Master of Engineering with endorsements
2005 Calendar, page 253 (13)UC/05 – ME(endorsed)/3
Section A
1. Purpose of proposal
To redesign the Master of Engineering (ME) degree at the University of Canterbury (CUAP Category 4) with a standard structure, and to introduce endorsements for the degree in the following subjects:
• Bioengineering (subject to CUAP approval - see (06)UC/05 – BE (Bioengineering)/2), • Chemical and Process Engineering,
• Civil Engineering,
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and • Mechanical Engineering.
2. Justification
This proposal is part of an initiative to redesign the sub-PhD postgraduate Engineering qualifications offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Forestry at the University of Canterbury, and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying proposals for the introduction of a Master of Professional Engineering degree and the establishment of an ME (Bioengineering).
The need to review and, perhaps, restructure the postgraduate qualifications offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Forestry was identified as part of the College of Engineering Strategic Plan 2005. This review was seen to be part of an ongoing process of improving the strength and quality of the postgraduate school within the College of Engineering, a process inline with the University of Canterbury’s long term strategic plan of increasing postgraduate numbers and strengthening its research focus (University of Canterbury – University Profile 2005-2007).
Currently the Faculty of Engineering and Forestry offers two general sub-PhD postgraduate engineering qualifications. These are a Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering and a Master of Engineering. The Master of Engineering degree is a catch-all qualification in which students can select from a range of study options, all of which lead to the same qualification. They may enrol for a thesis only, a thesis with up to four courses, or a project and six courses. The academic requirements for each of these options are quite different and students are often unsure of which option is right for them. All students completing a master’s degree in Engineering qualify for the same degree no matter which particular study option they select, or major they choose. Therefore
differentiation between ME graduates is difficult, and students’ achievements are somewhat obscured.
The faculty also offers three specialised postgraduate qualifications – the Master of Engineering in Management (MEM), Master of Engineering in Transportation (MET) and the Master of Engineering in Fire Engineering (MEFE). The success of these degrees points to the current demand for specialisation at postgraduate level and the desire to have a qualification with a title that clearly differentiates it from other similar degrees. There is a growing demand within the Faculty of Engineering and Forestry to develop specialised Master’s degrees as the general qualifications now offered are unendorsed and offer limited information to prospective students on the areas of expertise within the faculty, and ultimately little information to employers about the expertise of the graduate.
While the postgraduate qualifications currently offered by the faculty are highly regarded, both nationally and internationally, there is an opportunity to devise a more focused suite of
qualifications that will meet both academic and professional needs. An example of the qualifications of the G8 Universities in Australia can be found in Appendix C. Most of these Universities together with Auckland University offer a research based degree and a course work taught degree which closely matches this proposal
A redesigned ME degree is hereby proposed. This degree will comprise a standard structure that includes a research thesis (1.0 EFTS) and 0.4 EFTS of taught postgraduate courses. This
structure will strengthen the qualification and clarify the purpose of the degree for both
prospective students and future employers. It will become an unambiguously research focussed degree, strengthened by classroom-based advanced engineering education.
In order to cater for the strong demand from students for specialised postgraduate qualifications we propose that the ME degree include an endorsement. The introduction of endorsements will provide the Faculty of Engineering and Forestry with a clear future direction whereby new specialisations can be incorporated into this standard degree structure through the establishment of new endorsements. Such an example is provided with the proposed new ME (Bioengineering) (see CUAP Round 2 proposal (06)UC/05 – ME (Bioengineering)/2)
The alternative study option of a taught master’s degree is provided for by the proposed new Master of Professional Engineering.
3. Acceptability See Appendix A
• Professor Robert Raine, Associate Dean (Postgraduate), Auckland University • President of ENSOC
• President of UCSA
4. Goals of the programme
The goal of this proposal is to provide a significantly improved suite of postgraduate degree options for students wishing to undertake postgraduate study in engineering at the University of
Canterbury. This is achieved by the development of two distinct master degrees with clearly differentiated outcomes.
