Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Biosystems Engineering (HBE)
Programme Overview
The aim of this programme is to contribute towards the raising of standards of living of Zimbabweans, and other citizens of the world directly or indirectly, through teaching, research, development and application of sustainable technical skills in biosystems engineering.
Entry Requirements
Normal Entry
▪ At least five ‘O’ level subjects including English Language, Mathematics and Science plus: Advanced Level passes in Mathematics or Physics and any one of the following or their recognized equivalents: Biology, Agriculture, Chemistry, Geography, Engineering Drawing
▪ Articulation as provided by the ZNQF
▪ Recognition criteria for foreign credentials of international students
Special Entry
Special entry would be granted to students who, in the opinion of the Departmental Board, have outstanding passes in a relevant Diploma, subject to such a qualification meeting part of the requirements of the program.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The degree programme shall have at least 36 taught modules spread over the six teaching semesters.
Module Narration Credits
Module code Level I
BSE 102 Engineering Graphics and Introductory Design 12
BSE 103 Systematic Problem Solving and Computer Programming 12
BSE 104 Chemistry for Engineering 12
BSE 105 Calculus 12
BSE 106 Fundamentals of Biosystems Engineering 12
BSE 108 Organic Chemistry I 12
BSE 110 Physics for Engineering 12
Level II
BSE 201 Project Management & Design in Biosystems Engineering 12
BSE 204 Elementary Differential Equations and LaplaceTransforms 12
BSE 205 Applied Numerical Methods for Biosystems Engineering 12
BSE 206 Mechanics of Fluids 12
BSE 208 Engineering Thermodynamics 12
BSE 209 Biology of Microorganisms 12
Level III
Level 3.1 Work-Related Learning
AGPR330 Work-Related Preliminary Report 30
Level 3.2 Work-Related Learning
AGPR331 Work-Related Learning Report 45
AGPR332 Employer’s Assessment Report 30
AGPR333 Academic Supervisor’s Report 45
Level IV
BBSE403 Instrumentation for Biosystems Engineering 12
BSE 401 Biosystems Engineering Design 12
BSE 405 Engineering Analysis of Biological Systems 12
BSE 400 Design Project 24
BSE 408 Agri-Industrial Applications of Electric Power and Electronics 12
BSE 413 Engineering Economic Analysis 12
MODULE SYNOPSES
BSE 102 Engineering Graphics and Introductory Design
Applications of multi-view drawings and dimensioning. Techniques for visualizing, analyzing, and communicating 3-D geometries. Application of the design process including written and oral reports
BSE103 Systematic Problem Solving and Computer Programming
Introduction to algorithmic thinking; use of spreadsheet programs and computer programming language(s) to solve engineering problems
BSE104 Chemistry for Engineering
The module covers basic concepts of chemistry, atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and chemical kinetics. The course is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of chemistry that is relevant to engineering applications
BSE105 Calculus
Differential calculus, applications of the derivative, introduction to integral calculus. Integral calculus, applications of the integral, parametric curves and polar coordinates, power series and Taylor series.
BSE106 Fundamentals of Biosystems Engineering
Application of mathematics and engineering sciences in agricultural and biosystems engineering. Emphasis is on solving engineering problems.
BSE108 Organic Chemistry I
A survey of modern organic chemistry including nomenclature, structure and bonding, and reactions of hydrocarbons and important classes of natural and synthetic organic compounds.
BSE110 Physics for Engineering
Elementary mechanics including kinematics and dynamics of particles, work and energy, linear and angular momentum, conservation laws, rotational motion, oscillations, gravitation. Heat, thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases; waves and sound.
BSE201 Project Management & Design in Biosystems Engineering
Engineering design process with emphasis on criteria and constraints, ideation, and analysis. Fundamental principles of project management including project management software. Open-ended project(s) to apply core principles using concepts from prerequisite courses.
BSE204 Elementary Differential Equations and Laplace Transforms
Solution methods for ordinary differential equations. First order equations, linear equations, constant coefficient equations. Eigenvalue methods for systems of first order linear equations. Introduction to stability and phase plane analysis including Laplace transforms and power series solutions to ordinary differential equations.
BSE205 Applied Numerical Methods for Biosystems Engineering
Computer aided solution of engineering problems by use of numerical techniques and mathematical models. Systems analysis and optimization applicable to agricultural and biological systems.
BSE206 Mechanics of Fluids
Properties of fluids. Fluid statics. Kinematics and kinetics of fluid flow. Mass, momentum, and energy conservation laws; dimensional analysis; flow in pipes and channels. Selected laboratory experiments.
BSE208 Engineering Thermodynamics
Fundamental concepts based on zeroth, first and second laws of thermodynamics. Properties and processes for ideal gases and solid-liquid-vapor phases of pure substances. Applications to vapor power cycles.
BSE209 Biology of Microorganisms
Basic cell biology, physiology, metabolism, genetics and ecology of microorganisms, with an emphasis on prokaryotes and viruses, as well as the roles of microorganisms in the environment, disease, agriculture, and industry.
BSE403 Instrumentation for Biosystems Engineering
Interfacing techniques for computer-based data acquisition and control systems. Basic interfacing components including A/D and D/A conversion, signal filtering and process control. Sensors and theory of operation applied to practical monitoring and control problems. Data collection, analysis, and calibration of sensors and data acquisition systems. Individual project required for graduate credit.
BSE401 Biosystems Engineering Design
Engineering design process with emphasis on team delivery of: clearly defined deliverables; criteria and constraints; wide-field ideation; discipline-appropriate analysis methods; identification and application of relevant standards. Final execution of the engineering design process with emphasis on team delivery of: oral and written communication in completion of the client-agreed deliverables.
BSE405 Engineering Analysis of Biological Systems
Systems-level quantitative analysis of various biological systems, including applications in foods, feeds, biofuels, bioenergy, and other bio-based systems. Introduction to techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment of these systems at multiple production scales. Applying these tools to evaluate and improve cost and sustainability performance.
BSE400 Design Project
Each student is expected to carry out a design project that culminates in the submission of a dissertation. The project should be carried out on biosystems engineering related areas.
BSE408 Agri-Industrial Applications of Electric Power and Electronics
Single phase and three phase circuit design. Electrical safety. Electric motors and controls. Programmable logic controllers. Digital logic, instrumentation and sensors.
BSE413 Engineering Economic Analysis
Economic analysis of engineering decisions under uncertainty. Financial engineering basics including time value of money, cash flow estimation, and asset evaluation. Make versus buy decisions. Comparison of project alternatives accounting for taxation, depreciation, inflation, and risk.