Instrumentation and Control Engineering by Flexible Open Learning HND

Program Overview

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Course overview

The Higher National Diploma (HND) Instrumentation and Control Engineering by Flexible Open Learning 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 for learners who wish to work as technicians/technician engineers in instrumentation and control engineering design, manufacture, maintenance, testing or fault finding or the communications industries. It has been developed in consultation with local industry, and combines theory and practical work with the focus being on industrial applications.

What does by flexible open learning mean?

Open learning

– open learning is suitable for those who are unable to attend conventional classroom-based courses. So, if you work on an oil rig in the Caribbean or in pipeline construction in a desert, you can study at your own pace at a location suitable to you.

Flexible study

– you work at your own pace. But typically, a Higher National Certificate takes between two and three years. You must complete the course within five years and you must do at least two 15-credit modules a year (30 credits in total).

Learning resources

– we provide the course materials through our e-learning site. You are given user-friendly guides, explanations, self-assessment questions and answers to help your study. If there is practical work involved in a module we loan you a special practical kit to do it at home.

Tutor support

– you are allocated a tutor for each module. The tutor grades your tutor-marked assessments and provides feedback through the online site. Your tutor is also available to contact by phone, email or (by prior arrangement) in person to help you with any problems that you have with the work.

Assessments

– you are assessed by a series of in-course tutor-marked assessments. The number of assessments varies across the modules. You complete the assessment and submit your answers through the online site.

Application dates

Ongoing

The HND programme is a nationally recognised qualification awarded under licence from Pearson.

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Program Outline

Course details

You study 15 units chosen to cover the range of needs of local and national industries and business.

The HND provides a sound understanding of all key principles including core modules in Instrumentation and Control Principles, Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Science, and a project. Further specialist subjects may include Analytical Instrumentation and Programmable Logic Controllers.

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Course structure

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Core level 4 modules

Engineering Design (TUOLE)

You experience the process of carrying out a design project, enabling you to appreciate that design involves harmonising key parameters and blending them into the design solution, and to produce a design report. You look at each stage of the design process including client brief, planning, design specification, design report and evaluation.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Engineering Maths (TUOLE)

You gain the fundamental analytical knowledge and techniques needed to successfully complete the core modules of higher national engineering programmes. The module is intended as a base for the further study of analytical methods and mathematics, needed for more advanced option modules.

You use fundamental algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability, for the analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems at higher national level.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Engineering Science (TUOLE)

You are introduced to the fundamental laws and applications of the physical sciences within engineering and how to apply this knowledge to find solutions to a variety of engineering problems.

You cover international system of units, interpreting data, static and dynamic forces, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, material properties and failure, and AC/DC circuit theories.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Instrumentation and Control Principles (TUOLE)

You are introduced to the principles of instrumentation and control engineering and how to apply this knowledge to find solutions to a variety of engineering problems related to process measurement and control systems.

You look at sensors and transducers, signal transmission, condition and conversion, control systems, process loop tuning, valves and actuators, control valve selection and sizing.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Managing a Professional Engineering Project (TUOLE)

You look at the approach required to identify the best solution to a specified engineering need. You are introduced to some of the core tools and methodologies available to engineers to maximise their chances of bringing an engineering project to a successful conclusion; meeting the specification, on cost, on time and performed in an ecologically and ethically sound manner. You are guided through the management activities needed to deliver a major engineering project. Rather than considering the details of the design solution, the analysis you undertake relates to the management of the project rather than the detail of the engineering design solution. You consider the duties and responsibilities of a professional engineer working in our society.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

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And three optional level 4 modules

Analytical Instrumentation (TUOLE)

You discuss modern techniques of detecting variables in industrial processes. These techniques ensure that the measurement, or sampled quantity, is representative of the measure. You also develop an understanding of modern measurement principles and recognition of how these concepts are applied in the design of commercial instruments for the measurement of both analytical and chemical composition variables.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Applications of Pneumatics and Hydraulics (TUOLE)

You gain an 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.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Electrical Machines (TUOLE)

An understanding of the operation of electric machines is fundamental to electrical engineering as it covers the operation of an electric motor, machines to generate electricity and transformers. You gain an understanding of the construction of an electric machine and the features that make it work efficiently. The control of a machine using both input power and mechanical design is covered including the use of equivalent circuit, ubiquitous in control theory. You look at DC and AC machines, synchronous and induction motors, along with generators and transformers as the characteristics are similar.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Microprocessor Systems (TUOLE)

You gain an understanding of microprocessor-based systems and their use in instrumentation/control/communication systems. You study the practical aspects of device selection, programming and the interfacing of external peripheral devices. You are also introduced to the development cycle of specification, design, build, program, test and evaluation.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Programmable Logic Controllers (TUOLE)

You investigate how programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial robots can be programmed to successfully implement automated engineering solutions.