The ME degree is a specialised postgraduate research degree based around a masters thesis. It aims to provide a research focussed learning environment in which students can develop their independent problem solving skills through supervised research. Study in a number of advanced engineering courses will provide each student with key technical knowledge that will enhance, and support, their research activities. The specific choice of courses and the selection of a research topic are determined by the student’s choice of specialisation (endorsement). 5. Graduate profile
The graduates from the ME degree will demonstrate the following attributes:
• Advanced knowledge of the fundamental principles, and application of these principles, in their area of specialisation.
• The ability to design and undertake a research programme in their area of specialisation, and to critique the research published by others.
• Strong communication skills, in particular written communication skills. • The ability to undertake independent study.
• The ability to apply their knowledge to new and complex engineering problems. • Recognition of the importance of lifelong learning.
• An ethical approach to engineering practice. 6. Proposed regulations and prescriptions
The regulations for the ME degree are attached in Appendix B.
Students currently enrolled in an ME degree will be able to complete their degree under the current regulations. If their programme of study satisfies the requirements of the new ME for a particular endorsement, then they may apply to transfer their enrolment to the new endorsed degree provided they have not already graduated.
7. Proposed teaching/delivery methods
With the exception of one new course in Bioengineering, the teaching/delivery methods for the current postgraduate courses within the Faculty of Engineering and Forestry are already
approved.
Similarly the supervision of postgraduate student thesis research comes under current University of Canterbury, and Faculty of Engineering and Forestry regulations and guidelines.
8. Assessment
Course and thesis assessment procedures are already established under University of Canterbury and Faculty of Engineering and Forestry regulations and guidelines.
9. Resources
With the exception of one new course (see (06)UC/05 – BE(Hons)/1, Appendix C), no additional resources are required for the delivery of the new ME degree. Library and laboratory resources are already available and an appropriate suite of postgraduate courses is currently offered (see regulations). Students are accepted onto the ME programme only if appropriate supervision is available and specialised research resources can be provided.
10. Plans for monitoring programme quality
The College will ensure a Graduating Year Review (GYR) is carried out. A GYR is a review of CUAP approved new qualifications or major subjects and will be completed within three years of the expected graduation of the first cohort of students.
Student evaluation of courses will continue as they do now. 11. Statement regarding Section B
The ME utilises current courses and resources and therefore this section is not applicable.
Progression of Proposal Date
College PVC (strategic) January 2005
Faculty Standing Cmte / Planning Cmte / Foundation Board 3 August 2005
Faculty 10 August 2005
Academic Programmes Committee 08 August 2005
Academic Board 17 August 2005
Council 31 August 2005
Appendix A: Consultation
Professor Peter Jackson received verbal agreement from Professor Robert Raine from Auckland University and his email response follows:
---Original Message---
From: Robert Raine [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, 19 August 2005 12:19 p.m.
To: Peter Jackson
Subject: Re: masters programmes at Canterbury Dear Professor Jackson,
I have received a copy of "A Proposal to Redevelop the Postgraduate Diploma and Master of Engineering Qualifications at the University of Canterbury - Version 2".
I have circulated the proposal to relevant colleagues in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Auckland and received some comments.
In general, we are supportive of the proposals. The proposals are broadly in line with our own Masters degrees. Colleagues have said that they
particularly like the suggested name for the taught Masters, and I am being encouraged to adopt this for ours (in place of Master of Engineering
Studies). sincerely Robert Raine -- ########################################## Robert Raine, BSc, PhD Associate Professor
Mechanical Engineering Department Associate Dean - Postgraduate The University of Auckland Private bag 92019
Auckland, New Zealand
PH. 64 9 3737599 Ext. 88128 Fax 64 9 3737479
Mr Guinness was sent the updated proposal, the following statement was received on August 3rd 2005.
Hi Lisa!
Having discussed this Restructuring document over the last few days, my fellow students and I can see no faults worth reporting and think that this new structure will be very good. Thank you for passing this by me. I think it is important that students should be able to voice their opinions on topics such as this.
Kind Regards, STEVE GUINNESS
---Original Message---
From: Steve Guinness [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, 12 July 2005 8:18 p.m.
To: Peter Jackson
Subject: Re: Restructuring of ME Dear Peter,
I have read through the proposal for the redeveloping of the ME
qualifications. I have also discussed it with some fellow students. Here are some conclusions that we came to:
- This is a very wise idea, to restructure the ME proposed qualifications. The goals seem very relevant and should now be simple to achieve.
