PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

The purpose of the degree is to develop knowledge, skills, and competencies in the field of Fuels and Energy 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 energy field and to be able to achieve a high level of environmental consciousness in the sustainable exploitation of energy resources.

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)  Two Advanced Level passes; Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry

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 Systems, Renewable Energy, Fossil Fuels, Environmental Sustainability, Energy Management and Auditing

Specialist Focus: Production and supply of sustainable energy

Orientation:

Integrated energy -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 energy 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: Fuels and Energy engineering graduates find employment as Energy Auditors, Energy Consultants, Power Plant Engineers, Fuel Cells Engineers, Renewable Energy Engineers, Petroleum Engineers, Energy Projects Managers, Process Design Engineers, Electrical Transmission and Distribution Engineers, Energy Techno-preneurs.

Further Studies: Masters’ and Doctoral studies applied to the Energy industry (Electrical, Chemical, Fossil Fuels and Renewable energy )

 

5. PROGRAMME DELIVERY

Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, tutorials, laboratory experiments, seminars, group work, hands-on, site-based learning, site visits, work-related learning, research projects, and independent study. Online teaching is an option where physical contact is not possible.

Assessment Methods: Written examinations, tests, laboratory reports, field reports, seminar presentations, Work-Related Learning report, project reports, and continuous assessments

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Level 1 Semester 1

Code Module Description Prerequisite Credits

HMTE111 Engineering Mathematics I 12

HFEE111 Engineering Physics 15

HFEE112 Engineering Drawing 15

CSENG131   Communication Skills 6

HFEE113 Computer Applications for Engineers 12

Level 1 Semester 2

HMTE122 Engineering Mathematics II HMTE111 12

HFEE121 Introduction to Manufacturing Processes 15

HFEE122 Computer Programming HFEE113 12

HFEE123 Electrical and Electronic Principles HFEE111 15

HFEE124 Chemistry for Engineers 12

HFEE125 Workshop Practice

Level 2 Semester 1

HFEE211 Engineering Design principles HFEE112 12

HFEE212 Fluid Mechanics HMTE122 12

HFEE213 Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer HMTE122 12

ENT215 Entrepreneurship 12

GS212 Introduction to Gender Studies 6

HMTE211 Engineering Mathematics III HMTE111  HMTE122 12  

Level 2 Semester 2

HFEE221 Engineering Statistics HMTE111 12

HFEE222 Engineering Materials HFEE111    12

HFEE223 Mass Transfer HFEE213 12

HFEE224 Instrumentation and Embedded Control HFEE122 12

HFEE225 Electrical Machines HFEE122 12

HFEE226 Innovation Project I 12

Level 3 Semester 1

HFEE311 Solar Energy Technology 12

HFEE312 Thermal Power Plants HFEE213 12

HFEE313 Combustion Technology HFEE213 12

HFEE314 Research Methods and Technical Writing 12

HFEE315 Bioenergy 12

HFEE316 Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technology 12

Level 3 Semester 2

HFEE321 Coal Processing and Handling HFEE123 12

HFEE322 Petroleum Processing and Handling HFEE123 12

HFEE323 Electrical Power Systems HFEE122 12

HFEE324 Hydro and Wind Power Technologies 12

HFEE325 Innovation Project 12

Level 4 Semester 1 and 2: Work-Related Learning

Level 4 Semester 1

HEEE 400 Work-Related Learning Placement Report 10

Level 4 Semester 2

HFEE 401 Academic Supervisors’ Report 45

HFEE 402 Employer’s Assessment Report 30

HFEE 403 Student’s Industrial Report 35

Level 5 Semester 1

HFEE511 Energy Management and Auditing 12

HFEE512 Project Management 12

HFEE513 Power Systems Analysis HFEE323 12

HFEE514 Modelling and Simulation of Energy Systems 12

HFEE515 Nanotechnology for Energy Applications 12

Level 5 Semester 2

HFEE521 Energy Market, Legislation and Policy 12

HFEE522 Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development 12

HFEEXXX Elective 12

HFEE526 Design and Make Project

ELECTIVES

HFEE523 Nuclear Power Technology 12

HFEE524 Control Systems 12

HFEE525 Petroleum Geology and Reservoir Engineering 12

14. 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.

