Our education philosophy

Stellenbosch University’s Chemical Engineering programme builds a robust foundation for student success. Our four-year bachelor’s degree prepares graduates for diverse roles as practicing chemical engineers and societal problem-solvers. We emphasise the development of knowledge, skills, and a strong ethical framework for lifelong learning and professional growth. The programme aims to cultivate graduates who excel in leveraging chemical engineering principles and a problem-solving mindset for rewarding professional careers.

Our dedicated lecturers foster a dynamic learning environment that promotes active engagement and student excellence. Aligned with the Council for Higher Education’s core principles, our curriculum begins with a strong emphasis on foundational sciences, essential skills, and fundamental mathematics. As students progress, the focus shifts towards engineering sciences, design, and practical applications – equipping them with the tools to solve real-world engineering challenges. Enrichment extends to essential literacies, such as programming, engineering drawing, effective communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ultimately, our goal is to develop skilled engineers who contribute positively to our world – implementing impactful advancements through rigorous science and pioneering engineering solutions to global challenges.

null

I aim to foster mathematical skills which enable, scientific curiosity which drives, and an identity which provides access to independent lifelong learning.

Tobi Louw

Associate Professor
null

I aim to challenge students to develop not only technical skills related to problem solving, critical thinking and independent learning, but also skills and attributes required for effective functioning as engineers in a professional working environment and in the society as a whole.

Christie Dorfling

Professor
null

I aim to create learning environments where students feel free to consider multiple problem-solving approaches and are not afraid to ask what if…?

Neo Motang

Junior lecturer
null

Embracing the journey of deepening understanding leads to the discovery of invaluable insights that enrich our perspectives and fuel personal growth.

Marno Basson

Junior Lecturer
null

It might be your degree but we’re on this road together, let’s talk about it.

Margreth Tadie

Senior Lecturer
null

Taking responsibility is ultimate freedom.

André Burger

Professor
null

My teaching philosophy has an emphasis on enthusiasm, participation and engagement, where a bridge is formed between two distinct disciplines (biology and engineering), which is achieved using case studies and practicals as teaching and engagement tools to achieve cumulative learning to a high level of abstraction.

Eugene van Rensburg

Associate Professor
null

My aim is to foster curiosity, so that graduates will ask the right questions, and have sufficient knowledge and skills to find the answers.

Mieke Nieder-Heitmann

Lecturer
null

Every single time I walk into the classroom I ask myself what I need to do to give every student the best chance of mastering the skills they will need to achieve their career goals.

Steven Bradshaw

Distinguished Professor
null

I don’t teach; I guide students on how to think critically, as they will gain Knowledge for Life.

Lingam Pillay

Associate Professor
null

My goal is to instill a sense of enthusiasm, curiosity, and interest in the subject matter in my students, by creating an engaging, thought-provoking environment based on tangible (often very simple) real-world examples.

Petrie van Wyk

Lecturer
null

When students leave my class, I want them to understand that the knowledge gained is not just for passing exams but for making a difference in society; therefore, I teach them to think beyond the classroom.

Annie Chimphango

Associate Professor
null

I envision producing graduates that are able use their understanding of chemical engineering fundamental and principles to critically analyse, relate to and solve complex chemical problems.

Cara Schwarz

Professor
null

I hope to help educate young engineers who relish a challenge, and pull from a deep well of skills, experiences, ideas and knowledge to solve (often real-world) problems in new and differing contexts, for the improvement of our world.

Robbie Pott

Professor
null

I believe that learning is a continuous journey. Thus, every time I engage with my students, I aim to take us on a journey of discovery, understanding, and learning through critically engaging with engineering concepts and real-life problems. The goal is to produce great engineers, who will constantly solve problems in their communities.

Zwonaka Mapholi

Junior Lecturer
null

I believe that learning by doing in a dynamic environment builds independent skills and confidence.

Johann Görgens

Distinguished Professor
null

Real understanding comes from linking the conceptual to the physical, so I always encourage my students to “think physically” and have a mental picture of the process when solving problems.

Jamie Cripwell

Senior Lecturer
null

“For things to change, I need to change. For things to get better, we need to get better.” – Jim Rohn. I enjoy change and being adaptable; I am passionate about transforming the way we live, work, learn and apply.

Prathieka Naidoo

Professor
null

I teach people to teach themselves and aim to  foster lifelong learning.

Neill Goosen

Associate Professor

Celebrating excellence: Staff awards and achievements

Chancellor’s award for sustained excellence in research, innovation, learning and teaching, social impact or professional services

Prof Steven Bradshaw
2022

Prof Johann Görgens
2020

Prof André Burger
2019

Prof Hansie Knoetze
2014

Faculty award for Teaching Excellence

Dr Margreth Tadie
2023

Mr Petrie van Wyk
2022

Prof Eugene van Rensburg
2021

Prof Tobi Louw
2020

Faculty award for the Emerging Researcher of the Year

Dr Margreth Tadie
2023

Prof Robbie Pott
2022

Prof Annie Chimphango
2019

Prof Tobi Louw
2018

Prof Neill Goosen
2017

Faculty award for Lecturer of the Year

Prof Steven Bradshaw
2016

Prof André Burger
2015

Our dedicated staff are actively working to enhance education through a variety of innovative and successful initiatives. Some of these initiatives are showcased below.

Scholarly teaching and learning

In our commitment to advancing teaching and learning, our lecturers frequently publish articles in peer-reviewed journals and present papers on engineering education at conferences. The following collection highlights their contributions.