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WASSCE · 30 topics

Engineering

G3N tutors you through the full WASSCE Engineering syllabus offline — from Engineering in Society, Health and Safety in Engineering Practice, Ethics and Professional Practice and more — with adaptive lessons, instant quizzes and exam-ready summaries.

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Syllabus

What you’ll cover in Engineering.

The complete topic outline G3N teaches, mapped to the WASSCE curriculum.

Year 1

10 topics
Engineering in Society
  • Identify engineering footprints in the community and explain the role of engineering disciplines in solving societal problems
    • Classify the various engineering occupational disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, etc.)
    • Outline the contributions of each engineering discipline in solving societal problems
    • Explain the interdependencies across the engineering disciplines
    • Outline the common skill set required by the respective engineering disciplines
    • Explain the unique knowledge requirements of each engineering discipline and associated career paths
Health and Safety in Engineering Practice
  • Examine the causes, effects and prevention of accidents in engineering practice
    • Identify types of accidents that occur in engineering practice
    • Identify the causes of accidents in engineering practice and explain their effects
    • Explain the health and safety protocols associated with basic workshop tools and machinery
    • Demonstrate the use of both hand and power tools according to proper health and safety protocols
  • Handle and operate workshop machinery and tools based on safety standards
    • Follow prescribed safety checklists before operating any workshop machinery
    • Apply correct personal protective equipment (PPE) for each workshop activity
    • Demonstrate safe start-up, operation, and shutdown of common workshop power tools
Ethics and Professional Practice
  • Explain the importance of ethical behaviour in engineering practice
    • Explain ethical and unethical behaviour in the field of engineering
    • Explain the relevance of ethics in engineering practice
    • Distinguish between ethical and unethical behaviours in engineering practice
    • Demonstrate ethical behaviour in engineering scenarios and case studies
  • Outline key ethical behaviours in engineering practice
    • List examples of ethical behaviours expected of engineers on the job
    • Identify consequences of unethical behaviour for the engineer, organisation, and society
    • Apply an ethical decision-making framework to engineering scenarios
Circuits and Machines
  • Identify and explain the functions of the elements of DC and AC circuits
    • Identify the basic elements of DC electric and electronic circuits and sketch their circuit symbols
    • Differentiate between DC and AC circuits and explain their respective applications
    • Explain Kirchhoff's Current Law and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law
    • Use Kirchhoff's laws to find current and voltage in DC circuits
    • Compute power in DC and single-phase AC circuits, including power factor
    • Use software simulation tools to derive current, voltage and power in DC and AC circuits
  • Analyse simple DC and single-phase AC circuits
    • Apply series and parallel circuit rules to calculate equivalent resistance
    • Calculate current and voltage distribution in multi-branch DC circuits
    • Determine apparent power, real power and reactive power in single-phase AC circuits
Renewable Energy Systems
  • Discuss the benefits of renewable energy
    • Identify the sources of renewable energy (water, wind, solar, biomass, biogas)
    • Explain how renewable energy sources benefit humanity and contribute towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • Explain the electricity production processes for the various renewable energy sources
    • Explain how electricity is generated from water (hydropower)
    • Explain how electricity is generated from wind