- There seems to be a limit proposed for graduates that achieve below second class honours. What say a bright student under achieves in their 3rd Pro. year for some reason but still has a large passion and keen interest to carry out one of the other Masters options. Is there no way that they will be able to pass through to the other masters without going through the PGDip or work for a couple of years? This perhaps seems a little unfair, most post graduate students would put in a an extended effort to their masters year, even if they got below the 2nd class cut-off. Do you think there will be many numbers for the PGDip?
People that don't make the cut for the ME but want to get a bit more out of university may go for a BSc instead. A discussion may be required on this topic.
As stated, the restructuring seems like a good idea. I also wouldn't mind hearing a little more about the PGDip.
I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow somewhere out and about at the ENSOC Engineering Expo and letting you know how SENS went. We did very well! Regards,
STEVE GUINNESS
The Academic Manager had a verbal confirmation from Mr Poh on the 2nd of August regarding the updated proposal. He was in support of the changes and asked for a few points to be clarified, which they were.
Sent: Friday, 22 July 2005 12:39 p.m. To: Peter Jackson
Subject: RE: Restructuring of ME Dear Peter,
I realise that I may have missed the two week time frame specified to respond to your email, however, I have been away on holiday, and subsequently did not take any University work with me.
I would like to endorse the new proposal for the Postgraduate Diploma and Master of Engineering Qualifications. I think that the Engineering
Postgraduate Committee has done an excellent job in proposing a framework that will benefit students in recognising the work that they have completed at Postgraduate level.
Again, apologies for the lateness in my reply. Kind Regards,
Warren
--- UCSA Vice President 2005
University of Canterbury Students Association 90 Ilam Rd, PO Box 31-311, Christchurch
Ph: (03) 364 2652 ext. 3932 Fax: (03) 364 3670
www.ucsa.org.nz
Appendix B: Regulations & prescriptions
Master of Engineering (endorsed)
Degree Regulations
2005 Calendar page 253
Page 253 (these degree regulations replace the existing ME degree regulations
The Degree of Master of Engineering (ME) (Endorsed)
(See also General Course and Examination Regulations)
1. Degree Programmes
The degree of Master of Engineering (ME) may be awarded endorsed in the following subjects: Bioengineering (subject to CUAP NZVCC approval), Chemical and Process Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
2. Qualifications Required to Enrol in the Degree
A candidate shall have:
(a) (i) qualified for the award of the Degree of Bachelor of Engineering with first or second class honours; or (ii) qualified for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering with a GPA of 5 or more; or (iii) qualified for the award of the Degree of Bachelor of Science with first or second class honours in appropriate subjects; or (iv) in exceptional circumstances, qualified for the award of another appropriate degree in New Zealand; or (v) been admitted ad eundem statum as entitled to proceed to the Degree of Master of Engineering; and
(b) been approved as a candidate for the degree by the Dean of Engineering and Forestry.
Notes:
(i) Relevance and standard of previous study are the main criteria for approval. (ii) Candidates will be approved only if appropriate research supervision and resources are available.
3. Structure of the Degree
(a) The ME degree is awarded as an endorsed degree in an area of specialisation selected from those specialisations listed in Schedule A.
(b) Each candidate must complete a programme of study with a minimum total weight of 1.4 EFTS. The programme of study consists of a thesis (1.0 EFTS) and courses with a total course weighting of not less than 48 points (0.4 EFTS). The courses must be selected as follows: (i) courses with a total course weighting of not less than 12 points (0.1 EFTS) must be selected from the 600-level courses listed in Schedule B; and(ii) additional courses with a total course weighting of not less than 24 points (0.2 EFTS) must be selected from the 600-level courses listed in Schedule B, or from postgraduate courses offered outside the Engineering programmes; and (iii) any remaining courses, that ensure that the total course weight is not less than 48 points (0.4 EFTS), may be selected from 400-level courses offered in the Engineering programmes; and (iv) the courses selected must satisfy the specific requirements for the chosen specialisation in Schedule A.
Not all courses may be available in a given discipline in any year.
