PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

To develop knowledge, skills and competences in the field of Materials Engineering relevant to various entrepreneurial and employment possibilities in Zimbabwe and other economies in the regions, Africa, and abroad.

To prepare students for higher degree studies in Materials, and to be environmental stewards required for sustainable manufacturing.

2.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry: At least two A’ Level passes, with Mathematics and Chemistry, including passes in O’ Level Mathematics and English

Special Entry: Refer to Section 3.2 of the General Academic Regulations

Candidates with diplomas in Metallurgical Assaying, Industrial Metallurgy, or similar may be considered

Mature Entry: Refer to Section 3.2 of the General Academic Regulations

3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of Study: Manufacturing Technologies, Ceramic Materials, Polymers, Composites, Physical Metallurgy

Specialist Focus: Materials science and engineering  for understanding value addition through manufacturing, and developing new materials

Orientation: Biased towards hands-on components, including laboratory and industry visits, and employing relevant software and other computer-aided methods

Distinctive Features: The emphasis of the programme is on the practical application of materials science and engineering to value addition and goods manufacture for wealth creation, sustainable economic development and empowerment of society

4.0 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Employability: Graduates can be employed as process engineers, corrosion engineers, welding engineers, production managers, consultants, solicitors, analysts, third-party inspectors, lecturers and researchers in foundries, manufacturing companies, law firms, banks, investment and insurance companies, research and commercial laboratories, universities and colleges, in both government and privately owned entities.

The programme also allows for the development of entrepreneurial skills, presenting the possibility of self-employment.

Further Studies: Possible avenues for further education include postgraduate diplomas in Engineering Education, Law and Finance, Masters and Doctoral studies in Welding Engineering, Physical Metallurgy, Materials Science and Engineering, Biomaterials Science and Engineering, and similar areas

Code Module Description Pre-requisite Credits

Level 1 Semester 1

HMETE103 Introduction to Computers and Computer Applications 8

HMTE111 Engineering Mathematics I 12

HMINE119 Workshop Practise 12

HMETE118 Chemistry for Engineering 12

CSENG131 Communication Skills 6

HMINE117 Engineering Drawing and Design                                             12

HMETE112 Physics for Engineering 12

Level 1 Semester 2

HMINE126 Engineering Mechanics 12

HMATE140 Organic Chemistry 12

HMETE140 Materials Science 12

HMINE128 Computer Science for Engineers 12

HMINE127 Electrical Principles 12

HMTE122 Engineering Mathematics II 12

Level 2 Semester 1

HMETE213 Fluid Mechanics 12

HMETE214 Nanoscience I 12

HMETE215 Thermodynamic Principles 12

HMETE216 Mineral Beneficiation 12

HMTE211 Engineering Mathematics III 12

ENT205 Entrepreneurship 12

GS201 Introduction to Gender Studies 8

Level 2 Semester 2

HMETE225 Heat and Mass Transfer 12

HMATE223 Microstructural Analysis Techniques 12

HMATE224 Fuels and Energy 12

HMATE225 Introduction to Extractive Metallurgy 12

HMATE226 Nanoscience II 12

HMETE227 Engineering Mechanics II 12

HMTE221 Engineering Mathematics IV 12

Level 3 Semester 1

HMATE315 Materials Technology 12

HMATE311 Design of Materials 12

HMATE312 Materials Degradation and Surface Engineering 12

HMETE318 Safety, Health and Environment 12

HMETE319 Research Methods 12

Level 3 Semester 2

HMETE326 Foundry Metallurgy 12

HMATE321 Polymers and Polymer Matrix Composites 12

HMATE331 Energy Materials 12

HMETE328 Mechanical Metallurgy 12

HMATE323 Ceramics and Ceramic Matrix Composites 12

HMATE325 Third Year Project 20

Level 4 Semester 1 and 2: Work-Related Learning

HMATE400 Work-Related Learning Placement Report 10

Level 4 Semester 2

HMATE404 Work-Related Learning Report 40

HMATE405 Academic Supervisor’s Report 40

HMATE406 Employer’s Assessment Report 20

Level 5 Semester 1

HMATE512 Manufacturing Process Design, Control and Simulation 12

HMETE514 Technological Entrepreneurship and Product Development 12

HMINE516 Professional Ethics, Practise and Engineering Management 12

Level 5 Semester 2

HMETE523 Corrosion Engineering(elective) 12

HMATE524 Welding and Joining of Materials(elective) 12

HMATE522 Gemstones (elective) 12

HMATE525 Final Year Project 30

 

