About

The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Technology (MIET) is the largest among the 12 departments in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) in terms of staff, and enrolled student population. MIET offers both Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Technology programmes at Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech), Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) Honours, Master of Engineering (MEng), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) levels. The department’s undergraduate programmes are fully accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and the Council of Higher Education (CHE). They are also recognized internationally through ECSA’s association with the international accords. The department’s programmes align with global technological advancement (e.g., 4IR) and sustainable development. Our department prides itself in providing a student-friendly learning experience to produce well-acquainted graduates proficient in critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork necessary to design, build, maintain, and enhance machines, equipment, systems, processes, and facilities for use in various industries.

Over the years, the number of staff who obtained doctorate qualifications and those promoted to senior lecturer, associate professor, and full professor levels in the department increased significantly, thereby enhancing research and teaching excellence.

The department has also established partnerships with stakeholders from various industries; some have even donated equipment to the department to support research, teaching, and learning. For example, with the help of the Head of School, Dr. Samuel Gqibani, the department facilitated the UJ/Nissan partnership to enhance motor technology skills development and research and contribute to building state-of-the-art testing facilities. See the link from UJ news:

https://news.uj.ac.za/news/uj-nissan-partnership-to-enhance-motor-technology-skills-development-2/

Other industry partners form part of the department’s Advisory Board to ensure the department’s programmes remain relevant to industry requirements and trends. Students are also taken for industry visits to familiarize them with practical application in industrial settings.

The staff and students are involved in a number of research projects such as:

• Engineering and water systems.
• Energy systems and infrastructures.
• Advanced manufacturing, materials processing, and artificial intelligence.
• Industrial engineering and engineering management.
• Quality, maintenance, logistics, and facility layouts.
• Industry 4.0 and Sustainability.

There are also student chapters associated with ECSA, and engineering voluntary institutions such as the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering and Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering to help students network with industry experts and learn more about the engineering practice.

Photos of the engine strip, and assemble project (Photos provided by Dr. Gqibani):