HNC Engineering Systems Modules(SQA)
A typical HNC in Engineering Systems program by distance learning – Course Contents
HNC – Engineering Systems – G85G 15
Mandatory Units (6 credits required ):
(i) Unit Title: Mathematics for Engineering 1 {Mechanical & Manufacture} (1credit)
Unit code: DT5X 33
This Unit is designed to enable candidates to know, understand and apply algebraic techniques to manipulate expressions and solve equations commonly found in engineering. It also provides candidates with an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to solve problems involving vectors. The Unit also allows candidates the opportunity to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to analyse trigonometric functions and their graphs.
On completion of the Unit candidates should be able to:
- Apply algebraic techniques to manipulate expressions and solve equations commonly found in engineering.
- Solve problems using vectors in two dimensions.
- Analyse trigonometric functions and their graphs.
(ii) Unit Title: Principles of Engineering Systems (2 credits)
Unit code: DV9R 34
This Unit has been designed to provide candidates with a broad knowledge and understanding of a systems approach to the analysis of engineering processes and systems. In this approach equal weighting is given to mechanical and electrical engineering quantities. Candidates will represent electrical, mechanical and electromechanical systems in block diagram format. They will also identify and compare mechanical and electrical quantities found typically in engineering systems. They will calculate typical forms of energy found in an engineering system and undertake an energy audit on a practical engineering system.
Candidates will also investigate the properties of materials used in engineering systems and draw typical engineering system output responses to step and sinusoidal inputs.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1 Represent engineering systems in block diagram format.
2 Describe mechanical engineering quantities used in engineering systems.
3 Describe electrical engineering quantities used in engineering systems.
4 Calculate different forms of energy in engineering systems.
5 Compare mechanical and electrical quantities.
6 Undertake an energy and power audit on an engineering system.
7 Investigate the properties of materials used in engineering systems.
8 Draw typical engineering system, and sub-system, responses.
(iv) Unit Title: Engineering Communication (1 credit)
Unit code: DV9N 34
This Unit has been designed to develop candidates’ knowledge, understanding and skills in communicating and analysing engineering information. Candidates will have opportunities to develop their skills in sketching engineering components and system layouts using appropriate standards and conventions. They will also develop knowledge, understanding and skills in simulating engineering systems, and sub-systems, using appropriate software.
Candidates will also be provided with opportunities to develop oral communication skills by presenting orally information on the analysis and evaluation of an engineering system or subsystems.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1 Sketch engineering components and system layouts using appropriate standards and conventions.
2 Simulate, using appropriate software, engineering systems or sub-systems.
3 Communicate the analysis and evaluation of an engineering system or subsystem.
(v) Unit Title: Engineering Measurement and System Monitoring (1 credit)
Unit code: DV9P 34
This Unit has been designed to introduce candidates to the measurement of electrical and mechanical quantities. Candidates will also be provided with opportunities to develop a knowledge and understanding of the principles of operation and applications of a range of electrical and mechanical transducers. They will also have opportunities to learn about typical responses produced by engineering systems subject to step external disturbances and the actions required to be taken to restore normal system operation following a disturbance.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1 Verify by measurement a range of electrical and mechanical quantities.
2 Explain the principle of operation and application of sensors/transducers used in engineering systems.
3 Analyse engineering system responses and corrective.
Optional Units (6.0 credits required):
Single Phase A.C. Circuits (1 credit)
Unit code: DG54 34
This Unit is designed to enable candidates to develop knowledge and understanding and apply basic electrical concepts and theorems to the solution of simple electrical problems.
The Unit also provides candidates with the opportunity to examine first order transient responses as found in R – L and R – C series circuits.
The Unit also allows candidates the opportunity to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to solve single-phase a.c. circuit problems using complex notation.
On completion of the Unit candidates should be able to:
- Solve problems involving basic electrical concepts and theorems
- Solve single-phase a.c. circuit problems using complex notation.
Unit Title: Three Phase Systems (1 credit)
Unit code: DN47 34
This Unit is designed to enable candidates to know and understand the principles of three phase systems. It provides candidates with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to enable them to describe the production and characteristics of a three phase supply. It also provides candidates with the opportunity to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to determine voltages and currents in both balanced and unbalanced three phase loads.
The Unit also allows candidates the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to calculate different types of power in three phase loads and also to describe the techniques used to measure active power in three phase systems.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Describe the production and characteristics of a three phase supply.
- Analyse the response of balanced star and delta connected loads supplied by symmetrical three phase supplies.
- Analyse the response of unbalanced star and delta connected loads supplied by three and four wire symmetrical three phase supplies.
- Analyse power in three phase loads.
Unit Title: Electricity Power Systems (1 credit)
Unit code: DN3W 34
This Unit is designed to provide candidates with knowledge and understanding of electrical power supply systems and the concept of power quality. Candidates will also be provided with the opportunity to analyse power system faults and explainmethods of improving power system efficiency.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of Electricity Supply Systems.
