BEngTech in Materials Science and Engineering
Study how the structure, processing and properties of metals, polymers, ceramics and composites determine their performance.
About the course
Study how the structure, processing and properties of metals, polymers, ceramics and composites determine their performance. You will investigate materials with laboratory methods, select them for engineering applications and address failure, durability and environmental impact. Projects draw on Southern African manufacturing, infrastructure and resource contexts.
What you'll learn
Explain how material structure and processing affect properties and performance.
Interpret laboratory evidence from the characterisation and testing of engineering materials.
Select metals, polymers, ceramics or composites for a defined engineering application.
Investigate failure, durability and environmental impact, then present a justified design decision.
Requirements
Entry requires relevant A Level STEM subjects or a National Certificate in a relevant STEM or TVET discipline. English Language is required. A relevant National Diploma may support second-year entry where BMIT approves module equivalence and professional rules permit. Advanced entry is not automatic.
African Kalanga is a compulsory graduation subject in every year of this programme. BMIT confirms the approved entry route, any recognition of prior learning and access to required practical facilities before enrolment.
Course Content
The subjects progress from engineering mathematics and science to materials characterisation, processing, design and supervised practice. Laboratory and workplace work requires approved facilities, safe procedures and appropriate supervision.
4 learning levels 33 subjects
Select a subject to read its learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment.
Level 1: Mathematical, scientific and professional foundations
Africa Indigenous Language: African Kalanga 101Compulsory graduation subject · Year 1
Develop African Kalanga through foundations for engineering, science and technology. Practise with authentic tasks, feedback and reflection across the programme year.
Learning outcomes
- Use African Kalanga accurately for Year 1 study and practice.
- Explain language choices to the intended audience.
- Revise your work using speaker and facilitator feedback.
Main topics
- Pronunciation
- Everyday vocabulary
- Listening
- Reading and respectful introductions
Practical task
Record a short introduction and explain its meaning to a peer.
Assessment
Submit the practical work, a brief reflection and evidence of language review. Assessment checks meaning, audience fit and improvement after feedback.
Differential Calculus
Examine functions, limits and their relationship within differential calculus. The subject develops differentiation and rates of change, then examines optimisation and model assumptions. Analyse a measured change and compare graphical and algebraic solutions.
Learning outcomes
- Explain functions and limits using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving differentiation and rates of change.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing optimisation and model assumptions.
Main topics
- Functions
- Limits
- Differentiation
- Rates of change
- Optimisation
- Model assumptions
Practical task
Analyse a measured change and compare graphical and algebraic solutions.
Assessment
Submit worked problems and a short interpretation of an optimisation case.
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
Develop your understanding of integral calculus and differential equations through integration and accumulated quantities. The subject develops first-order equations and second-order equations, then examines initial conditions and numerical checks. Model a simple accumulation process and check the solution against a numerical estimate.
Learning outcomes
- Explain integration and accumulated quantities using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving first-order equations and second-order equations.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing initial conditions and numerical checks.
Main topics
- Integration
- Accumulated quantities
- First-order equations
- Second-order equations
- Initial conditions
- Numerical checks
Practical task
Model a simple accumulation process and check the solution against a numerical estimate.
Assessment
Complete an analytical assignment explaining initial conditions and solution limits.
Linear Algebra
Study vectors and matrices as foundations for linear algebra. The subject develops linear systems and eigenvalues, then examines transformations and computational verification. Solve a small system using manual reasoning and a computational check.
Learning outcomes
- Explain vectors and matrices using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving linear systems and eigenvalues.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing transformations and computational verification.
Main topics
- Vectors
- Matrices
- Linear systems
- Eigenvalues
- Transformations
- Computational verification
Practical task
Solve a small system using manual reasoning and a computational check.
Assessment
Submit calculations and an explanation of the meaning of the solution.
Mechanics and General Physics
Examine motion, forces and their relationship within mechanics and general physics. The subject develops energy and momentum, then examines oscillations and measurement uncertainty. Use a supervised teaching experiment to compare observation with a physical model.
Learning outcomes
- Explain motion and forces using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving energy and momentum.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing oscillations and measurement uncertainty.
Main topics
- Motion
- Forces
- Energy
- Momentum
- Oscillations
- Measurement uncertainty
Practical task
Use a supervised teaching experiment to compare observation with a physical model.
