HNC Mechanical Modules (SQA)
A typical HNC in Mechanical Engineering program by Distance Learning – Course Contents
HNC – Mechanical Engineering – G840 15
Mandatory Units ( 9 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: Quality Management: An Introduction (1 credit)
Unit code: DT8Y 34
This Unit is designed to allow candidates to explain and distinguish between different Quality approaches. The Unit also provides candidates with opportunities to examine different quality control techniques and analyse quality costs. The Unit has been written with a view to providing candidates with an overview of Quality as applied in the context of the candidate’s working environment.
On completion of the Unit candidates should be able to:
- Explain the fundamental principles of Quality Assurance and Quality Control
- Explain the stages to be met in the process of achieving ISO 9001.
- Select and apply quality improvement tools and techniques.
(iii) Unit Title: Engineering Principles (1 credit)
Unit code: DR3L 34
This Unit is to provide candidates with an opportunity to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in basic mechanical engineering principles.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of statics and strength of materials.
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of dynamics.
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of thermofluids.
(iv) Unit Title: Materials Selection (1 credit)
Unit code: DT46 34
This Unit is designed to enable candidates to develop knowledge and understanding of material properties and testing and to apply basic material selection concepts for a range of components. The Unit also provides candidates with the opportunity to examine materials and components with the aim of establishing basic properties.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Identify basic properties for a range of materials.
- Outline the structure of a range of materials.
- Select suitable materials for a range of products.
(v) Unit Title: Statics and Strength of Materials (1 credit)
Unit code: DR1T 34
This Unit is designed to enable candidates to develop knowledge and understanding of the principles and laws that relate to statics and material strength.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Solve problems relating to static equilibrium.
- Solve problems relating to compressive, tensile and shear loading on materials.
(vii) Unit Title: Dynamics (1 credit)
Unit code: DT9T 34
This Unit is designed to enable candidates to develop knowledge and understanding of principles and laws relating to motion.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Solve problems relating to linear and angular motion.
- Solve problems relating to impulse, conservation of momentum, work, energy and power.
(vii) Unit Title: Thermofluids (1 credit)
Unit code: DT9P 34
This Unit is designed to enable candidates to develop the knowledge and understanding required to apply the basic principles of thermofluids to the solution of problems within engineering systems. The Unit will also provide the candidate with a base from which future advanced work in Mechanical Engineering may be undertaken.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Evaluate properties, changes and energy transfers of state for perfect gases.
- Evaluate properties, changes and energy transfers of state for vapours.
- Apply energy, continuity and momentum principles to steady flow processes.
(viii) 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
(viiii) Unit Title: Pneumatics and Hydraulics (1 credit)
Unit code: DT9X 34
This Unit has been designed to give candidates a knowledge and understanding of the operation and maintenance requirements of pneumatic and hydraulic systems. Candidates will also be provided with the opportunity to design, assemble and test either a pneumatic or hydraulic system and to develop fault finding skills on a practical or simulated fluid power system containing faults. The Unit is particularly suitable for candidates training to be mechanical technicians or incorporated engineers.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Describe the operational and maintenance requirements of compressed air and hydraulic systems.
- Design, assemble and test a fluid power and control circuit.
- Demonstrate faultfinding competence on a fluid power system.
Optional Units (2.0 credits required):
(x) Unit Title: Fundamentals of Control Systems and Transducers (1 credit)
Unit code: DN3Y 34
This Unit is designed to provide candidates with a fundamental knowledge of control systems and their components. It allows candidates to study the structure and general behaviour of different types of control systems including open and closed loop types. This Unit also enables candidates to develop the knowledge and skills to allow them to understand the operation and application of a range of transducer devices. Candidates are provided with the opportunity to construct circuits and systems that incorporate transducers. This Unit acts as a good foundation Unit for more in depth studies in the specialist area of control systems behaviour.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Explain control system elements and signals.
- Explain the operation and application of a range of transducers used in control systems.
- Describe the structure and behaviour of control systems.
- Demonstrate the application of transducers in control systems.
(xi) 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: Mechanical Engineering Graded Unit (1 credit)
Unit code: DV11 34
This Graded Unit is designed to provide evidence that the candidate has achieved the following principal aims of the HNC Mechanical Engineering.
- develop knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of core principles and technologies by undertaking Units in engineering drawing, quality systems, engineering principles, materials selection, statics and strength of materials, dynamics, thermofluids and pneumatics and hydraulics
- develop candidates’ ability to apply analysis and synthesis skills to the solution of mechanical 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:
- Engineering Drawing
- Quality Management: An Introduction
- Engineering Principles
- Materials Selection
- Statics and Strength of Materials
- Dynamics
- Thermofluids
- Pneumatics and Hydraulics
It will consist of a written examination of three hours duration.
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.
