Saturday 7 December 2013

HNC Mechanical Engineering by Distance learning (under licence by Edexcel)






Information Pack

HNC Mechanical Engineering

By Distance Learning

(Under License by Edexcel)

 

Time to Complete:  Up to 5 years

 

Enrolment date: Anytime throughout the year



The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Mechanical Engineering (under license by Edexcel) provides you with a programme of study over a range of disciplines to help you develop skills to progress your career through employment or further education at degree level.

The course is designed for learners who wish to work as technicians/technician engineers in mechanical engineering design, manufacture, maintenance and testing.  It has been developed in consultation with local industry, and combines theory and practical work with the focus being on industrial applications.


What you study


You study 8  HN units chosen to cover the range of needs of local and national industries and business.  The HNC provides a sound understanding of all key principles including core modules in Mechanical Principles, Analytical Methods, Engineering Science and a project.  Further specialist subjects may include Programmable Logic Controllers and the Application of Pneumatics and Hydraulics.

How you learn


You are provided with a self-contained comprehensive study pack for each of the modules. Each module consists of a folder or folders containing a series of lessons grouped into topics. Each lesson has an introduction, your aims, study advice, self-assessment questions and a summary.

It is important that you realise that open learning study requires a considerable degree of self-discipline. You must be prepared to devote both time and effort to studying not withstanding other distractions that may be present.  Each module is supported by e-learning.


How you are assessed


Assessment is by a range of integrated assignments, case studies, and projects completion of these assessments is negotiated with your module tutor. With this programme it is by continuous assessment TMA’s (Tutor Marked assignments).  There is however at the end of the unit a short oral interview.  This is done by telephone call.  There is NO end of unit tests as with the HNC Engineering (SQA) programmes.

Professional accreditation


The HNC programme is a nationally recognised qualification awarded under license from Edexcel.

Career opportunities


Students who complete this course can usually progress to the 1st year of an appropriate B.Eng degree at most UK Universities. 

A HNC award opens up the possibility of a career in a wide range of engineering disciplines for example design, manufacturing, and project management.

The qualification provides you with the opportunity to seek career development into senior positions in national and international companies.

Entry requirements


Applicants should normally have a SQA or BTEC National Certificate in a similar or related discipline or GCSE A level qualifications in mathematics or science.  Relevant engineering experience will also be considered.



The HNC in Mechanical Engineering consists of 8 HN modules:

Core modules


Optional modules


Modules offered may vary.

 HNC in Mechanical Engineering Brief Module Description:


The primary aim of this module is to provide you with the fundamental analytical knowledge and techniques needed to successfully complete the core modules of Higher National Engineering programmes.

It is also intended as a base for the further study of analytical methods and mathematics, needed for more advanced option modules. The module is designed to enable you to use fundamental algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability, for the analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems at Higher National level.

Below is the learning outcomes/topics to be covered for this HN unit

·         Analyse and model engineering situations and solve problems using algebraic methods

·         Analyse and model engineering situations and solve problems using trigonometric methods

·         Analyse and model engineering situations and solve problems using the calculus

·         Analyse and model engineering situations and solve problems using statistics and probability.

 


This unit covers an extended range of mechanical principles which underpin the design and

operation of mechanical engineering systems. It includes strengths of materials and mechanics of machines.  The aim of the unit is to provide a firm foundation for work in engineering design and a basis for more advanced study.

 

Summary of Outcomes:

 

To achieve this unit a student must:

 

·         Investigate complex loading systems

 

·         Investigate the behaviour of loaded beams and cylinders

 

·         Investigate power transmission system elements

 

·         Investigate the dynamics of rotating systems.

 

 

 

 

 


The aim of this module is to investigate a number of major scientific principles which underpin the design and operation of engineering systems.

It is a broad-based unit, covering both mechanical and electrical principles. Its intention is to give you an overview which will provide you with the basis for further study in specialist areas of engineering.

Summary of learning outcomes

To achieve this unit a learner must:

·         Analyse static engineering systems

·         Analyse dynamic engineering systems

·         Apply DC and AC theory

·         Investigate information and energy control systems.

 


This module develops your ability to use the knowledge and skills that you have developed at work and/or on the course to complete a realistic work project.

It aims to integrate the skills and knowledge developed in other modules within a major piece of work that reflects the type of performance expected of a higher technician at work.

Summary of learning outcomes

To achieve this unit a learner must:

·         Select a project and agree specifications and procedures

·         Implement the project within agreed procedures and to specification

·         Evaluate the project

·         Present project outcome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The aim of this module is to extend students' knowledge and understanding of fluid power systems in modern industry by investigating pneumatic and hydraulic diagrams, examining the characteristics of components and equipment, and evaluating the applications of pneumatics and hydraulics.

Summary of Outcomes

 

To achieve this unit a student must:

 

·         Investigate fluid power diagrams

·         Investigate the construction and operation of pneumatic and hydraulic components,

equipment and plant

·         Investigate pneumatic and hydraulic circuits

·         Evaluate industrial applications of pneumatics and hydraulics.

 


This module develops your knowledge and understanding of the functions, structures and inter-relationships of an engineering business. It enables you to develop and apply the skills of costing, financial planning and control associated with engineered products or services.

The module also teaches you to appreciate the development of the fundamental concepts of project planning and scheduling that can be applied within an engineering organisation.


Summary of learning outcomes

To achieve this unit a learner must:

·         Manage work activities to achieve organisational objectives

·         Select and apply costing systems and techniques

·         Analyse the key functions of financial planning and control

·         Apply project planning and scheduling methods to a specified project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


This module is intended to give students an insight into the principles of control engineering and how these principles can be used to model engineering systems and processes.

