OVERVIEW OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

1.           Introduction

Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (hence after, AASTU), is one of the new public universities of the country established to play as a forefront changing actor in the technological transformation of the country by creating strong linkage with industries. As it was stated in the Five-Year Growth and Transformation Plan (2010 – 2015 G.C), the establishment of well institutionalized and strong science and technology universities and institutes of technology will serve as a cornerstone to build an economically developed and industrialized state of Ethiopia. As a result, AASTU was founded in 2011 under the Directive of the Council of Ministers No. 216/2011 as well as amended by regulation numbers 314/2014 by admitting the first batch (2000 students) in November 2011.

Since 2015, AASTU has been following nationally harmonized undergraduate programs curriculum. Now, it is time to change the curriculum to meet the requirements of accreditation which consists of continuous quality improvements (CQI). In January 2016, the Ministry of Education (Education Strategy Center) developed a concept note to reform the education sector in accordance with the national vision and national development goals. Hence, one of the strategic plans proposed in the Ethiopian education road map has included common courses which account a total of 40 credit hours as a national requirement that led to the development of fundamental changes to the Ethiopian educational system.

In line with the given strategic direction of Ethiopian development, AASTU has a mission to be a problem solver of the industry, leading in the nation research, and delivering world-class education. To meet this mission, the university has given special attention to strengthen the academic sector by working towards accreditation of all undergraduate programs.

As a result of the above reasons, the university planned to revise the entire undergraduate program curriculum from the accreditation point of views. The goal of accreditation is to ensure the education provided by higher education to an acceptable level of quality. Therefore, this curriculum is developed based on the requirements of the Washington accord for engineering program accreditation.

1.1  Vision and Mission of the University

Vision

To be an internationally recognized and respected hub of science and technology with a strong national commitment and significant continental impact by 2030.

Mission:

• Delivering world-class education and training in strategically prioritized science and technology disciplines based on national economic demand,
• Conducting problem-solving applied researches to support the productivity and competitiveness of industries,
• Serving as a center for knowledge and technological adaptation, innovation and transfer,
• Building the technical and managerial capabilities of industries,
• Building a national hub of science and technology

1.2 Background of the Program

Mechanical Engineering Department of AASTU has been established in 2013, with the objective of responding to the need for rapid industrialization and the changing societal needs of the country for sustainable development. The department believes in cultivating the full potential of students, and the advancement of all forms of knowledge keeping in pace with international standards of academic quality, including the high skilled employment needs presented by a growing economy operating in global environment.

1.3.  Rationale of the program

Undergraduate programs need to be developed following the state-of-the-art and innovative program development procedures. The programs are designed to sufficiently integrate higher education, research, industry; community service and follow international standards and in a way it will be possible to respond to the national developmental needs.

Hence, this Undergraduate program provides the student with:

• Necessary communication and analytical skills that enhance their capacity to benefit from their training;
• Opportunities of gaining pertinent scientific knowledge, independent thinking skill, and professional values;
• Opportunities of free pursuit of truth, freedom of expression based on reason and rational thinking in the process of learning and conducting research;
• Opportunities to practice justice, fairness and rule of law in their life;
• Opportunities of practicing democratic culture and multicultural community life;
• The development of sound awareness in their physical and social environment in which they will live and work;
• Opportunities for exercising leadership and responsibilities;
• Opportunities of the graduates for becoming knowledgeable, skilled and of mature and sound attitude;
• Concepts of community services in national and local priority areas of their academic qualifications;
• Getting opportunities to involve all manner of workshops, events and forums as well as programs gaining the opportunity and expertise to consider starting his/her own business;
• Encouragement of a balance between healthy competition and collegial cooperation among the student through both formal and informal means;

2.           Structure of Undergraduate Programs

Duration of study for the undergraduate degree regular program is five-year for the engineering. The duration of study for undergraduate degrees in the continuing education programs may be five to eight years depending on the program (sub-article 90.1.2. senate legislation July 2017). However, the total credit hour requirement for the continuing education program is the same as the regular program. The total credit hour requirement shall be as stated in the university’s senate legislation July 2017, Article 91.

Table 1: Total Credit Hour Requirements

• The normal semester load for five years’ program is 17Cr.hr to 19 Cr.hr. However, a curriculum may have 20 Cr. hrs. Per semester twice except the final year.
• The normal semester load in evening and weekend programs shall be 8 to 12 credit hours. The normal load for the evening and the weekend students in a summer semester shall be 6 to 8 credit hours.

Table 2: Structures of Undergraduate Regular Programs

2.1  . Mission of the University

M-1     Delivering world-class education and training in strategically prioritized science and technology disciplines based on national economic demand,

M-2     Conducting problem-solving applied researches to support the productivity and competitiveness of industries,

M-3     Serving as a center for knowledge and technological adaptation, innovation and transfer,

M-4     Building the technical and managerial capabilities of industries,

            M-5     Building a national hub of science and technology

2.2 Program Education Objective (PEO)

The program educational objectives describe accomplishments that graduates of the program are expected to attain within five years after graduation. Graduates are expected to apply their expertise to contemporary problem solving, be engaged professionally, and develop the skill of independent and continuous learning, and will contribute to their organizations through leadership and teamwork. More specifically, the objectives are expertise, engagement, learning, leadership and teamwork.