Assessment
Submit a laboratory report and quantitative problem set.
Electricity, Magnetism and Waves
Develop your understanding of electricity, magnetism and waves through electric fields and magnetic fields. The subject develops electromagnetic induction and wave behaviour, then examines optical principles and physical models. Interpret measurements from supervised electrical or optical teaching equipment.
Learning outcomes
- Explain electric fields and magnetic fields using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving electromagnetic induction and wave behaviour.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing optical principles and physical models.
Main topics
- Electric fields
- Magnetic fields
- Electromagnetic induction
- Wave behaviour
- Optical principles
- Physical models
Practical task
Interpret measurements from supervised electrical or optical teaching equipment.
Assessment
Complete calculations and a report explaining discrepancies from theory.
General Chemistry
Study atomic structure and bonding as foundations for general chemistry. The subject develops chemical quantities and solutions, then examines equilibrium and acids and bases. Analyse low-risk teaching data and complete approved laboratory exercises.
Learning outcomes
- Explain atomic structure and bonding using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving chemical quantities and solutions.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing equilibrium and acids and bases.
Main topics
- Atomic structure
- Bonding
- Chemical quantities
- Solutions
- Equilibrium
- Acids and bases
Practical task
Analyse low-risk teaching data and complete approved laboratory exercises.
Assessment
Submit a practical record and calculations with units and assumptions.
Engineering Drawing and CAD
Examine orthographic views, sections and their relationship within engineering drawing and cad. The subject develops dimensions and tolerances, then examines assembly drawings and digital modelling. Produce drawings for a non-safety-critical teaching component.
Learning outcomes
- Explain orthographic views and sections using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving dimensions and tolerances.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing assembly drawings and digital modelling.
Main topics
- Orthographic views
- Sections
- Dimensions
- Tolerances
- Assembly drawings
- Digital modelling
Practical task
Produce drawings for a non-safety-critical teaching component.
Assessment
Submit dimensioned drawings and explain design communication choices.
Programming Fundamentals
Develop your understanding of programming fundamentals through variables and control flow. The subject develops functions and data structures, then examines file handling and testing. Develop a small program which processes a defined teaching dataset.
Learning outcomes
- Explain variables and control flow using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving functions and data structures.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing file handling and testing.
Main topics
- Variables
- Control flow
- Functions
- Data structures
- File handling
- Testing
Practical task
Develop a small program which processes a defined teaching dataset.
Assessment
Submit working code, tests and a concise user explanation.
Engineering Materials
Study material classes and structure and properties as foundations for engineering materials. The subject develops mechanical behaviour and thermal behaviour, then examines corrosion and material selection. Compare material samples or published teaching data against a component brief.
Learning outcomes
- Explain material classes and structure and properties using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving mechanical behaviour and thermal behaviour.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing corrosion and material selection.
Main topics
- Material classes
- Structure and properties
- Mechanical behaviour
- Thermal behaviour
- Corrosion
- Material selection
Practical task
Compare material samples or published teaching data against a component brief.
Assessment
Submit a selection report explaining evidence and trade-offs.
Engineering Statics
Examine force systems, equilibrium and their relationship within engineering statics. The subject develops free-body diagrams and structures, then examines friction and distributed loads. Analyse a simple structural model and check equilibrium experimentally.
Learning outcomes
- Explain force systems and equilibrium using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving free-body diagrams and structures.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing friction and distributed loads.
Main topics
- Force systems
- Equilibrium
- Free-body diagrams
- Structures
- Friction
- Distributed loads
Practical task
Analyse a simple structural model and check equilibrium experimentally.
Assessment
Submit calculations, diagrams and a short validation report.
Academic and Professional Communication
Develop your understanding of academic and professional communication through reading strategies and evidence use. The subject develops report structure and presentations, then examines audience and referencing. Prepare a report and presentation for a defined professional audience.
Learning outcomes
- Explain reading strategies and evidence use using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving report structure and presentations.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing audience and referencing.
Main topics
- Reading strategies
- Evidence use
- Report structure
- Presentations
- Audience
- Referencing
Practical task
Prepare a report and presentation for a defined professional audience.
Assessment
Submit revised written work and an individual presentation.
