module seeks to enhance basic Mathematics concepts: Linear algebra, specifically, matrices manipulations, linear independence; linear transformations, projection, orthogonality, systems of linear equations and Gaussian elimination, among other components. It also explores a deeper understanding of vector calculus and the three major engineering mathematics theorems: Green’s theorem, Gauss’s theorem, and Stoke’s theorem.

HFEE112 Engineering Drawing  

This module is designed to familiarise students with Engineering Drawing standards as a means of communication. It covers the use of drawing instruments and lettering; drawing standards and conventions, geometrical construction and geometrical tolerances. It also introduces projection methods: First and third angle orthographic projections, sectional views, ISO conventions in sectioning and elementary assembly drawing.

 

CSENG131 Communication Skills

This module focuses on equipping students with communication skills. In particular, this module teaches pre-writing skills, writing skills, essay construction, scientific, and technical writing skills. In the process, students are equipped with reflective, critical evaluation, and teamwork skills.  

 

HFEE113 Computer Applications for Engineers

This module focuses on design and development of solvers and their application using spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel). It covers knowledge and practice of the production of system integration, production planning, database design and process optimization. Students are also exposed to MATLAB fundamentals and MATLAB Operations (variable, plotting, polynomials, interpolation, derivatives and integrals, matrices, programming and optimization). The module will also familiarise students to computer systems; microcomputers and network environments including introduction to computer programming.

 

HEEE111 Introduction to Electrical Engineering

This module introduces the students to the fundamentals of electricity, theoretical solutions and practical applications of network theorems on DC circuits, symbolic notation and AC circuits, magnetic field theory and their significance in engineering. It also aims at introducing the principle of single phase and three phase ac systems. The module equips students with skills to apply DC circuit transients, Single phase transformers, the tariff system, DC and AC machine technology.

 

HEEE112 Introduction to Electronic Engineering

This module introduces students to the fundamentals of electronic engineering. It covers the importance of the electron in the creation of electricity, to include current, voltage and power. It also gives students an opportunity to explore the design and application of passive components, which include resistors, capacitors and inductors. Furthermore, the theory and application of semiconductor devices is covered. Students also learn and apply digital and analogue integrated circuits.

HMTE122 Engineering Mathematics II

This module focuses on theory and practical application of first and second order Differential Equations (ODEs) to engineering, Fourier analysis: Functions, coefficients, integrals, multiple integrals, frequency shift and the Convolution theorem, Laplace Transforms, solution of first and second order ODEs. The module also introduces students to periodic functions.

 

HFEE122 Computer Programming

This module fosters students’ in-depth knowledge and practice of object-oriented programming (Programming fundamentals, Operators, Condition statements, Loops, Functions, Pointers, Arrays and Data Structures). In the process, students develop energy-related programs encompassing program structure, input, output and organization, and execution of conditional and repetitive operations. Students are also exposed to the use of functions, classes, objects, and numerical and non-numerical algorithms for sorting and searching of data.

 

HEEE121 Workshop Practice

This module equips students with knowledge and skills in SHEQ issues, HIRA procedure, employer/employee and the engineer’s responsibilities. It also develops design skills in analogue, digital and power electronic circuits, including advanced analytical, CAD, simulation and design software. It also equips students with skills on pcb development using modern methods. The module also covers domestic and industrial electrical circuit design, protection and electrical management systems. Students are also exposed to PLC programming and wiring including SCADA systems.

HEEE122 Power Electronics

This module focuses on the concepts and applications of power electronics in the electrical and electronic field. It covers the characteristics of power electronic devices, power losses and thermal design. It also covers types of power converters and their principle operation, to include AC-DC, AC -AC, DC-DC, switched mode converters, Inverters, Voltage and current source converters. It also explores power supplies, commutation techniques, advanced energy efficient motor drives, modulation methods and system design and control.

HEEE123 Electrical Engineering Technology

This module further develops students’ knowledge and skills in electrical engineering technology. It covers symbolic notation and its application on electrical ac circuits, application of advanced network theorems and circuit analysis. The module further develops students’ understanding in electric fields, electromagnetic principles, transient analysis, complex waveforms and measuring instruments. The module also introduces reliability of components, transmission lines, attenuators, filters and two port networks. It also covers solar PV technology.