HFEE111 Engineering Physics

This module provides fundamentals of engineering physics to provide background to future modules. It covers vectors, motion in one and two dimensions, Newton’s laws of motion, rotational motion, mechanical equilibrium, momentum, energy, work and power, periodic motion, conservation laws and fluid mechanics. The module also covers electrostatics, electric field, electric circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, light and optics

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.

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.

HFEE121 Introduction to Manufacturing Processes

This module aims to establish relevant technical knowledge for the manufacturing processes and systems. The students will be exposed to basic physical and mechanical properties of metals, polymers, ceramics and composites, behaviour, and their relevance to manufacturing processes. Heat treatment methods for metals, standards of accuracy, tolerances, limits and fits, surface finishes and all the machining and joining process will be covered. Students will also be exposed to engineering materials assembling methods, metal casting and metal forming.

HFEE122 Computer Programming

This module fosters students’ in-depth knowledge and practice on 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, execution of conditional and repetitive operations. Students are also exposed to the use of functions, classes, objects, numerical and non-numerical algorithms for sorting and searching of data..

HFEE123 Electrical and Electronic Principles

This module introduces the students to the fundamentals of electricity, theoretical solutions and practical applications of DC circuits, the electric and magnetic field theory and their significance in engineering. The module equips students with skills to apply single and three phase AC circuits, Star- Delta transformations and transients response systems. The module also covers principle of operation and application of semiconductor devices and integrated circuits. Students get exposure on combinational logic circuits and binary number system. The module also imparts skills on circuit board development and nanotechnology.

 HFEE124 Chemistry for Engineers

This module imparts students with the theoretical and practical knowledge of Chemistry for Engineering. It covers stoichiometry, the mole concepts, bonding, molecular structure, nomenclature and synthesis. Furthermore, it familiarizes students with areas such as reaction of organic compounds, separating and purification techniques. This module gives students a strong background to understand different facets of fuel technology including different analytical techniques used in industry.

HFEE125 Workshop Practice

This module equips students with basic theoretical and practical skills in healthy and safety regulations (SHE), electrical machines overhaul (single and three phase) induction starters (DoL, STAR – DELTA and Resistance starting. Pumps installation and maintenance, heat exchangers operations, miniature of steam power plants will be covered.  Basic solar PV systems components and bio digester types, working principles and construction. Energy storage- batteries, batteries connection, testing, safety and maintenance will be covered.

HFEE211 Engineering Design Principles

This module covers mainly Computer Aided Drawing and Design of engineering equipment and machinery in 2D and 3D isometric drawing, sectioning, assembly drawings and materials analysis. It also focuses on design principles covering morphology of design, introduction to concurrent engineering, quality function deployment and methods decision-making. The module also covers product design processes, life cycle, service life reliability, and selection of component production processes.

HFEE212 Fluid Mechanics

This module is designed to introduce and apply the concepts of fluid mechanics and to solve problems related to engineering practice in fluid mechanics. It encompasses fluid statics, fluid dynamics, the boundary layer theory and the classification of flows. Flow-in pipe systems and open channels are analysed to enable students to construct related systems. It also introduces dimensional analysis and similarity, pumps and pump sizing.

 

HFEE213 Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

The module aims to give students the knowledge required to design, analyze, operate, and assess thermodynamic and heat transfer systems. It concentrates on the understanding of thermodynamic laws and their application to open and closed systems, reversible and irreversible processes, ideal gasses, vapor, and gas power cycles. The module also focuses on heat transfer laws (Fourier, Newton’s law of cooling, Stefan- Boltzmann) that govern steady-state conduction, convection (natural and forced), and radiation. It also covers their application in heat exchanger’s operation and design.

 

ENT215 Entrepreneurship

This module seeks to equip students with entrepreneurship skills to guide them on business fundamentals which include business 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 to 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.

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.

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.