Engineering Professional Practice
Study professional responsibility and ethics as foundations for engineering professional practice. The subject develops technical communication and public welfare, then examines evidence integrity and continuing development. Analyse a regional engineering decision involving conflicting responsibilities.
Learning outcomes
- Explain professional responsibility and ethics using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving technical communication and public welfare.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing evidence integrity and continuing development.
Main topics
- Professional responsibility
- Ethics
- Technical communication
- Public welfare
- Evidence integrity
- Continuing development
Practical task
Analyse a regional engineering decision involving conflicting responsibilities.
Assessment
Submit an ethical decision brief and a professional communication exercise.
Level 2: Core engineering subjects
Materials Structure and Crystallography
Relate atomic bonding and crystal structure to the behaviour of engineering materials. Interpret defects, microstructures and diffraction evidence.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the main principles of materials structure and crystallography using appropriate evidence.
- Apply relevant methods to a defined materials science problem.
- Justify a conclusion and identify limitations in the evidence.
Main topics
- Atomic bonding
- Crystal systems
- Lattice defects
- Microstructure
- Diffraction
- Structure-property relationships
Practical task
Interpret prepared diffraction and microscopy data from metal and ceramic specimens.
Assessment
Submit a structure analysis with labelled evidence and an explanation of uncertainty.
Materials Thermodynamics and Phase Diagrams
Use thermodynamics and phase diagrams to explain transformations during materials processing and service.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the main principles of materials thermodynamics and phase diagrams using appropriate evidence.
- Apply relevant methods to a defined materials science problem.
- Justify a conclusion and identify limitations in the evidence.
Main topics
- Energy and entropy
- Equilibrium
- Binary phase diagrams
- Phase transformations
- Diffusion
- Heat treatment
Practical task
Interpret a binary alloy diagram and plan a supervised heat-treatment comparison.
Assessment
Submit calculations, phase predictions and a practical interpretation.
Physical Metallurgy and Alloy Design
Examine the links between alloy composition, processing, microstructure and mechanical properties.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the main principles of physical metallurgy and alloy design using appropriate evidence.
- Apply relevant methods to a defined materials science problem.
- Justify a conclusion and identify limitations in the evidence.
Main topics
- Ferrous alloys
- Non-ferrous alloys
- Solidification
- Strengthening
- Heat treatment
- Alloy selection
Practical task
Compare prepared alloy micrographs and hardness results against a component brief.
Assessment
Submit a justified alloy-selection report supported by test evidence.
Polymer Science and Processing
Study polymer structure, behaviour and processing for practical engineering applications.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the main principles of polymer science and processing using appropriate evidence.
- Apply relevant methods to a defined materials science problem.
- Justify a conclusion and identify limitations in the evidence.
Main topics
- Polymerisation
- Thermoplastics
- Thermosets
- Elastomers
- Rheology
- Moulding and extrusion
Practical task
Compare approved polymer test data and prepare a process choice for a product.
Assessment
Submit a material and process selection brief with performance limitations.
Ceramics and Glass Engineering
Examine how composition, forming and heat treatment influence the properties of ceramics and glass.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the main principles of ceramics and glass engineering using appropriate evidence.
- Apply relevant methods to a defined materials science problem.
- Justify a conclusion and identify limitations in the evidence.
Main topics
- Ceramic structures
- Powders
- Forming
- Sintering
- Glass processing
- Thermal and fracture behaviour
Practical task
Interpret supervised density, porosity and fracture observations from teaching specimens.
Assessment
Submit a processing report and a suitability assessment for a defined use.
Materials Characterisation
Select and interpret methods for examining composition, structure and defects in materials.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the main principles of materials characterisation using appropriate evidence.
- Apply relevant methods to a defined materials science problem.
- Justify a conclusion and identify limitations in the evidence.
Main topics
- Optical microscopy
- Electron microscopy
- Spectroscopy
- Diffraction
- Sample preparation
- Measurement limits
Practical task
Prepare a safe specimen plan and analyse supplied microscopy or spectroscopy results.
Assessment
Submit a characterisation report that links observations to material performance.
Strength of Materials
Examine stress and strain, elastic behaviour and their relationship within strength of materials. The subject develops bending and torsion, then examines deflection and failure criteria. Interpret supervised material-test results and relate them to a component model.