 

HEEE124 Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Networks

This module aims to develop an advanced understanding of power generation, transmission and distribution networks. It covers in detail, generation, transmission and distribution, electrical loads and load forecasting. It also covers the design of overhead lines, cables and substations. Furthermore, it covers renewable energy generation, distributed generation, smart grids, power system protection, high voltage engineering, power system reliability and power quality, delivery process and pricing.

HMTE211 Engineering Mathematics III

The module covers inverse transforms and Z-Transforms: Sequences, inverse transformations and their application to control engineering problems. Introduction to numerical methods; Computer arithmetic and rounding errors; Numerical methods for root-finding; Polynomial interpolation and splines; Solution for linear algebraic equations; Numerical integration and differentiation; Numerical integration of ODEs; Euler and second order; Runge-Kutta methods.

 

HEEE211 Electrical Engineering Design and Materials

This module explores phases of the design process and considerations, alongside electrical materials technology. The module explores crystal structure of materials, types of electrical materials, dielectric and magnetic properties, and characteristics of electrical materials.

It covers computer aided design of electrical and electronic machines, transmission and distribution lines, insulators, lightning arrestor systems, surge diverters and impulse generators. It also covers domestic and industrial circuit design.

HEEE212 Analogue Electronics

This module aims to give students a sound background in analogue electronics design which help students understand, analyse and design circuits involving analogue electronic components and parts. It also covers rectifier circuits, wave-shaping circuits, linear small-signal equivalent circuits and bipolar junction transistors. The module also provides an analysis of amplifier circuits, current and voltage relationships, integrators and differentiators, Wheatstone Bridge, frequency response and active filter RLC circuits to include Butterworth filter design.

 

HEEE213 Digital Electronics

This module develops understanding of digital electronics to include logic families, numerical systems, Boolean algebra, logic gate behaviour, representation of logic expressions and simplifying methods. It also covers combinational logic: decoders, multiplexers and adders. The module also covers sequential logic: Flip Flops, registers, counters, RAM and ROM. The application of digital electronics to computer data path control is also covered.

 

ENT215 Entrepreneurship

This module seeks to equip students with entrepreneurship skills to guide them on business fundamentals which include businesses development, marketing, management, human resources, pricing, taxation of business, and government policies. Students acquire skills on preparation and presentation of business plans. The module concludes by examining case studies to assist students appreciate the content of the module.  

GS212 Introduction to Gender Studies

This module focuses on gender sensitivity and gender inequalities. An in-depth examination of gender issues in Zimbabwe is done by tracing the historical development of gender issues through gender analysis. The module concludes by redressing gender imbalances, empowerment, and strategies for gender responsive environment.

 

HFEE221 Engineering Statistics

This module explores probability and statistical methods for quality control and inspection such as correlation and regression (sums of squares and sums of products), scatter plots, correlation matrix, predictions, Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients including residuals and transformations. It also enhances students’ ability to estimate, test hypotheses: t-test, z-test, Chi-Square test and F-tests, multiple linear regression and inference in multiple linear regression.

 

HEEE221  Process control and Instrumentation Systems

This module imparts students with skills to model, analyse and develop practical solutions to typical situations in industrial control, automation and instrumentation engineering. The students design circuits using passive components, semiconductor devices, transducers, and sensors. Measuring instruments, to include their errors, accuracy, precision, sensitivity and linearity will also be covered. In addition, students will be equipped with knowledge and skills on functional operation of PID control systems, PLC programming and SCADA systems.

 

HEEE222  Embedded Systems I

This module aims to give students a strong foundation in embedded systems by introducing them to the main generic and distinctive features of embedded computing. It also develops students’ practical skills in designing firmware for microcontrollers by use of programming languages and techniques. These include information representation, algorithmic state machines and interfacing of microcontrollers.

HEEE223  Signals and Systems I

This module provides students with the basic skills required for understanding linear systems and deterministic signals. Students are equipped with techniques to characterise and manipulate linear time-invariant systems in terms of input-output relationships for both time and frequency domain methods. It also includes concepts related to signal representation, linear convolution, Fourier theory, sampling of continuous-time signals, and Laplace transforms to solve continuous, linear, time-invariant systems and obtain transfer functions.

 

HEEE224 Electronics Innovation Project

This module equips students with skills to solve industrial or community problems relevant to the Electronic Engineering discipline. Students are expected to look for an electronic challenge or problem that requires application of electronic engineering solution and solve it. This entails designing, testing or commissioning a prototype or sub-system or simulation that addresses the problem. The project will provide insight to understand what is involved in real-life electronic engineering field.