Module Synopses

HMINE117 Engineering Drawing and Design                                            

This module covers use of drawing instruments, lettering, drawing standards and conventions; projection methods, engineering graphics, and measurement of areas; introduction to CAD, machine drawing, sectional views, ISO conventions and elementary assembly drawing

HMTE111 Engineering Mathematics I

This module covers calculus in one variable; differentiation and integration; functions of several variables; multiple integrals; sequences and series; complex numbers

HMETE112 Physics for Engineering

The module covers fundamental concepts of electrical and magnetic energy; electrostatics and electric fields; capacitance and dielectrics; magnetic circuits; electromagnetism; electromagnetic induction; magnetic field; electromagnetic induction, conservation of energy; lateral and volumetric expansion; laws of thermodynamics; ideal gas laws, equilibrium of forces; simple beams and trusses; shear force diagrams and bending moment diagrams; simple stress and strain

HMETE118 Chemistry for Engineering

 The module covers basic concepts of physical, organic, analytical and inorganic chemistry; experiments involving the mole concept, stoichiometry, percent composition and empirical formula determination; synthesis, analysis, purification and separation techniques; reactions of functional groups in hydrocarbons and industry-relevant analytical techniques

CSENG131 Communication Skills

The module covers introduction to communication; pre-writing skills; writing skills; whole essay construction; scientific and technical writing; reflective, critical and evaluative thinking; teamwork skills

HMETE103 Introduction to Computers and Computer Applications

The module focuses on concepts of computer technology and practical use of computers; computing software, computer communications; computer-aided drawing; computer systems organization; number systems; legal and ethical considerations; security; use of the internet to develop research skills

HMINE119 Workshop Practice

The module covers bench fitting; measuring instruments; forging; wood-working; metal forming; foundry practice; safety and care

HMINE126 Engineering Mechanics

The module covers general principles; force vectors; equilibrium of a particle; force system resultants; work; energy; power; momentum; friction; equilibrium of a rigid body; structural analysis; friction; centre of gravity and centroid; moments of inertia; virtual work; hydraulics   

HMATE140 Organic Chemistry

This module introduces basic principles in organic chemistry covering bonding and structural representation, classification, IUPAC system of nomenclature, fundamentals of reaction mechanisms, isomerism and stereochemistry. Methods of preparation and quantitative analysis of organic compounds are also included. The chemistry of aliphatic and aromatic compounds covering alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, halogen compounds, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids, derivatives of carboxylic acids and amines is also covered.

HMETE140 Materials Science

The module covers the classification of materials; material properties; structure-property-performance relationships in materials; atomic structure of materials; bonding, crystal structures and defects in solids; electronic materials; failure of materials; corrosion and corrosion protection

 

HMINE128 Computer Science for Engineers

The module covers programming in BASIC, PASCAL, C, C++ and Visual Basic; conditional and repetitive statements; input and output; simple functions; program structure and organization; introduction to classes and objects                                

HMINE127 Electrical Principles

The module covers the fundamentals of electric circuits; resistive network analysis; AC network analysis; transient analysis; frequency response and system concepts

HMTE 122 Engineering Mathematics II

The module covers ordinary differential equations; application of differential equations to engineering; Fourier analysis; Laplace transforms; Z transforms

HMINE213 Fluid Mechanics

The module covers the introduction to fluid mechanics and fluid statics; general fluid motion; descriptive treatment of boundary layer concepts; conservation of mass and energy; flow through pipes and open channels; steady uniform flow in a rectangular open channel

HMETE214 Nanoscience I

The module covers a basic introduction to nano technology; technological applications such as physico-chemical considerations: band structures, typical and useful nano effects; colloids, typical syntheses of nanoparticles, fullerenes, synthesis, forms, variants, properties, applications of carbon nanotubes; synthesis, forms, variants, properties, applications oxide-nanotubes and fibres; bio-nano-link, risk and future perspectives

