Innovative curriculum design for electrical engineering at Unisa

Abstract

All diplomas and BTech degrees offered by the School of Engineering at Unisa, an open and distance learning institution, contain a theoretical as well as a practical component within each module, and a compulsory period of work-integrated learning in industry. An increase in students, a proposed new tuition model and the new qualifications framework have necessitated a search for innovative ways of offering our courses, especially the practical experiments that are required. All first-year students receive a kit with the required components to do the required experiments. They also receive their own copies of Multisim and Ultiboard, which they can use throughout their studies. Students enrolled for our courses in Digital Systems, Process Instrumentation, Control Systems and Industrial Electronics now receive PLC simulation software in addition to the theoretical package. In addition to providing students with study guides and software, satellite broadcasts also enable staff to interact with their students. Students unable to attend a satellite broadcast are able to purchase the recording for a nominal fee. Students learn about the theoretical aspects and then apply the knowledge gained in the practical projects. At the end of their studies, students apply their knowledge in a design project for the diploma and an industrial project for the BTech.