Table 3: Program Education Objectives (PEO)

2.3  Mapping of PEO and University Mission

Table 4: Mapping of PEO with University Mission

2.4  Program Outcomes (PO):

Engineering knowledge

• PO1: Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, engineering fundamentals and an engineering specialization to the solution of complex mechanical engineering problems.

Problem analysis

• PO2: Identify, formulate, research literature and analyze complex mechanical engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences.

Design/ development of solutions

• PO3: Design solutions for complex mechanical engineering problems and design systems, components or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health, and safety, cultural, societal and environmental considerations.

Investigation

• PO4: Conduct investigations of complex mechanical engineering problems using research-based knowledge and research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis of information to provide valid conclusions.

Modern tool usage

• PO5: Create, select and apply appropriate techniques, resources and modern engineering and IT tools, including prediction and modeling, to complex mechanical engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations.

The engineer and society

• PO6: Apply reasoning informed by contextual knowledge to assess societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant to professional mechanical engineering practice and solutions to complex mechanical engineering problems.

Environment and sustainability

• PO7: Understand and evaluate the sustainability and impact of professional engineering work in the solution of complex mechanical engineering problems in societal and environmental contexts.

Ethics

• PO8: Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of engineering practice.

Individual and teamwork

• PO9: Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader in diverse teams and in multi-disciplinary settings.

Communication

• PO10: Communicate effectively on complex mechanical engineering activities with the engineering community and society at large, such as being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations and give and receive clear instructions.

Project management and finance

• PO11: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and economic decision-making and apply these to one’s own work as a member and leader in a team, to manage projects and in multi-disciplinary environments.

Lifelong learning

PO12: Recognize the need for, and have the preparation and ability to engage in, independent and life-long learning in the broadest context of technological change.

2.5  Mapping of PO and PEO

Table 5: Mapping of PO with PEO

2.6  Admission Requirements

2.6.1.1  Admission requirements for undergraduate regular program

The minimum admission requirements for the undergraduate regular program are as stated in the Senate legislation July 2017, Article 78. Hence, admission to the undergraduate programs of AASTU shall be based on the completion of the preparatory and obtaining the necessary pass marks in the Ethiopian Higher Education Entrance Examination (EHEE) or equivalent academic achievements from foreign countries as well as the STU entrance examination to be set by the Ministry and/ or AASTU.

2.6.1.2  Admission requirements for undergraduate continuing education program

The minimum admission requirements for the undergraduate continuing education program are as stated in the senate legislation July 2017, Article 79. However, admission to the undergraduate continuing education programs of AASTU shall be based on obtaining the necessary pass mark in the AASTU entrance examination.

2.7  Duration of Study

The duration for study of the undergraduate mechanical engineering program is five years for regular and six years for extension program as stated in the university senate legislation July 2017, Article 90.

2.8  Teaching and Learning Approach

Teaching and learning approach refers to the broad approaches to the learning and teaching activities. This may include a brief description of the range of teaching and learning methods employed and other innovative features of the program related to teaching and advising students. The teaching and learning methods may include student centered learning such as problem based learning, small group teaching, mini projects, group work, lectures, tutorial sessions, supervised study, student presentations, seminars, work-based learning, practical and development oriented design projects, readings and discussion, role-play, case study, laboratory based learning, computer based learning, invited speakers, independent studies, internship, field work, project work, practical, Industrial visits, interactive “blended: E-learning”, lectures by industry professionals, classes and demonstrations or a combination of these and others. Evidences of the extent to which the teaching and learning approaches are student centered and aligned with the program learning outcomes should be indicated.

2.9  Program Type

Mechanical engineering program is delivered both in regular and continue education (extension) program. All the courses delivered are prepared appropriately to meet the objective of the 12 program outcomes set by Washington accord. The minimum and maximum length of the program for each type of program is as stated in university’s senate legislation July 2017, (sub-articles 90.1.1 to 90.1.3 of Article 90).

2.10          Assessment and Evaluation Mechanisms

Assessment and evaluation mechanisms refer to the range and variety of assessment methods oral examination, written examination, oral presentation, test, paper/essay, portfolio, report about an internship, report on fieldwork, continuous assessment, group or individual projects, summative assessment such as final exams, project, problem solving assignments, senior essays, interactive computer and simulation assignments and group presentations …etc. should be clearly indicated.

2.11          Grading system

Examinations are graded on letter grading system as stated in the university senate legislation July 2017, Article 92. The status description is based on the raw mark interval given in Table 6.

Table 6: Grading System

2.11.1    Graduation Requirements

Graduation requirement for all undergraduate programs should satisfy the following minimum requirements as stated in the university’s senate legislation July 2017, Article 109.