HFEE222 Engineering Materials

This module explores changes in the shape of a body and the internal state of the body due to the effects of external force systems focusing on bending, plane stress, stress transformation for plane stress, principal stresses and maximum shear stress including plane strain and principal strains. The students will be exposed to basic physical and mechanical properties of metals, polymers, ceramics and composites, material behaviour, and failure modes, focusing on combined loading, failure theories, thin-wall pressure vessels and buckling of columns.

HFEE223 Mass Transfer

The module focuses on principles regarding diffusion and convective mass transfer. Students are equipped with skills and knowledge to operate and analyse mass transfer systems in porous media, with chemical reactions, across a phase boundary and for multi component mixtures. It covers the knowledge of mass transfer coefficients and their applications to unsteady state mass transfer problems. The module also covers mass transfer to a sphere, dispersion of a slug in a pipe flow, diffusion into a slab and gas absorption

HFEE224 Instrumentation and Embedded Control

This module imparts students with skills to model, analyse and develop practical solutions to typical situations in control 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 and PLC programming.

HFEE225 Electrical Machines

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 students will also acquire the capability to design turbines and governors for specific applications.

HFEE226 Innovation Project I

This module equips students with skills to solve industrial or community problems relevant to electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering disciplines. Students are expected to look for an engineering challenge or problem that requires application of an electrical or electronic or a mechanical 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 engineering field.

HFEE311 Solar Energy Technology

This module focuses on both theoretical and practical design of solar systems. Specifically, concepts for increasing efficiency based on loss analysis, module sizing and PV cells are explored. The module also equips students with theoretical and practical skills to wire solar PV modules and their system components. The module also covers solar thermal system design and its installation.

HFEE312 Thermal Power Plants

This module explores the theoretical and practical knowledge on heat power plants; steam turbine power plant; design calculations, steam generators and heat balance. Characteristics of furnaces, super heaters, cooling towers, gas turbine power plants and internal combustion engines will also be explored. The module also cover water supply and treatment on thermal power plants and vapour and power cycles.

HFEE313 Combustion Technology

This module covers analysis and design of modern combustion systems to account for fuel properties, maximise output and minimise air pollution. Aspects covered include combustion stoichiometry, combustion chemistry, flame characterisation, thermodynamics of combustion, thermochemical modelling and energy balances. The design of industrial burners including boiler design; anatomy, maintenance of industrial boilers and design principles involved in reducing pollutant emissions will also be covered.

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.

HFEE315 Bioenergy

This module explores fundamental concepts of bioenergy technology, which include feedstock, municipal solid wastes, agricultural waste and animal waste, resource assessment, and bioenergy production. It also focuses on biochemical conversion to fuel, including biodiesel production and bio methanation. The module also explores environmental impacts of biofuels production.

HFEE316 Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technology

The module focuses on hydrogen and fuel cell technology. Students are equipped with knowledge and skills in the application of hydrogen and production, storage and transportation. Fuel cell power plants. Electro- Chemistry applied to Fuel Cells. Operations and Types of Fuel Cells Performance Characteristics of Fuel Cells. Types of Fuels Cells Systems Commercial Fuel Cell Power Plants and their Applications. Prospects of Fuel Cell Power Plants.

 

 

HFEE321 Coal Processing and Handling

This module explores the theoretical and practical knowledge of coal conversion technologies, coal handling systems, size reduction and classifications. Some of the technologies to be covered include coal to liquid fuels and chemicals (Coal to X), methods and mechanisms on coal pyrolysis and carbonization. Technologies on coal uploading devices, coal firing units, coal blending, storage and transportation will also be explored.

HFEE322 Petroleum Processing and Handling

This module equips the students with theoretical and operational knowledge about the modern, integrated petroleum refinery; its feedstocks; product slate and the processes employed to convert crude oil and intermediate streams into finished products. Highlights of the processes to be covered include atmospheric distillation; vacuum distillation; coking; catalytic cracking and reforming; hydro-treating; isomerization and alkylation. Gas processing: separation from liquids, treatment in amine units, gas liquefaction, and gas conversion technologies.

 

HFEE323 Electrical Power Systems

This module provides students with the theory and design of the electricity grid system and its application in the transmission and distribution of AC, HVDC and LVDC, Tap changers, overvoltage and overcurrent protective devices, and electrical energy converters. The module also focuses on the methods employed in maintaining the stability of electrical power systems. The students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed for power system planning and forecasting including load flow analysis, economic operation and optimization of power systems.