HMETE215 Thermodynamic Principles

The module focuses on thermodynamic and electrochemical principles applied to metallurgical processes; phase rule, heat of reaction, free energy, activity, thermodynamic equilibrium; thermodynamics of aqueous solutions, thermochemistry of gas mixtures, solution thermochemistry, inter-action parameters

HMINE216 Mineral Beneficiation

The module introduces concepts in mineral beneficiation. It covers basic mineral processing unit operations and related equipment. Unit operations covered are comminution: rock size reduction by crushing and grinding; size classification: screening, de-sliming, cycloning; concentration techniques and dewatering

HMTE211 Engineering Mathematics III

The module covers introduction to numerical methods for solving problems in mathematics, science and engineering; 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

ENT205 Entrepreneurship

The module focuses on business development; marketing; human resources management pricing; government policies; taxation of business; case studies based on site visits; preparation of a business plan

GS201 Introduction to Gender Studies

The module covers gender sensitivity; gender inequalities; historical development of gender issues; gender analysis; gender issues in Zimbabwe; redressing gender imbalances; empowerment and strategies for gender responsive environment

HMETE225 Heat and Mass Transfer

The module focuses on conduction, convection, phase change heat transfer and heat exchangers; radiation; application to metallurgical processes; mass transfer, Fick’s law; Knudsen diffusion coefficient; mass transfer at phase boundaries; application to metallurgical processes

HMATE223 Microstructural Analysis Techniques

The module focuses on techniques in the microstructural characterisation of materials, including sampling; sample handling and storage; and metallographic sample preparation. Analytical techniques covered Optical Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and high-energy electron analysis

HMETE224 Fuels and Energy

The module covers forms of energy, renewable and non-renewable energy; fuels, fuel systems and combustion of fuels; fuels and energy in metallurgical and manufacturing processes; energy efficiency, energy management, sustainable and safe use; energy generation and storage; energy system innovations

HMETE225 Introduction to Extractive Metallurgy

The module covers techniques used in extractive metallurgy: pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, electrometallurgy; case studies

HMETE226 Nanoscience II

The module covers epitaxy, beam lithographs, self-assembly, bio-catalytic synthesis, atom optics, and scanning probe lithography. The unique size-dependent properties, mechanical, thermal, chemical, optical, electronic, and magnetic that result from nanoscale structure will be explored in the context of technological applications including computation, magnetic storage, sensors, and actuators

HMINE227 Engineering Mechanics II

The module covers stress and strain; combined torsion and bending stress; continuous beams; stiffness matrix and nodal force vector; three-dimensional stress; computer analysis; Lagrangian formulation method; Hamiltonian method and D’alambert’s principle; rotating coordinate system; analysis and design of structures

HMTE222 Engineering Mechanics IV

The module covers correlation and regression, scatterplots, and correlation matrix; residuals and transformations; outliers; Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients and use in predictions; regression in terms of sums of squares and sums of products; estimation and testing; t and f-tests; multiple linear regression; matrices in simple and multiple linear regression; testing and inference in multiple linear regression using matrices; partial correlation; analysis of variance (ANOVA)

HMATE315 Materials Technology

The module focuses on technologies used to process metals into useful products. It covers forming processes such as forging and extrusion; solidification theory, phase equilibria and microstructure; heat treatment of steels, microstructure-property-performance relations; strengthening mechanisms; introduces welding, powder metallurgy and metal matrix composites

HMATE311 Design of Materials

The module looks at point, linear and surface defects in solids: how they are formed, associated energies, and how they influence mechanical, electrical, magnetic and optical properties of material; controlling and quantifying population of intrinsic and extrinsic defects; doping; alloy design; semiconductors; case studies

HMATE312 Materials Degradation and Surface Engineering

The module focuses on degradation mechanisms of materials; surface engineering techniques used to reduce susceptibility to degradation including coatings produced by vapour deposition including deposition and electrodeposition, polymer and ceramic coatings