Learning outcomes
- Explain stress and strain and elastic behaviour using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving bending and torsion.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing deflection and failure criteria.
Main topics
- Stress and strain
- Elastic behaviour
- Bending
- Torsion
- Deflection
- Failure criteria
Practical task
Interpret supervised material-test results and relate them to a component model.
Assessment
Submit a test report and justified calculations.
Applied Statistics
Develop your understanding of applied statistics through descriptive measures and probability. The subject develops sampling and estimation, then examines hypothesis testing and regression. Analyse an approved dataset and distinguish uncertainty from systematic bias.
Learning outcomes
- Explain descriptive measures and probability using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving sampling and estimation.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing hypothesis testing and regression.
Main topics
- Descriptive measures
- Probability
- Sampling
- Estimation
- Hypothesis testing
- Regression
Practical task
Analyse an approved dataset and distinguish uncertainty from systematic bias.
Assessment
Submit a reproducible analysis with justified methods and interpretation.
Level 3: Specialist and integrative subjects
Africa Indigenous Language: African Kalanga 201Compulsory graduation subject · Year 2
Develop African Kalanga through applied communication for engineering, science and technology. Practise with authentic tasks, feedback and reflection across the programme year.
Learning outcomes
- Use African Kalanga accurately for Year 2 study and practice.
- Explain language choices to the intended audience.
- Revise your work using speaker and facilitator feedback.
Main topics
- Workplace vocabulary
- Questions
- Instructions
- Short messages and feedback
Practical task
Prepare and test a bilingual message for a realistic community or workplace situation.
Assessment
Submit the practical work, a brief reflection and evidence of language review. Assessment checks meaning, audience fit and improvement after feedback.
Composite Materials Engineering
Investigate reinforcement, matrix selection, manufacture and performance of composite materials.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the main principles of composite materials engineering using appropriate evidence.
- Apply relevant methods to a defined materials science problem.
- Justify a conclusion and identify limitations in the evidence.
Main topics
- Fibre and particle reinforcement
- Matrix materials
- Lay-up
- Interfaces
- Anisotropy
- Damage and repair
Practical task
Compare laminate designs using approved mechanical-test data and a realistic component brief.
Assessment
Submit a design comparison with test interpretation and lifecycle considerations.
Corrosion and Surface Engineering
Identify corrosion mechanisms and assess ways to protect materials in service.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the main principles of corrosion and surface engineering using appropriate evidence.
- Apply relevant methods to a defined materials science problem.
- Justify a conclusion and identify limitations in the evidence.
Main topics
- Electrochemical corrosion
- Environmental exposure
- Coatings
- Surface treatments
- Monitoring
- Protection selection
Practical task
Investigate a documented regional corrosion case using inspection records and test data.
Assessment
Submit a diagnosis and justified protection plan.
Materials Processing and Manufacturing
Compare manufacturing routes for metals, polymers, ceramics and composites using material properties and production constraints.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the main principles of materials processing and manufacturing using appropriate evidence.
- Apply relevant methods to a defined materials science problem.
- Justify a conclusion and identify limitations in the evidence.
Main topics
- Casting
- Forming
- Joining
- Additive manufacture
- Process control
- Defects and inspection
Practical task
Plan a safe production route for a teaching component and evaluate sample process data.
Assessment
Submit a process plan with quality checks, costs and limitations.
Electronic and Functional Materials
Explore electrical, magnetic and optical properties that enable sensors, electronic devices and energy applications.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the main principles of electronic and functional materials using appropriate evidence.
- Apply relevant methods to a defined materials science problem.
- Justify a conclusion and identify limitations in the evidence.
Main topics
- Semiconductors
- Conductors and insulators
- Magnetic materials
- Optical materials
- Functional coatings
- Device materials
Practical task
Interpret supplied measurements of an electronic or optical material and compare candidate uses.
Assessment
Submit a data-led application brief that explains performance and safety constraints.
Quality Management and Improvement
Examine quality criteria, process variation and their relationship within quality management and improvement. The subject develops traceability and nonconformity, then examines corrective action and improvement measures. Investigate a quality problem using permissioned records or teaching data.
Learning outcomes
- Explain quality criteria and process variation using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving traceability and nonconformity.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing corrective action and improvement measures.