HFEE324 Hydro and Wind Power Technologies

This module covers the harvesting of energy from water and wind. It addresses the availability of the resources, the types of systems and machines, their capabilities and limitations, and the processes of setting up such systems. The module introduces the basic operation of wind and hydro turbines used in generating electrical power. It also equips students with skills to perform site assessments and planning strategies for the installation of wind and hydropower systems.

HFEE325 Innovation Project II

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

HFEE 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.

HFEE401 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 has 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.  

HFEE402 Student’s Report

This module provides students an opportunity to carry out a project during a work-related learning period. Students will record and maintain a logbook 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 workplace at least twice by their lecturers.

HFEE403 Employer’s Assessment Report

This module provides an assessment done by the industrial supervisor during the period of work-related learning. The report comprises 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.

HFEE511 Energy Management and Auditing

This module equips students with knowledge and skills in the management and auditing of energy management for improvement in availability, cost, and efficiency. This includes the supply and demand side, energy management and 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.

HFEE512 Project Management

The module provides students with a 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 is explored.

 

HFEE514 Modelling and Simulation of Energy Systems

This module provides a clear insight into complex energy systems by the provision of safe and efficient real-world solutions to problems through modelling, simulation and optimization of computational, mathematical, and physical energy models. Furthermore, computer software including PVsyst, HOMER, Excel, MATLAB, ANSYS, Aspen, and HYSYS are used to provide process system engineering (PSE) and energy economics optimization of energy systems.

HFEE515 Nanotechnology for Energy Applications

The module covers the theory and practical applications of nanotechnology in fuels and energy production. The topics to be covered include an introduction to nanotechnology, synthesis techniques, characterization techniques, nano fuels, and applications in energy systems. The module also covers the impact of nanotechnology on the market, environment, and society. Students are exposed to research on the future of nanotechnology in renewable energy and fuel processing technology.

HFEE521 Energy Market, Legislation and Policy

The module provides students with basics of energy markets, regulation, and policy. The module examines both the traditional monopoly and evolving competitive alternatives. The module also covers an in-depth exposure to energy resource planning, pollution management, green markets, demand side management, renewable energy portfolios, climate change, and carbon management.  Furthermore, it explores administrative federal law and practical issues in the field.

HFEE522 Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development

The module explores the effects of energy production and exploitation on the environment. It covers fossil fuels, nuclear fuels, and combustion-generated pollution to water, air, and the environment. The greenhouse effect, global warming, and climate change will be covered. Energy conservation techniques, environmental regulations standards, international agreements, energy SDGs, and their purposes will also be covered. Furthermore, it explores principles of energy management and control emission of fossil fuels, and thermal pollution.

HFEE523 Nuclear Power Technology

The module provides students with in-depth knowledge of nuclear energy production (the concepts, systems, and applications). The module explores the design of nuclear power plants using the basic principles of reactor physics, thermodynamics, fluid flow, and heat transfer.  Students will also acquire knowledge and skills in reactor design, thermal conversion cycles, nuclear safety, and nuclear waste management.

 

HFEE524  Control Systems  

This module equips students with knowledge and skills of control system components and their representation. The module covers various methods for analyzing time response (P, PI,PD and PID), stability of linear control systems and steady state variable analysis. The module also covers frequency-domain techniques: Root-locus methods, Frequency responses, Bode-plots, Gain-margin and phase-margin, Nyquist plots, and compensator design.

HFEE525 Petroleum Geology and Reservoir Engineering

This module gives an introduction to the technical aspects of exploration and production of oil and gas reservoirs. Students will gain working knowledge of petroleum geology, petroleum systems and reservoir fluid phase behaviour and reservoir fluid properties. The module also covers reserves and their estimation techniques, material balance and the different forms of the Material Balance Equation (MBE), drilling, unconventional reservoirs, and lastly, gaining a global perspective on the industry.

HFEE526 Design and Make Project

The module covers the design, development and assembly of prototype projects in the area of fuels and energy. 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.