HMETE318 Safety, Health and Environment

The module covers integrated environmental, quality, safety and health management systems; safety, health and environmental hazards and concerns in mineral processing and manufacturing plants; applicable local and international legislations; psychology and acceptability of risk; probability theory and its application to risk, risk assessment and management; economic implications of safety, health and environment issues; local and international case studies

HMINE319 Research Methods and Technical Writing

The module aims to equip students with scientific research and report writing skills. It covers scientific research methods; design of experiments; writing ethics, citation, and the importance of intellectual property

HMETE326 Foundry Metallurgy

The module covers the economic importance of foundries; types of furnaces used in foundries; melting practises and melt quality; casting processes and mould-making materials; types and prevention of casting defects; quality control in foundries; casting ferrous and nonferrous alloys

HMATE331 Energy Materials

The module covers materials used on materials for fuel cells, batteries, organic solar cells, and electrochemical capacitors; the effect of microstructure; electrochemical characterisation

 

HMETE328 Mechanical Metallurgy

The module looks at the tensile response of metals; response to 2D and 3D stress states; stress-strain relations for elastic and plastic behaviour; fracture and fracture mechanics; effect of temperature on flow properties; fatigue; environmental assisted cracking; failure analysis

HMATE323 Ceramics and Ceramic Matrix Composites

The module covers classification of ceramics; structure, properties and processing of ceramic materials; reinforced ceramics; case studies

 

HMATE321 Polymers and Polymer Matrix Composites

The module covers the structure and properties of polymeric materials; polymerization methods; the effect of additives; reinforced polymers and polymer matrix composites with emphasis on their engineering properties and applications

HMATE325 Third Year Project

The module builds on skills acquired in HMINE314. Students are expected to demonstrate understanding of scientific research and technical writing by undertaking practical research projects with no more than 3 objectives and writing structured reports. Projects must be relevant to metallurgy

Level 4 Semester 1

HMETE400 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.

Level 4 Semester 2

HMETE404 Work-Related Learning Report

This module provides students an opportunity to identify and carry out project(s) 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 with appropriate design charts or process charts are required.

 

HMETE405 Academic Supervisor’s Report

This module provides an assessment done by the academic 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. Students will be visited at their workplace at least twice by their academic supervisors.

 

HMETE406 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.

 

HMATE512 Manufacturing Process Design, Control and Simulation

The module focuses on manufacturing process development, data collection, analysis, optimization and control. It includes computer simulation in energy, development of process flow diagram, plant equipment selection and plant layout, development of process control scheme, cost estimation and economic evaluation. The module also includes environmental impact assessment, development of occupational health and safety plan, consideration of sustainability and social impact issues

HMETE514 Technological Entrepreneurship and Product Development

The module covers entrepreneurship and enterprise development; developing a business plan and the maximum utilization of the financial, marketing and human resources; challenges in entrepreneurship, product development and marketing; steps in developing a product

HMINE516 Professional Ethics, Practise and Engineering Management

The module covers professionalism; professional ethics and social responsibility; professional practices, partnerships and client relationships; national and international associations and societies in the industry; continuous professional development; professional practice legislation; engineering management in enterprises; project management; capital project economics; breakeven point; structure responsibility charts; modern trends- intranet; virtual teams; strategic partnering; ASP’s; quality assurance and management; operational research

HMETE523 Corrosion Engineering

The module covers the economic impact of corrosion; corrosion principles; forms of corrosion; corrosion testing techniques; materials used for corrosion applications corrosion control through materials selection, design, environment control, cathodic and anodic protection, coatings; high temperature corrosion; case studies

HMATE524 Welding and Joining of Materials

The module covers welding processes, welding joints and welding symbols; welding defects; welding of ferrous and nonferrous alloys; mechanical joints; brazing and soldering; adhesives  

HMATE522 Gemstones

The module covers, the following aspects of gemstones: definitions; mineralogy; crystallography; identification; classification; valuation; cutting and polishing; jewellery; synthesis; marketing

HMATE525 Final Year Project

Students undertake research projects that involve solving a problem related to materials. Emphasis is on research design; use of logical argument, learned materials science and ICT in designing and conducting experiments to aid problem-solving. Economic value of the project and/or the proposed solution must be highlighted. Projects that demonstrate innovation and that may lead to commercialisation are encouraged