FdSc Asphalt and Pavement Technology

Program Overview

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Course Description

The FdSc Asphalt and Pavement Technology program is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the asphalt and pavement technology industry. The program is influenced by the principles of work-based learning, and a flexible range of teaching and learning methodologies are used to cater to different groups or practices.

Key Characteristics

• The program is designed to enable agile delivery of teaching and learning activities.
• The program delivery model comprises a blended distance learning model, which allows online learning material to be supported by face-to-face sessions.
• The program develops a strategic, holistic, and integrated perspective of operations, finance, and commercial management of the Mineral Products sector.
• Assessment strategies allow direct application of knowledge learned, which is directly related to the workplace.

Program Opportunities

• Equips learners for shortfall in international, national, and local development needs.
• Develops the learner's knowledge and understanding of the Mineral Products sector and the context in which they operate, including global and environmental influences.
• Prepares individuals to be operationally effective in management positions in the Mineral Products industry.
• Enables a learner to develop their intellectual breadth and be able to make integrative links across the various areas of their organizations.
• Develops knowledge and skills to enable a leader/manager to be responsive to change.
• Increases capacity to learn, both on the program and as independent lifelong learners following completion of the program.
• To act as a role model, with responsibility for those in senior positions.
• Provides an academically rigorous and challenging program of study aligned with the QAA Qualification Framework enhancing critical and reflective practice.
• Provides flexible learning opportunities in a diverse environment that widens participation.

Accreditation

This qualification is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirements for registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).

Structure, Certificates, and Assessment

The program is divided into three years, with each year consisting of several modules.

Year One

• Engineering & Mathematics: Develops an understanding of the principles and concepts of basic mechanics and introduces the basic theories and concepts of electricity, electrical circuits, electrical measurement, magnetism, and electromagnetic induction.
• Industry Introduction: Provides the learner with an underpinning knowledge and understanding of the Mineral Products Industry.
• Industry & the Environment: Develops knowledge in the field of geology that is beneficial to the safe and effective operation of mineral extraction and construction sites.
• Learning, Thinking & Study Skills in Higher Education: Gives learners the opportunity to identify and reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses.

Year Two

• Engineering Principles & Theory: Develops an understanding of the theory and principles of mechanics and their application within the sector.
• Construction Products Technology: Develops knowledge of the technology, EN standards, specifications, and other requirements that apply to construction products.
• Business & Operational Management: Develops the operational, business, and financial knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the effective management of a mineral products facility.
• Asphalt Technology: Introduces the concept of asphalt pavements and develops knowledge of the technology, standards, specifications, and other requirements that apply to bituminous mixtures.

Year Three

• Production Facility Engineering: Develops an awareness of the need for lubrication, bearings, and an understanding of the principles and concepts associated with hydraulic systems.
• Pavement Solutions & Innovation: Develops an understanding of specialist asphalt mixtures and their applications.
• Contracts Management: Provides the student with an appropriate background to contracts and their impact on daily activities.
• Mineral Products Workbased Project: Brings together the learner's knowledge of the industry gained from the program and asks them to offer a detailed discussion of a problematic area.

Entry Requirements

• Learners are employed or have affiliation with an employer.
• Learners will have been nominated to attend following a review/discussion with their line manager and/or recruitment manager.
• Learners will have been identified by the organization as being able to succeed on the program.
• The selection of participants is consistent with the University's equal opportunities policies and sensitive to legal obligations to avoid discrimination on the basis of gender, race, or disability.
• Learners can demonstrate English language capability to that of GCSE English Language, IELTS 6.0, or its equivalent as a prerequisite of enrollment on the program.
• Learners will complete an application form as provided by the University of Derby and meet the above requirements.
• Learners must be at, or over the age of 18 upon the commencement date of their program.

Fees and Funding

UK and EU Students

• Year 1: £2,575
• Year 2: £3,165
• Year 3: £3,910

International Students

• Year 1: £3,165
• Year 2: £4,025
• Year 3: £4,880

How to Apply

Students should apply directly to the University.