- Explain power quality.
- Analyse power system faults.
- Solve power factor improvement problems.
Unit Title: Electrical Machine Principles (2 credits)
Unit code: DN4J 34
This Unit has been designed to give candidates a fundamental knowledge and understanding of a range of electrical motors and transformers.
In particular, candidates will study the constructional features, principle of operation, performance characteristics and applications of dc motors, single phase motors, three phase motors, synchronous generators and motors and different types of transformers.
The Unit acts as a good foundation unit for more in depth studies in specialist areas of electrical motors and transformers.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Examine electromagnetic field concepts and circuits.
- Analyse the construction, operation and characteristics of d.c. motors.
- Analyse the construction, operation and characteristics of single-phase motors.
- Describe the construction and operation of a range of transformers.
- Analyse the construction, operation and characteristics of three-phase induction motors.
- Analyse the construction, operation and characteristics of synchronous generators and motors.
Unit Title: Electrical Safety (1 credit)
Unit code: DN4L 34
This Unit is designed to enable candidates to develop knowledge and competence related to safe working practices and work permits. The Unit is intended to raise the candidate’s awareness of health and safety practice and to provide opportunities to demonstrate the operation of permit-to-work systems.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Explain the features of an operational plan for safe working on electrical systems.
- Explain the features of electrical distribution and the need for protection and isolation for safe working on ‘dead’ systems.
- Explain the features of a permit-to-work system appropriate to the safe practices of working on an isolated electrical system.
- Produce permit-to-work documentation for safe working on isolated electrical systems to current standards.
Unit Title: Communication: Practical Skills (1 credit)
Unit code: D77G 34
This Unit is about applying practical communication skills to complex issues in a vocational context.
On completion of the Unit candidates should be able to:
- Respond to written information on a complex vocational issue
- Produce written information in a prescribed format on a complex vocational issue
- Contribute to a formal group discussion on a complex vocational issue
Unit Title: Application of Electrical & Electronic Instruments (1 credit)
Unit code: DN48 33
This Unit is designed to provide candidates with the opportunity to develop practical skills in the testing and measurement of electrical circuit properties using a range of analogue and digital instruments.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Understand the function of measuring and test instruments and their effect on the circuits in which they are connected.
- Use analogue and digital multi-meters safely and effectively to measure the parameters of electrical circuits.
- Use an oscilloscope safely and effectively to measure waveform parameters in electrical circuits
- Use appropriate electrical installation test instruments safely and effectively to test electrical circuits.
Unit Title: Electrical Networks and Resonance (1 credit)
Unit code: DG3G 34
This Unit is designed to enable candidates to develop knowledge and understanding and apply a range of network theorems to the solution of d.c. and a.c. electrical network problems.
The Unit also allows candidates to undertake a detailed study of series and parallel electronic and electrical passive resonant circuits that includes the calculation of Q – factor and bandwidth and the plotting of impedance – frequency and current – frequency curves for both series and parallel cases.
On completion of this Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Apply network theorems to solve electrical network problems.
- Solve problems involving resonating passive circuits.
Unit Title: Mathematics for Engineering 2 (1 credit)
Unit code: DG4L 34
This Unit is designed to give candidates knowledge and understanding and an ability to apply differential and integral calculus to Engineering problems.
On completion of this Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Carry out the differentiation and integration of standard functions.
- Apply differentiation and integration techniques to Engineering problems.
*Other subjects to follow
Graded Unit (1.0 credit)
(xii) Unit Title: Engineering Systems Graded Unit (1 credit)
Unit code: DW11 34
This Graded Unit is designed to provide evidence that the candidate has achieved the following principal aims of the HNC Engineering Systems:
Develop knowledge, understanding and skills in an engineering systems approach to the study of Engineering
Develop candidates’ ability to apply analysis and synthesis skills to the solution of engineering problems
Develop learning and transferable skills (including Core Skills)
Recommended Prior Knowledge and Skills:
It is recommended that the candidate should have completed or be in the process of completing the following Units relating to these specific aims prior to undertaking this Graded Unit:
- Communication: Practical Skills
- Principles of Engineering Systems
- Engineering Communication
- Engineering Measurement and System Monitoring
- Mathematics for Engineering 1: Mechanical and Manufacturing
Core Skills: There are no Core Skills embedded in this Graded Unit specification.
Assessment: This examination-based Graded Unit is Engineering. It will consist of a written examination of three hours.
Note:
It should also be said that each of these HN modules are stand alone courses and are all achievements in their own merit. They are also often used for CPD (continuous professional development) to assist career progression.
If a student fails an end of unit test there is the opportunity for a resit at a later date. If a student falls short of a PASS by a few marks. The supportive exercises are then used as further evidence of the students work and the A-1 tutor can award a PASS in this instance based on academic judgement.