(c) Each programme of study must be approved by the Head of Department and Dean of Engineering and Forestry.
(d) In exceptional circumstances the Dean of Engineering and Forestry my approve appropriate substitutions for courses listed in regulation 3(b) above
4. Exemptions
Subject to the approval of the Dean of Engineering and Forestry, students with relevant previous postgraduate study, or extensive relevant industry experience, may apply for exemption from some, or all, of the coursework (48 points) component of the degree.
5. Full Time and Part Time Enrolment
(a) A candidate shall normally enrol as a full time candidate (i) A full time candidate will enrol for not less than one year four months and not more than three years; or (ii) if a candidate has been exempted courses under regulation 4, then a minimum and maximum period of enrolment, consistent with the level of exemption, will be determined by the Dean of Engineering and Forestry at the time of enrolment, such that the minimum period is not less than one year.
Note:
With the approval of the supervisor and Head of Department, a full time candidate may be employed in the university in academically relevant work for up to an average of 6 hours per week over the calendar year.
(b) With the approval of the Dean of Engineering and Forestry, a candidate may be enrolled as a part time candidate. A part time candidate is one who, because of health, employment, family, or other circumstances, is unable to devote himself or herself to full time study and research (i) A part time candidate will enrol part time for not less than two years six months and not more than four years; or (ii) if a candidate has been exempted courses under regulation 4, then a minimum and maximum period of part time enrolment, consistent with the level of exemption, will be determined by the Dean of Engineering and Forestry at the time of enrolment.
6. ME with Distinction
Candidates who obtain a GPA of 8.00 or more in their programme of study will be eligible for the award of ME with Distinction.
7. Theses
The presentation of the thesis shall conform to the requirements of the General Course and Examination Regulations, part L, to the Guidelines for Master’s Thesis Work, and to the Library Guide to the Presentation of Theses.
8. Transfer from MPEng to ME
Subject to approval of the Dean of Engineering and Forestry, a candidate my transfer from the Master of Engineering to Master of Professional Engineering subject to satisfying the regulation requirements of the MPEng.
9. Transfer from ME to PhD
Where a candidate has demonstrated high research potential and has the support of the Head of Department, the candidate may abandon the Master of Engineering degree and apply to transfer to a PhD degree with such backdating of research thesis enrolment as may be approved by the Academic Board.
10. Award of ME instead of PhD
Faculty of Engineering and Forestry, and the examiners are of the opinion that it does not justify the award of that degree they may recommend that it be presented for the degree of Master of Engineering. In this case the Dean of Engineering and Forestry may, if required for the award of the degree, exempt the coursework component of the degree.
11. Transition Arrangements
Candidates enrolled in the Master of Engineering degree under previous
regulations may complete their degree under those regulations. Such candidates, if they believe that they will be able to satisfy the requirements of a particular specialisation given in Schedule A, may, subject to the approval of the Dean of Engineering and Forestry, transfer to a Master of Engineering in that
specialisation.