Who Will Teach You

Programme Leader

Helen Bailey

Contact Us

Enquiry| Email| Phone
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Asphalt and Pavement Technology | | Phone (option 6)
Programme Leader: Helen Bailey | | Phone

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The FdSc Asphalt and Pavement Technology is a flexible, part-time, distance learning program designed to meet the needs of individuals working in the Mineral Products sector. It is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) and partially meets the academic requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).

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Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Equip learners to address shortfalls in international, national, and local development needs.
• Develop learners' knowledge and understanding of the Mineral Products sector, including global and environmental influences.
• Prepare individuals for management positions in the Mineral Products industry by providing them with the tools, theoretical base, and skills relevant to modern business practices.
• Enable learners to develop their intellectual breadth and make integrative links across various areas of their organizations.
• Develop knowledge and skills to enable leaders/managers to be responsive to change.
• Increase capacity to learn both on the program and as independent lifelong learners following completion.
• Act as a role model with responsibility for those in senior positions.
• Provide an academically rigorous and challenging program of study aligned with the QAA Qualification Framework, enhancing critical and reflective practice.
• Provide flexible learning opportunities in a diverse environment that widens participation.

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Outline:

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Year One:

• Engineering & Mathematics: This module introduces the principles of mathematics, mechanical and electrical engineering, and their application in production, processing, and mobile plant.
It also covers health, safety, and environmental awareness, emergency planning procedures, and the safe use of machinery and equipment.
• Industry & the Environment: This module focuses on geology, workplace health and safety, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, standards, and governance in the context of the Mineral Products industry.
It also covers topics like climate change, net zero, performance reporting, biodiversity, geodiversity, and natural capital.
• Learning, Thinking & Study Skills in Higher Education: This module helps learners identify and reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, develop personal developmental planning needs, and acquire the skills needed for academic study, writing, and progression.
It also includes sampling and testing methods, product quality management, and customer specifications.
• Business & Operational Management: This module develops operational, business, and financial knowledge and skills necessary for managing a mineral products facility.
It covers human resource management, communication, asset management, performance measurement, building a sustainable business, and cyber security. It also includes designing and testing bituminous mixtures, production, transportation, placement, quality management, and health, safety, and environmental aspects.

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Year Three:

• Production Facility Engineering: This module covers lubrication, bearings, hydraulic systems, mechanical power transmission systems, gas behavior, compressors, pumps, internal combustion engines, asset prioritisation, plant maintenance, process control, automation, digitization, 3-phase and circuit control, power factor and correction, electrical safety, earthing, earth leakage, and overcurrent protection.
• Pavement Solutions & Innovation: This module explores specialist asphalt mixtures, specialist binders, sustainability, circular economy, sustainable products, environmental product declarations, life cycle assessments, carbon footprinting, recycling, alternative mixtures, cement and unbound mixtures, and innovations in asphalt.
• Mineral Products Workbased Project: This module requires learners to analyze a problematic area within the Mineral Products industry, present it in a coherent manner, and draw conclusions based on their reading, personal analysis, and workplace experience.

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Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Practical projects focused on particular workplaces
• Management and technical reports
• Annotated presentations
• Reflective portfolios or collections of work completed throughout the module/program
• E-assessments via the Virtual Learning Environment
• Problem-solving tasks
• Varied writing tasks and oral assessment
• Practical assessment of professional competence
These methods are designed to test attainment of knowledge, understanding, skills, and capabilities, promoting "deep learning."

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Teaching:

The program is influenced by the principles of work-based learning and uses a flexible range of teaching and learning methodologies, including:

• Learning opportunities identified and taken directly from the learner's workplace situation
• Action learning sets and other facilitated group activities
• Individual reflection on learning
• Technology-enhanced learning using a sophisticated virtual learning environment (VLE)

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Careers:

The program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the Mineral Products sector, including:

• Asphalt and pavement technologists
• Construction managers
• Project managers
• Site engineers
• Quality control specialists
• Health and safety officers
• Environmental officers

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Other:

The program is designed for individuals already employed within the Mineral Products sector or those new to the sector who wish to further develop their skills and knowledge. Employers typically nominate learners for the program, and prior experience is a key factor in program design and development.

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UK and EU students Year 1 £2,575 Year 2 £3,165 Year 3 £3,910 International students Year 1 £3,165 Year 2 £4,025 Year 3 £4,880