 

HEEE311 Embedded Systems II

This course fosters knowledge and skills on embedded systems architecture, firmware and software tool stacks. It includes Internet of Things (IoT) in the form of design and project-oriented learning through modelling and simulation. The module introduces Linux command line, source code version control, Hardware Description Language (HDL) programming and computer architecture fundamental techniques.

HEEE312  Signals and Systems II  

This module aims at developing an understanding of Random signals and processes in continuous /discrete time. It also covers time and frequency domain signal processing for electronic systems, continuous-time Fourier theory, sampled signals and use of the discrete Fourier transform. The module also explores the propagation of signals and noise through linear systems, complex analytic signal representation, PSD functions, modulation and demodulation.

HEEE313  Electromagnetic Engineering

This module provides in-depth knowledge and skills on electromagnetic engineering. It covers static electric and magnetic fields, radiation mechanism by antennas and the nature of fields they produce. The module also covers the propagation of plane waves in space and in lossy media including calculations. One-dimensional models for TEM transmission lines are constructed and their application is explored. The module also covers waveguide structures and solutions to EM problems using computational methods and Fourier analysis.

HEEE314  Electrical Machines and Drives

This module equips students with knowledge and skills on the design, operation, and application of electrical machines which include single and three phase induction machines, synchronous machines, and DC machines. In addition, the module enables students to perform machine steady state and transient stability analysis, and load frequency control. The module provides an introduction to reference frame theory and dq-machine modelling.

HFEE314 Research Methods and Technical Writing

This module equips students with scientific research and report writing skills to prepare them for writing dissertations, work-based reports, and scientific publications. The module provides guidelines on scientific research methods and prepares students to conduct independent research, report and correctly cite published work to support their research.

HEEE321 Control Systems Engineering  

This module equips students with theoretical and practical skills on open and closed loop system configurations and block diagrams. It also focuses on feedback of control systems. Time and frequency domain analysis to include errors, P, PI, PD and PID controllers are covered. The module explores the stability of linear control systems to include Routh Hurwitz stability criterion, Root locus, Nyquist and Bode plots. It also covers controllability and observability, compensation, sensitivity functions, state variables and state space models.

 

 

HEEE322  Electrical Power Systems

This module provides students with the theory and design of power system components including transformers, synchronous machines, switchgear and different types of supply systems. It covers design of transmission lines inclusive of overhead line insulators, overhead transmission line mechanical design, inductance and capacitance. The module also covers HVAC and HVDC voltage transmission, protection devices and effects of corona interference. Furthermore, it covers earthing, insulated cable types and their characteristics.  

HEEE323 Advanced Electrical Networks

This module aims to develop advanced understanding and skills on network analysis. It covers advanced AC circuit analysis, frequency response circuits including resonance and harmonics, Electromagnetic principles, reliability and transmission lines. It also covers advanced filter circuits and transfer functions, application of Laplace transforms and Fourier series/transforms to circuit analysis. The module also explores two port networks inclusive of interconnection of networks, Z, Y, H and transmission parameters.

HEEE324 Communication Engineering

This module equips students with the fundamentals of digital communication engineering. It covers probability and random signals, band limited channels and elements of information theory. It also covers channel capacity and reliability function, source coding, channel coding and error control coding. The module extends to baseband signalling, bandpass modulation and demodulation in noise and data detection.

HEEE325 Electrical Power Innovation Project

This module equips students with skills to solve industrial or community problems relevant to the Electrical power engineering discipline. Students are expected to look for an electrical challenge or problem that requires an electrical solution and solve it. This entails designing, testing or commissioning a prototype or sub-system or simulation that addresses the problem. This will provide insight to understand what is involved in real-life electrical engineering field.

HEEE 400 Work-Related Learning Placement Report

The module covers: The report of the student’s understanding of an organization’s purpose, functions, operations and linkages with relevant stakeholders i.e. suppliers, clients, government agencies etc.

 

HEEE401 Academic Supervisors’ Report

In this module the academic supervisor provides a comprehensive report of the student’s Work-Related learning progress. The academic supervisor will visit the student at least twice for the whole period to get primary evidence on what the student has been exposed to and been working on during the attachment period. The supervisor also engages the student in discussions on possible project proposals in the organisation. This will be done through interviews and feedback from the company.   