Schedule A to the Regulations for the Degree of Master of Engineering (Endorsed)
Bioengineering (subject to CUAP NZVCC approval) Required course ENBI601
Thesis: ENBI690
Chemical and Process Engineering Thesis: ENCH690
Civil Engineering Thesis: ENCI690
and at least 24 points (.2EFTS) ENCI courses Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Thesis: ENEL690 Mechanical Engineering Thesis: ENME690
Schedule B to the Regulations for the Degree of master of Engineering (endorsed)
Chemical and Process Engineering
ENCH601 Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical
Thermodynamics
ENCH602 Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics
ENCH603 Physical, Chemical and Analytical Techniques
ENCH604 Advanced Separation Processes
ENCH605 Biological Waste Processing
ENCH606 Advanced Process Simulation
ENCH607 Modelling and Numerical Methods
ENCH620 Clean Technology and Processes
ENCH621 Fundamentals for Sustainable Processes
ENCH622 Environmental Process Engineering
Civil Engineering
ENCI601 Risk Assessment
ENCI602 Introduction to Continuum Mechanics
ENCI603 Construction Operations Analysis and Management
ENCI611 Structural Steel
ENCI612 Bridge Structure
ENCI613 Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
ENCI614 Timber Engineering
ENCI615 Structural Concrete
ENCI616 Finite Element Analysis
ENCI617 Engineering Seismology
ENCI618 Foundation Engineering
ENCI620 Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering
ENCI621 Concrete Materials and Practice
ENCI631 Coastal Engineering
ENCI632 Ground Water Flow
ENCI633 Instream Flow Methods
ENCI634 Water Chemistry
ENCI635 Ecological Engineering
ENCI636 Biological Nutrient Waste Treatment
ENCI637 Ocean Outfall Design
ENCI638 Environmental Fluid Dynamics
ENCI651 Traffic Management
ENCI652 Accident Reduction and Prevention
ENCI653 Advanced Pavement Design
ENCI654 Pavement Management Systems
ENCI655 Transport Planning and Modelling
ENCI656 Advanced Traffic Engineering
ENCI661 Structural Fire Engineering
ENCI662 Fire Safety Systems
ENCI663 Fire Dynamics
ENCI664 Human Behaviour in Fires
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
ENEL611 Advanced Communications Electronics
ENEL614 Biomedical Engineering
ENEL615 High Frequency Switching Techniques
ENEL622 Advanced Signal Processing 1
ENEL629 Advanced Power System Engineering
ENEL632 Industrial Power Electronics
ENEL641 Advanced Semiconductor Devices
ENEL650 Advanced Digital Communications
ENEL657 Applied Digital Signal Processing
ENEL674 Applied Random Processes
ENEL678 Digital Communication with Satellite and Space
Applications
Mechanical Engineering
ENME601 Product Innovation
ENME603 Advanced Characterisation of Engineering Materials
ENME604 Phase Transformations in Metals and Alloys
ENME605 Biomedical Engineering Simulations
ENME630 Advanced Computational Solid Mechanics
ENME631 Research Methods in Applied Mechanics
ENME632 Advanced Mechanics of Vibration
ENME633 Advanced Modern Control Theory
ENME634 Advanced Applied Fluid Mechanics
ENME635 Advanced Heat and Mass Transfer
ENME636 Advanced Manufacturing Technology
ENME637 Advanced Metallurgical Engineering
ENME640 Advanced Mechanical System Design - Process
ENME641 Advanced Mechanical System Design - Special Applications
ENME643 Advanced Computer Control and Instrumentation
ENME645 Advanced Energy Engineering
ENME656 Advanced Computer-Aided Product Development
ENME657 Advanced Fracture Mechanics and Failure Analysis
ENME664 Biofluid Mechanics
ENME665 Advanced HVAC Engineering
ENME667 Advanced Polymeric and Composite Materials
Engineering Mathematics
EMTH600 Dynamical Systems
EMTH601 Continuous Biological Systems
EMTH602 Fluid Mechanics
EMTH603 Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations
EMTH604 Optimisation Theory and Methods
EMTH606 Algebraic and Symbolic Computation
EMTH607 Coding Theory
EMTH608 Industrial Case Studies
Bioengineering
ENBI601 Medical Bioengineering (subject to NZVCC
approval)
Note: (i) Not all courses will be offered in any one year. Students are advised to contact the College of Engineering for an up to date list of courses offered. (ii) Special topics are available in Chemical and Process Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Mathematics. Students are advised to contact the departments for more information on special topics.
Prescriptions Prescriptions for courses already exist in the Calendar
Rationale for changes
These changes are part of an initiative to redevelop the sub-PhD postgraduate Engineering qualifications offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Forestry.
Appendix C
Engineering masters degrees in New Zealand university name research
EFT total EFT Auckland ME 1 1.5 MEngSt 0.0 1.0 Massey ME =>0.25 1.0
Engineering masters degrees in Australia (G8 universities)
Coursework masters
university name EFT number of
endorsements Melbourne ME 1 14 Adelaide ME 1 6 Monash Master of X 1 3 NSW MEngSci 1 20 Queensland ME 1.5 20 Sydney MEngStud 1 7
Research masters (most include some coursework)
university name EFT number of
endorsements Melbourne MEngSci 1.5 8 Adelaide MEngSci 1 6 Monash MEngSci(Res) 2 Sydney ME(Res) 1.5 UWA ME 2
