The Faculty of Engineering once again hosted a successful 2023 Open Day that showcased the Faculty’s five departments and offerings to prospective students, which formed part of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) annual Open Day. The activities on the day allowed high school learners to visit SU’s beautiful campus and experience a glimpse of the vibrant student communities, various faculties and residences.
The much-anticipated event presented an ideal opportunity for learners to explore the vast range of undergraduate programmes available at the Faculty, empowering them to make the best study choices as they embark on their tertiary education journey next year.
From as early as 08:00 on Saturday, 6 May 2023, interested learners (and parents) flocked to the marquee tent to collect their information packs and meet with undergraduate engineering students that acted as tour guides. A DJ provided live entertainment for ambiance while the Chalkboard cafeteria ensured everyone’s energy levels were maintained, serving food, pancakes and coffee.
The general information sessions were bilingually presented by Prof Wikus van Niekerk, Dean of the Faculty, Prof Celeste Viljoen, Vice-Dean: Teaching and Quality Assurance, and Prof Petrie Meyer, Vice-Dean: Research and Industry Liaison, to ensure that all visitors could access information.
The tour guides accompanied the visitors to the five engineering departments in smaller groups, showing them the world-class facilities. Informative departmental demonstrations followed and allowed prospective students to explore each department’s offerings in a fun way.
The Department of Chemical Engineering demonstrated bio-hydrogen production using purple bacteria, separation through distillation, and more about urban mining, while the Department of Civil Engineering explored the possibility of printing a 3D building, how to simulate one million trucks driving a road, and how to protect our dams and rivers during a flood.
Control Systems, Data and Signals, and the Media Lab were explored at the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, while the Department of Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering demonstrated Aerodynamic Behaviour Testing. Finally, the Department of Industrial Engineering examined Advanced Manufacturing, the Stellenbosch Learning Factory, and Travelling Salesperson Problem & Discrete-event Simulation. The demonstrations were all followed by Q&A sessions.
August Engelbrecht, Coordinator of Student Recruitment and Social Impact at the faculty, says the Open Day aims to put prospective students’ minds at ease by giving them enough knowledge about the programmes, what student life as a Matie is, the opportunity to listen to lecturers and engage with current students and staff to be able to make an informed decision in the end.
To all prospective students, remember that the closing date for applications is 31 July 2023. We look forward to welcoming you to our faculty in 2024!
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Watch the Q&A session here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgVP_4YdhsU
Apply for 2024 here: https://www.sun.ac.za/english/maties/apply/explore-your-options
📸 – Snapshots of our 2023 Open Day adventure!