• All the required courses/modules and the minimum credit hours set in the program curriculum by the respective academic unit should be satisfied, except for phase in and phase out program.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average CGPA of 2.00 must be obtained;
• A minimum cumulative grade point average CGPA of 2.00 in major area courses;
• No ”F” grade in any course taken for undergraduate program;
• Score pass mark for all courses which have Pass/Fail grade.
• Score pass mark of 50% for national exit exam

2.12          Degree Nomenclature

The name of the degree program should be written in both English and Amharic, with the focus area, if any, indicated in brackets.

2.3.15.1.          Degree Nomenclature for Bachelor Degree Engineering Programs

“Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering”

“የሳይንስ ባችለር ዲግሪ በመካኒካል ምህንድስና”

“Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Stream)”

‘’የሳይንስ ባችለር ዲግሪ በመካኒካል ምህንድስና (አውቶሞቲቭ ስትሪም )’’

“Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing Stream)”

‘’የሳይንስ ባችለር ዲግሪ በመካኒካል ምህንድስና (ማኑፋክቸሪንግ ስትሪም )”

“Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Mechanical Design Stream)”

‘’የሳይንስ ባችለር ዲግሪ በመካኒካል ምህንድስና (መካኒካል ዲዛይን ስትሪም )’’

“Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Thermal Stream)”

“የሳይንስ ባችለር ዲግሪ በመካኒካል ምህንድስና (ተርማል ስትሪም)’’

2.13          Course Coding

Each course code contains a prefix; each prefix contains four letters without any space followed by four digits.

For example, in the code “MEng1001”;

• The first digit (1) represents the year (level) in which the course is given,
• The second digit (0) indicates the category number to which the course belongs,
• The last two digits (01) indicate the semester in which the course is given.
  • All courses given in the first semester are represented by odd number (01, 03, 05, 07 …etc.)
  • All courses given in the second semester are represented by even number (02, 04, 06, 08…etc.)

2.14          List of Courses and Category

2.14.1.1                      Course Category

There are four course categories:

Category 0 = Common (National and University), Supportive Courses, and the courses given across the university/college/program.

Category 1 = Core/Compulsory Courses,

Category 2 = Core Elective Courses,

Category 3 = Automotive Stream

Category 4 = Manufacturing Stream

Category 5 = Mechanical Design Stream

Category 6 = Thermal Stream

For the programs that may have streams/focus area/, the student shall take a minimum of 12 credit hour focus area courses.

Table 7: Distribution of credit hours for all course categories

Table 8: List of Courses

2.15          Course Breakdown for Regular Programs

This section includes the list of course sequence in each semester indicating the credit hour (Cr.hr), course lecture, and tutorial/Lab hours. The course breakdown for undergraduate regular programs in all semesters shall be presented according to table 9.

Table 9: Semester Course Breakdown for Regular Program

Year I, Semester I

 Year I, Semester II

Year II, Semester I

Year II, Semester II

Year III, Semester I

Year III, Semester II

Year IV, Semester I

Mechanical Core Stream

Year IV, Semester II (Mechanical Core Stream)

Year IV, Summer Semester (Term III)

Year V, Semester I (Mechanical Core Stream)

Year V, Semester II (Mechanical Core Stream)

Automotive Stream

Year IV, Semester II (Automotive Stream)

Year IV, Summer Semester (Term III)

Year V, Semester I (Automotive Stream)

Year V, Semester II (Automotive Stream)

Manufacturing Stream

Year IV, Semester II (Manufacturing Stream)

Year IV, Summer Semester (Term III)

Year V, Semester I (Manufacturing Engineering Stream)

Year V, Semester II (Manufacturing Engineering Stream)

Mechanical Design Stream

Year IV, Semester II (Mechanical Design Stream)

Year IV, Summer Semester (Term III)

Year V, Semester I (Mechanical Design Stream)

Year V, Semester II (Mechanical Design Stream)

Thermal Stream

Year IV, Semester II (Thermal Stream)

Year IV, Summer Semester (Term III)

Year V, Semester I (Thermal Stream)

Year V, Semester II (Thermal Stream)

*Conversion rate: from Cr.hr to ECTS is given as, 1ECTS=1.67Cr.hr.

2.16           Course Plan

The course plan for each course in the proposed curriculum should have the following components depicted in table 9 and should be presented accordingly.

2.17          Student Learning Time (SLT)

The credit value indicates the amount of time spent on teaching and learning activities for each course. The allocation of credit value and student learning time (SLT) is linked to the level of complexity, difficulty, and mastery required in the courses concerned.

For the purpose of the curriculum design, current practice specifies a notional of 40 hours of SLT for every credit. Thus for a three credits subject, a student is expected to allocate 120 hours of SLT on that subject.

Figure 1: Student Learning Time Model

Mechanical Engineering Staff profile

Table 1: Academic staffs’ profiles

Table 1: Mechanical Engineering Department Laboratory Lists