Mechanical Engineering HNC

We provide you with the 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.

This is a 15-credit module.

You gain experience of carrying out a design project, giving you an appreciation of how design involves harmonising key parameters and blending them into the design solution, and to produce a design report. You cover each stage of the process, including: client brief, planning, design specification, design report and evaluation.

You develop the fundamental analytical knowledge and techniques needed to successfully complete the core modules of Higher National Engineering programmes. We provide you with the knowledge needed for further study of analytical methods and mathematics, required for more advanced option modules. You explore fundamental algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability, for the analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems at Higher National level.

This is a 15-credit module.

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

The majority of the engines used in the world today to generate power or to provide transportation are either gas turbines, steam systems or internal combustion engines, all of which use thermodynamic processes to generate the power required. We introduce you to the principles and laws of thermodynamics and heat transfer and then shows how they can be applied to engineering systems. You explore system definition, the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and the application of the non-flow and steady flow energy equations using the ideal gas equations and steam tables. You learn about the different mechanisms of heat transfer and looks at the performance of heat exchangers before concluding with an investigation of heat engine cycles, principally those used in the internal combustion engines.

This is a 15-credit module.

You are introduced to the techniques and best practices required to successfully manage an engineering project - from identifying a problem, through to finding a solution. You consider the role and function of engineering in our society, the professional duties and responsibilities expected of engineers together with the behaviours that accompany their actions.

You cover: roles, responsibilities and behaviours of a professional engineer, planning a project, project management stages, devising solutions, theories and calculations, management using a Gantt chart, evaluation techniques, communication skills, and the creation and presentation of a project report.

This is a 15-credit module.

This module covers a range of mechanical principles which underpin the design and operation of mechanical engineering systems. It includes aspects related to loading of structures 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.

You are provided with an understanding of the principles of lead time analysis by using a range of processes. It includes the use of techniques to reduce set up times for a particular application and present this improvement as a standard operating procedure. In addition, the techniques employed in total productive maintenance (TPM) and the use of Optimised production technology (OPT) is described and the benefits discussed.

This module integrates the two subject areas of computer-aided design and computer aided-manufacture (CAD/CAM). You acquire a broad and deep understanding of the practical applications of a CAD/CAM system, and develop practical skills in 2D and 3D CAD systems and an appreciation of transfer of data between software packages. You use CAM software to generate manufacturing simulations of a component and design a dimensionally accurate component on a CNC machine using a CAD/CAM system.    

You are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics. You explore properties of fluids and different types of flow, and the underlying principles and theory of fluid mechanics in lectures. You look at worked examples in tutorials and laboratory work to enable practical investigation.

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

: Whilst 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 life cycle are managed in a professional manner.

This is a 10-credit module.

This module investigates programmable logic controller (PLC) concepts and their applications in engineering. It focuses on the design characteristics and internal architecture of PLC systems, the signals which are used and the programming techniques. You produce and demonstrate a programme for a programmable logic device.