    • Explain how electricity is generated from solar energy (photovoltaic and solar thermal)
    • Explain how electricity is generated from biomass and biogas
    • Compare electricity generation from the various renewable energy sources in terms of availability, quantity, cost and technology
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
  • Use various instruments to measure electrical and non-electrical quantities in renewable energy systems
    • Identify instruments used for measuring electrical and non-electrical quantities in renewable energy systems
    • Use various instruments to accurately measure electrical and non-electrical quantities
    • Extract data from nameplates of equipment (power rating, voltage, current, power factor, etc.)
    • Compute and interpret energy consumption from equipment nameplates over given time periods
  • Estimate and interpret energy consumption of electrical and mechanical equipment
    • Calculate energy consumed by equipment over given periods using nameplate data
    • Compare energy consumption across different equipment types and usage patterns
    • Identify opportunities for reducing energy consumption based on measurement data
Engineering Design
  • Outline the various stages in the Engineering Design Process and their roles in providing sustainable solutions to problems
    • Identify the various elements within the engineering design process (define, research, ideate, prototype, test, iterate, communicate)
    • Document solution requirements for a given problem
    • Develop relevant research questions for a given engineering problem
    • Formulate research objectives for a given engineering problem
  • Conduct research to answer questions related to a given engineering problem
    • Search and evaluate sources to gather data relevant to an engineering design challenge
    • Organise research findings to inform solution requirements and design decisions
    • Present research outcomes clearly to support the engineering design process
Rapid Prototyping
  • Use major rapid prototyping technologies such as 3D printing, casting, PCB production and laser cutting
    • Describe the fundamental principles behind 3D printing and its specific use-case applications
    • Describe the fundamental principles behind casting and its specific use-case applications
    • Describe the fundamental principles behind PCB (Printed Circuit Board) production and its specific use-case applications
    • Describe the fundamental principles behind laser cutting and its specific use-case applications
Automation Technologies
  • Examine fundamental automation components and systems
    • Identify basic automation components and materials and describe their respective functions in the automation industry
    • Interpret and connect system components according to technical drawings and vice versa
  • Interpret basic engineering schematics and technical drawings related to the automation industry
    • Read and interpret schematic diagrams for automation systems
    • Connect automation components in accordance with given technical drawings
    • Convert a wired automation system into its corresponding schematic representation
Embedded Systems
  • Explain the importance and applications of embedded systems and differentiate between microcontroller architectures
    • Identify examples of embedded systems in the community (washing machines, traffic lights, ATMs, mobile phones, etc.)
    • Discuss the advantages of embedded systems over fixed electronic circuits for solving similar problems, and their limitations for specific scenarios
    • Describe the CISC, RISC and ARISC microcontroller architectures
    • Specify use cases for RAM and ROM in embedded systems
    • Describe the memory architectures of RAM and ROM
  • Use the Arduino IDE and configure the environmental variables appropriately
    • Install and configure the environmental variables of the Arduino IDE
    • Interface the Arduino IDE with Arduino hardware successfully
    • Upload and run a simple test programme on the Arduino microcontroller