Main topics
- Quality criteria
- Process variation
- Traceability
- Nonconformity
- Corrective action
- Improvement measures
Practical task
Investigate a quality problem using permissioned records or teaching data.
Assessment
Submit a quality review and a measurable improvement proposal.
Research Methods
Develop your understanding of research methods through research questions and literature review. The subject develops study design and data collection, then examines ethics and interpretation. Prepare a feasible investigation proposal with a defined evidence need.
Learning outcomes
- Explain research questions and literature review using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving study design and data collection.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing ethics and interpretation.
Main topics
- Research questions
- Literature review
- Study design
- Data collection
- Ethics
- Interpretation
Practical task
Prepare a feasible investigation proposal with a defined evidence need.
Assessment
Submit a proposal, methods rationale and ethics considerations.
Level 4: Design, practice and final project
Africa Indigenous Language: African Kalanga 301Compulsory graduation subject · Year 3
Develop African Kalanga through specialist communication for engineering, science and technology. Practise with authentic tasks, feedback and reflection across the programme year.
Learning outcomes
- Use African Kalanga accurately for Year 3 study and practice.
- Explain language choices to the intended audience.
- Revise your work using speaker and facilitator feedback.
Main topics
- Field-specific terms
- Interviews
- Explanations and audience needs
Practical task
Interview a speaker about a field-specific issue and produce a checked bilingual summary.
Assessment
Submit the practical work, a brief reflection and evidence of language review. Assessment checks meaning, audience fit and improvement after feedback.
Engineering Design Methods
Study problem definition and requirements as foundations for engineering design methods. The subject develops concept comparison and constraints, then examines verification planning and design review. Develop and review alternatives for a defined civilian technical need.
Learning outcomes
- Explain problem definition and requirements using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving concept comparison and constraints.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing verification planning and design review.
Main topics
- Problem definition
- Requirements
- Concept comparison
- Constraints
- Verification planning
- Design review
Practical task
Develop and review alternatives for a defined civilian technical need.
Assessment
Submit a requirements-led design dossier with review responses.
Materials Selection and Lifecycle Design
Apply performance, manufacture, cost and environmental criteria to the selection of materials for an engineering product.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the main principles of materials selection and lifecycle design using appropriate evidence.
- Apply relevant methods to a defined materials science problem.
- Justify a conclusion and identify limitations in the evidence.
Main topics
- Material indices
- Design constraints
- Durability
- Repair
- Recycling
- Lifecycle assessment
Practical task
Compare candidate materials for a locally relevant component using transparent evidence.
Assessment
Submit a selection dossier with sensitivity analysis and a design review.
Supervised Workplace Learning
Develop your understanding of supervised workplace learning through workplace roles and approved task planning. The subject develops professional conduct and technical records, then examines feedback and reflective learning. Complete an agreed placement task under an approved workplace supervisor.
Learning outcomes
- Explain workplace roles and approved task planning using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving professional conduct and technical records.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing feedback and reflective learning.
Main topics
- Workplace roles
- Approved task planning
- Professional conduct
- Technical records
- Feedback
- Reflective learning
Practical task
Complete an agreed placement task under an approved workplace supervisor.
Assessment
Submit an authenticated work portfolio and reflective presentation.
Integrated Materials Project and Technical Report
Complete a supervised materials investigation or design project from question to verified conclusion.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the main principles of integrated materials project and technical report using appropriate evidence.
- Apply relevant methods to a defined materials science problem.
- Justify a conclusion and identify limitations in the evidence.
Main topics
- Project planning
- Experimental method
- Data integrity
- Analysis
- Verification
- Technical communication
Practical task
Carry out an approved project using safe methods and maintain an auditable evidence record.
Assessment
Submit the final technical report, evidence portfolio and individual oral defence.
Assessment and Practical Learning
- Problem sets and technical reports assess calculations, material behaviour and the interpretation of evidence.
- Supervised laboratory tasks assess safe procedures, accurate records and individual explanation of results.
- A materials selection portfolio and final investigation assess design judgement, verification and clear technical communication.
Practical application
Use approved materials laboratories, prepared specimens and industry-informed case studies. Workplace learning and the final project require supervision, an evidence record and a documented safety review.