A great deal of this unit involves mathematical analysis and theory, but practical situations will be examined using computer simulation tools.

Summary of learning outcomes

To achieve this unit a learner must:

·         Use analytical techniques to form models of engineering systems and processes

·         Use Laplace transforms to determine system parameters

·         Use Bode standard second order equations to determine system parameters

·         Examine process controllers using control philosophies.

 

Engineering Applications

Details to follow.  Presently being updated.

 


The aim of this module is to give you an opportunity to experience the process of carrying out a design project. It will enable you to appreciate that design involves synthesising parameters which will affect the design solution.

Summary of learning outcomes

To achieve this unit a learner must:

·         Prepare a design specification

·         Prepare a design report

·         Use computer-based technology in the design process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Engineering Thermodynamics

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the principles and laws of thermodynamics and their application to engineering thermodynamic systems. It covers system definition, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, heat engine cycles, the measurement of engine performance and the layout and performance of steam plant.

Fluid Mechanics

You investigate problems related to the storage of water in bulk and to its conveyance in known quantities through pipelines, rivers and open channels. You use your knowledge of the basic properties of water at rest and in motion for this, and consider the natural water cycle (hydrological cycle) and how humans have interacted with it to produce the hydrosocial cycle for our own use and benefit.

Rainfall is a major component of the hydrological cycle and the module provides an insight into rainfall types, rainfall losses and rainfall runoff. Water and wastewater treatment are also introduced, along with topics such as the hydrological cycle, rainfall, fluid statics, pipe flow and channel flow.

Summary of learning outcomes

 

To achieve this unit a student must:

 

·         Investigate static fluid systems

 

·         Investigate viscosity in fluids

 

·         Investigate the flow of real fluids

 

·         Investigate hydraulic machines.

 

Heat Transfer and Combustion

This module is intended to develop students’ knowledge of principles and empirical relationships to enable them to solve practical problems involving heat transfer, combustion and the specification of practical engineering equipment.

Summary of learning outcomes

 

To achieve this unit a student must:

 

·         Determine heat transfer rates for composite systems

 

·         Use empirical relationships to estimate heat transfer coefficients

 

·         Specify and size heat transfer equipment

 

·         Analyse combustion processes.

 

 

Materials Engineering

The aim of this module is to provide you with basic background knowledge and understanding of the properties, selection, processing and use of materials.

Summary of learning outcomes

 

To achieve this unit a student must:

 

·         Select suitable materials

 

·         Identify relationships between manufacturing processes and materials’ behaviour

 

·         Select materials and processing for a specified product

 

·         Diagnose causes of failure of materials.

 

Mechatronic System Principles

The aim of this unit is to introduce the learner to the necessary skills and principles that underpin a range of mechatronic systems. The unit will encompass small single component systems as well as larger systems integrating components from different engineering disciplines.

The unit will deal with the control concepts used in mechatronic systems and will focus on system design and maintenance.

The approach will be broad-based, to reflect the fact that mechatronics is, by its nature, multidisciplinary and not confined to a single specialised discipline. The intention is to encourage the learner to recognise a system not as an interconnection of different parts but as an integrated unit.

Summary of learning outcomes

To achieve this unit a learner must:

·         Investigate the different applications of a range of mechatronic systems

·         Explain the control concepts used within mechatronic systems

·         Produce a specification for a mechatronic system

·         Investigate the locate fault on mechatronic systems.

 

Plant Services

Details to follow.  Presently being updated.

 

 

Programmable Logic Controllers

The aim of this unit is to investigate programmable logic controller (PLC) concepts and their applications in engineering. It focuses on the design characteristics and internal architecture of programmable logic control systems, the signals which are used and the programming techniques.

The learners will be given the opportunity to produce and demonstrate a programme for a programmable logic device.

Summary of learning outcomes

To achieve this unit a learner must:

·         Investigate the design and operational characteristics of programmable logic controllers

·         Investigate programmable logic controller information and communication techniques

·         Investigate and apply programmable logic programming techniques.

 


This module covers the fundamentals of contemporary Safety Engineering as applied to industrial processes. It consists of an introduction to the terminology, the nature and treatment of hazards, hazard analysis, risk assessment, emergency procedures and the application of protective measures associated with various hazards.

The main aims of the module are to provide a firm foundation for work in Safety Engineering and to act a basis for more advanced studies of safety practices.

Students will be provided with a learning pack where core subjects are presented in sequenced lessons that include self assessment questions with solutions to aid developmental learning. Module assessment comprises a formative element and a summative element. The formative assessment comprises a series of self assessment questions and answers at the end of each lesson. Feedback is also given to the students through email or by telephone. The summative assessment involves a single in course assessment comprising several elements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost for the Edexcel HNC in Engineering programme (8 HN units)

(i) Initial cost – Registration, enrolment, and 1st HN unit (£159.00 + £487.50) is £646.50

(ii) Thereafter, 7 HN units x £487.50 is £3,412.50

Total for HND Engineering programme is £4,059.00

NOTE:

The student has up to 5 years to complete a HNC in Mechanical Engineering.  On average, it takes a student 2 years to complete.  There has also been a minimum requirement introduced to the HNC in Mechanical Engineering and that is that a student must complete a minimum of 2 HN units per year.  

For more information or advice on the above program.  Please do not hesitate to contact:

Hugo Gallagher

A-1 Technical Training

Logis-Tech Associates

140 Boyd St

Crosshill

Glasgow

G42 8TP

Scotland, UK

 

Tel No:00 44 (0) 141 423 6911


 


 


 

 

 

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