Year 2

10 topics
Engineering in Society
  • Use systematic investigation to identify and provide solutions to engineering problems
    • Explain systematic investigation and its relevance in engineering professional practice
    • Explain the processes involved in systematic investigation (observation, problem definition, hypothesis, experimentation, analysis, conclusion)
Health and Safety in Engineering Practice
  • Explain risk assessment and its relevance in engineering
    • Describe risk assessment and outline its relevance in engineering practice
    • Explain the types of risk assessment (qualitative, quantitative, semi-quantitative)
    • Explain the procedure for conducting a risk assessment
    • Explain control measures for various hazards (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment)
    • Apply the risk assessment matrix to a given risk scenario
    • Perform risk assessment through the use of case studies
  • Perform risk assessment for engineering activities
    • Identify hazards associated with specific engineering tasks
    • Assess the likelihood and severity of identified hazards
    • Recommend appropriate control measures and document the risk assessment
Ethics and Professional Practice
  • Explain the need for professionalism in engineering practice
    • Explain professionalism in engineering practice
    • Explain professional behaviour and how it differs from merely ethical behaviour
    • Spell out the benefits of professional behaviour for individuals, organisations and society
    • Explain the characteristics of an ethical and professional workplace
    • Outline the desired attributes of an engineer and explain how those attributes can be developed
    • Describe the consequences of unprofessional behaviour at individual, organisational and national levels
  • Identify professional behaviour in engineering practice
    • Compare scenarios of professional and unprofessional engineering conduct
    • Analyse case studies to identify professional behaviour and suggest improvements where conduct falls short
    • Reflect on personal attributes and develop a plan to cultivate professional engineering behaviour
Circuits and Machines
  • Explain the use of basic analogue electronic circuit components
    • Explain the functions of the basic components of analogue electronic circuits (resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, etc.)
    • Apply knowledge of electronic components in designing electronic circuits such as fire alarm, rain alarm and power supply circuits
  • Apply the design process for simple electronic circuits
    • Use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools such as Proteus to design and analyse simple analogue electronic circuits
    • Simulate analogue circuits using CAD software and verify results
    • Build and test analogue circuits on a physical breadboard based on CAD designs
Renewable Energy Systems
  • Apply operating principles of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems
    • Identify the basic components of photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems
    • Explain the functions of the basic components of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems
    • Operate and maintain simple photovoltaic and solar thermal energy systems
  • Design a simple photovoltaic and solar thermal energy system
    • Design and install simple photovoltaic systems for a given facility
    • Design and install simple solar thermal systems for a given facility
    • Size system components (panels, batteries, inverters, collectors, storage tanks) for given load requirements
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
  • Design an energy management plan and a basic energy audit plan
    • Develop energy management plans for a facility
    • Perform a walk-through energy audit of a facility and identify sources of energy wastage
    • Identify energy-saving tips for electrical equipment
  • Explain energy-saving methods for electrical and thermal systems
    • Describe methods for reducing energy consumption in electrical systems (load scheduling, power factor correction, efficient equipment selection)
    • Describe methods for reducing energy consumption in thermal systems (insulation, heat recovery, efficient heating/cooling systems)
    • Compare the cost and environmental impact of different energy-saving strategies
Engineering Design
  • Consider all possible solutions and select the most suitable solution based on a set of constraints
    • Analyse critically a set of possible solutions to a given engineering problem
    • Justify the choice of an optimal solution based on technical, economic and environmental constraints
  • Design prototypes based on given solution requirements
    • Design a working prototype based on documented design requirements
    • Document the prototype design process including materials, tools, dimensions and assembly steps
    • Test the prototype against the original solution requirements and record findings
Rapid Prototyping
  • Navigate CAD tools and perform basic operations and functions associated with model design
    • Apply CAD tools (such as SketchUp or SolidWorks) to create 2D and 3D models
    • Use CAD tools to draft, modify and annotate engineering designs
    • Export CAD models in formats compatible with rapid prototyping equipment
  • Implement CAD models using 3D printing systems
    • Set up, configure and operate a 3D printer to produce CAD prototype models
    • Select appropriate print settings (layer height, infill, support structures) for a given design
    • Design and 3D-print objects such as a keychain, phone housing or other simple functional parts
Automation Technologies
  • Utilise basic electronic components for simple automation tasks
    • Design and build simple automation systems using basic electronic components including transistors, resistors, capacitors, relays, LEDs, Light-Dependent Resistors (LDRs) and motors
Embedded Systems
  • Use the Arduino IDE to write simple programmes in C and upload them onto the Arduino microcontroller
    • Declare variables and constants in C within the Arduino IDE
    • Perform control actions using if/else statements and loops (for, while) in C
    • Write functions in C and call them within Arduino sketches
    • Test and debug programmes within the Arduino IDE
  • Develop applications which interface with simple hardware including switches, LEDs, LCDs, relays, IR sensors, seven-segment and multi-segment displays, and other digital sensors
    • Design simple Arduino-based embedded systems that interface with switches, LEDs and LCDs
    • Design embedded systems that control relays and read inputs from IR sensors
    • Display output on seven-segment and multi-segment displays using Arduino
    • Integrate digital sensors into Arduino-based systems and process their data