You cover PLC system operational characteristics, different types of programming languages, types of robots and cell safety features.

You programme PLCs and robotic manipulators to achieve a set task, describe the types and uses of PLCs and robots available, write simple PLC programs, and program industrial robots with straightforward commands and safety factors.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

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Core level 5 modules

Advanced Control Principles (TUOLE)

You are introduced to more advanced control theory and taught how to apply this knowledge to find solutions to a variety of engineering problems related to the design of control systems. An analytical rather than heuristic approach is taken, with particular focus on mathematical modelling of industrial processes and control systems in relation to the development of effective control strategies.

You cover linear systems, differential equation, Laplace transforms, transfer functions, process and control system modelling, system identification and control system design. More advanced modern systems and techniques are also introduced to highlight current technological capabilities and recent advances in the field of control.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Further Maths (TUOLE)

You are introduced to the concepts necessary for the successful analysis of engineering problems and apply numerical methods relevant to solving advanced mathematical problems arising from engineering and technology.

You use applications of number theory in practical engineering situations, solve systems of linear equations relevant to engineering applications using matrix methods, approximate solutions of contextualised examples with graphical and numerical methods, and review models of engineering systems using ordinary differential equations.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Professional Engineering Management (TUOLE)

While it is essential that a product or service designed by an engineer delivers the performance required in the specification, it is equally important that it contributes to the economic viability of the company and that all aspects of its lifecycle are managed in a professional manner. You explore how a product or service is designed and supported from a business perspective. You learn how to adopt the Engineering Council’s preferred approach to your development as a professional engineer working in industry.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Project (TUOLE)

You use the knowledge and skills you have developed at work and throughout your course in the definition, management and completion of a work-related project, including the presentation of its findings to an appropriate audience. You 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. You can chose a research based rather than work-based topic for your project if you wish.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

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And three optional level 5 modules

Analogue Electronics (TUOLE)

You gain an understanding of signals, noise, amplifiers, feedback and oscillators, with emphasis on computer simulation and modern circuit analysis techniques and the use of manufacturers’ data.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Combinational and Sequential Logic (TUOLE)

You cover the theory of digital techniques, to more practical and complex applications of both combinational and sequential logic. You design and test circuits choosing appropriate components using information from manufacturers’ data sheets.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning

Environment (VLE).

Electrical Power Systems (TUOLE)

You develop the principles and practice involved in the design of high and low voltage supply, transmission and distribution systems. You learn how to analyse these systems and how to control power quality for them. The roles of generators, transformers, and control devices in electrical supply systems are investigated.

You analyse electrical supply systems with a view to selecting and co-ordinating system protection equipment. You learn how to analyse and resolve simple power systems into one-line impedance circuits and evaluate fault levels. You examine the role of current transformers and protection relays in electrical system protection according to the IEE wiring regulations, to typical industrial electrical installations.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Operational Amplifiers (TUOLE)

The operational amplifier is the most widely used analogue integrated circuit. You develop an understanding of the applications of this versatile integrated circuit. The module provides design examples that can be emulated by computer circuit simulation software.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Plant Services (TUOLE)

You are introduced to the relevant physical and chemical principles for use in the evaluation of the production, distribution and use of each of the common plant services such as steam, air and refrigeration services.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Safety Engineering (TUOLE)

You study the fundamentals of contemporary safety engineering as applied to industrial processes. You cover 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. You gain a firm foundation for work in safety engineering and a basis for more advanced studies of safety practices.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Statistical Process Control (TUOLE)

You gain the knowledge behind and an understanding of statistical process control (SPC). The relationship between SPC and quality control, advantages and limitations of SPC as a quality control tool and essential factors in the introduction of SPC are all included. You use suitable software packages and a variety of industry standard tools such as tally charts and Pareto Analysis. The module concludes with an overview of Six Sigma.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Modules offered may vary.

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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 through e-learning @tees.ac.uk

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How you are assessed

The module leaning outcomes are assessed through tutor marked assignments (TMAs). Some of the units also require practical work - we provide additional software and/or practical kit for this. After you have completed the assessment for a module, your tutor will arrange an exit interview which enables them to authenticate your work and confirm the grade. These interviews can be done in person, by phone or Skype.

TMAs are a means of continuous assessment. They contain a series of questions which can be used to satisfy the learning outcomes of the module. The TMAs for the module are available to download from the module online elearning site.

All completed answers for the TMAs should be submitted through the online site, elearning@tees. Your module tutor will grade your answers and provide feedback through elearning@tees.

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Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.

Find out more about our disability services

Find out more about financial support

Find out more about our course related costs

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Employability

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Career opportunities

Students who complete this course can progress to an appropriate degree at the University. Please note the degree is not offered by distance learning but most are available on day release attending the University on a weekly basis.

An HND award opens up the possibility of a career in a wide range of engineering disciplines, including design, manufacturing, project management and IT.

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