HEEE402 Student’s Report

This module provides students an opportunity to carry out a project during work-related learning period. Students will record and maintain a log-book of daily activities done for at least eight months. They are required to submit a comprehensive industrial attachment report. A work-related learning research project supported by appropriate engineering drawings, and design charts or process charts is required. Students will be visited at their work place at least twice by their lecturers.

 

 

HEEE403 Employer’s Assessment Report

This module provides an assessment done by the industrial supervisor during the period of work-related learning. The report comprises of the tasks performed and the assessment or marks allocated. This will also be an overall view of the performance of the student during the whole period of attachment. This gives an overview from the industrial supervisor regarding the performance and conduct of the student.

HFEE512 Project Management

The module provides students with project management skills and methodologies. It provides students with an understanding of a project and project management. The module also equips students with practical tools and techniques to plan, deliver, and monitor a project throughout its life cycle. The basic four-step project management life cycle, planning, implementation, evaluation and closure are analysed and demonstrated.

HFEE513 Power Systems Analysis

This module fosters knowledge and practice in the modelling of power system elements, symmetrical components and fault analysis. It also covers power system planning, forecasting and load flow analysis. The students will gain knowledge and skills on basic stability and instability concepts and their control, protection, compensation, and regulation. Furthermore, the analysis of travelling waves and power optimization systems are explored.

HEEE511 Modelling and Simulation of Electrical and Electronic Systems

This module equips students with theory and skills on modelling and simulation of electrical and electronic systems. It covers inductance in machine airgaps, the dynamic equation of induction and synchronous electrical machines and steady state models for electrical machines. It also explores the design methodologies, analysis of dynamic properties and synthesis of drive systems employing various simulation methods including virtual modelling and simulation software.

HEEE512  Digital Signal Processing

This module aims to develop an understanding of digital signal processing. It also provides further knowledge and skills on the application of discrete time signals and systems, the discrete Fourier transform properties and fast algorithms. Students are exposed to digital filter design including FIR and IIR. Furthermore, it covers the z-transform and the frequency response from z-plane.

HEEE513 Communication and Network Engineering

This module aims to develop theoretical and practical skills on computer networks and the internet. It also fosters knowledge and skills on application and transport layers which include principle of network applications, socket programming, transport layer services and multiplexing/DE multiplexing. The module also covers network layer design, data link layer and physical layer. Emerging communication networks including the fundamentals of mobile networks and the smart grid communication networks are explored.

HEEE521 Mobile and Wireless Networks

This module focuses on developing knowledge and skills on mobile and fixed networks. Topics to be covered include wireless network fundamentals, wireless and wireline access technologies. It also develops an understanding on radio resource and mobility management, traffic and congestion control, QOS in packet network, IP traffic engineering, network convergence and network services. The module also covers data plane and control plane technologies alongside with performance modelling and simulation.

HEEE522 Microwave Engineering

This module equips students with theoretical and practical skills on the operation of RF systems, microwave and millimetre wave frequency systems, including communication systems, radar systems and radio-astronomy receivers.  It also includes antennas and antenna array theory, propagation in space and urban environments. A selection of radar, radio astronomy and communications system architecture are covered in detail. System design principles and practical computational EM modelling are also a major part of this module.

HEEE523 Power Plant Technology   

This module covers different power plant technologies. This includes renewable power sources inclusive of generation of solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, tidal power, bioenergy and MHD power generation. It also covers thermal power plants, hydropower plants, gas power plants, diesel power plants and nuclear power plants. The module also gives students’ knowledge and skills in substation layout and power plant economics.

HEEE524 Advanced Power Electronics   

The module covers advanced ac-dc converters, power factor improvement methods including line and forced commutation. It also covers switched mode dc-dc converters, mode operations and flexible ac transmission systems (FACTS). The module further explores advanced power electronics devices which include static var compensators, thyristor controlled series capacitor, static phase, electronic braking systems and unified power flow control

HEEE525 Design and Make Project

The module covers the design, development and assembly of prototype projects in the area of Electrical and Electronic field. The students apply the knowledge and skills attained during their learning or through research, to design and make a working practical project or simulated project model. The project should be problem-solving oriented to address community or industrial needs.

 HFEE511 Energy Management and Auditing

This module equips students with knowledge and skills on the management and auditing of energy for improvement in availability, quality, cost, and efficiency. This include the supply and demand side, energy management and condition monitoring control systems, energy conservation measures, and energy audits. The module employs the concept of life cycle cost analysis as a tool to evaluate the economic viability of energy-efficiency improvement or energy conservation measures.