Year 3

10 topics
Engineering in Society
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of engineering in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
    • Define the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and explain the rationale behind them
    • Explain the role of the SDGs in societal development with reference to Ghana
    • Describe engineering solutions for attaining specific SDGs (e.g., clean water, renewable energy, sustainable cities)
    • Design and develop innovative engineering solutions to address at least one SDG
  • Propose solutions to engineering-related SDGs
    • Select an SDG and analyse the engineering challenges involved in achieving it
    • Develop a project concept that uses engineering to address the chosen SDG
    • Present the project proposal with justification, materials, timeline and expected impact
Health and Safety in Engineering Practice
  • Implement good housekeeping measures in engineering workplaces
    • Explain the need for good housekeeping in engineering environments
    • Explain the consequences of poor housekeeping (accidents, loss of productivity, legal liability)
    • Outline housekeeping rules specific to construction sites, manufacturing/production areas and offices
    • Administer first aid to victims of common workplace accidents (burns, cuts, electric shock, falls)
  • Administer appropriate first aid for various workplace accidents
    • Identify basic tools and materials used in first aid
    • Explain the procedure for administering first aid to victims of burns, cuts, electric shock and fractures
    • Demonstrate first aid administration through role-play of common workplace accident scenarios
Ethics and Professional Practice
  • Demonstrate an understanding of professional codes of ethics in engineering
    • Describe the nature, relevance and mandate of professional engineering bodies in Ghana (e.g., Ghana Institution of Engineering)
    • Explain the importance and nature of professional codes of ethics and how they differ from codes of conduct
    • Determine whether or not a given conduct violates a professional code of ethics
Circuits and Machines
  • Explain the types and uses of various electrical machines
    • Identify various electrical machines including transformers, DC and AC motors, DC and AC generators, stepper motors and servo motors
    • Explain the uses of transformers, DC and AC motors, DC and AC generators, and special electrical machines
    • Explain the safety measures associated with operating electrical machines
  • Demonstrate how to operate various electrical machines
    • Connect, start, control and safely disconnect electrical machines
    • Vary the speed, power output or torque of motors as applicable
    • Follow safety precautions when operating electrical machines including transformers and generators
Renewable Energy Systems
  • Explain wind and bioenergy systems
    • Identify the basic components of wind energy systems (wind turbine, generator, inverter, battery, controller)
    • Identify the basic components of bioenergy systems (biomass feedstock, digester, biogas storage, generator)
    • Explain the functions of the basic components of wind and bioenergy systems
  • Explain the architecture of wind and bioenergy systems
    • Design and install simple wind energy systems
    • Design and install simple bioenergy systems
    • Operate and maintain simple wind and bioenergy systems
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
  • Demonstrate understanding of devices for energy conservation
    • Describe devices used for energy conservation including photocells, timer switches, dimmers, occupancy sensors and motion sensors
    • Explain the application areas for the various devices used for energy conservation
    • Explain the methodology for designing energy conservation solutions for lighting and consumer appliances
  • Design simple solutions for energy conservation in the use of lighting and consumer appliances
    • Select appropriate energy conservation devices for a given building or facility
    • Design a simple lighting control system using occupancy sensors or timer switches
    • Evaluate the energy and cost savings achievable through the designed conservation solution
Engineering Design
  • Evaluate a prototype and test it using all possible variable constraints
    • Test and validate a prototype against its design requirements and performance criteria
    • Document test results and identify deviations from expected performance
  • Use feedback and observations from testing and evaluation to improve a solution
    • Analyse failures associated with prototypes and identify their root causes
    • Provide appropriate remedies for prototype failures and implement design improvements
    • Apply iterative design thinking to refine a prototype until it meets all design requirements
Rapid Prototyping
  • Translate the content of a schematic diagram into a breadboard circuit implementation
    • Convert a given electronic schematic diagram into a breadboard circuit layout
    • Assemble components on a solderless breadboard following the schematic
    • Test the assembled breadboard circuit using a digital multimeter (continuity, voltage across components) and observe circuit performance
  • Convert electronic schematic diagrams into PCB format and produce a corresponding functioning PCB board
    • Use CAD software such as KiCad EDA to create a single-sided PCB layout from a given schematic diagram
    • Produce a PCB from the layout design using a PCB prototyping machine (CAM process)
    • Assemble components on the PCB and test the complete product for functionality
Automation Technologies
  • Explain the roles of motors, fluid power systems, sensors and actuators, switches and relays in industrial automated systems
    • Design and implement simple industrial automated systems using a combination of motors, fluid power systems, sensors, actuators, switches and relays based on design requirements
    • Explain the role of each component (motor starters, contactors, relays, fluid power systems, sensors) in an industrial automation installation
    • Interpret ladder logic diagrams used to programme Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
  • Design simple industrial automation systems using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
    • Programme PLCs using ladder logic and use them in combination with motors, sensors and relays to implement simple automation systems
    • Implement PLC-based projects such as an automated door system, a room light controller with bi-directional visitor counter, an elevator controller and a water pumping controller
    • Test, troubleshoot and document simple PLC-based industrial automation systems
Embedded Systems
  • Design embedded systems to interface with sensors and actuators
    • Design and build embedded systems using Arduino that interface with sensors such as humidity, proximity, IR motion, accelerometer, sound, light distance, pressure and thermal sensors
    • Interface actuators such as motors and buzzers with Arduino-based embedded systems
    • Implement projects such as a weather station, heartbeat monitor, digital thermometer, home security system, digital tachometer, water bottling system, water flow and volume measurement system, and soil moisture measurement system
    • Test, document and present completed embedded systems projects
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