Mechanical Engineering HNC

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 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.

You are introduced to the principles and laws of thermodynamics and heat transfer, and you learn how to apply them to real engineering systems. You study system definition, the fundamental laws of thermodynamics, and the use of non-flow and steady flow energy equations with ideal gas equations and steam tables. You explore the various mechanisms of heat transfer and examine the performance of heat exchangers, concluding with an investigation into heat engine cycles.

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 explore the production processes for key material types, the various machinery used to manufacture products, and different methods of organising production systems to optimise efficiency. You learn how to measure the effectiveness of a production system within the broader manufacturing environment. Additionally, you examine how production engineering contributes to ensuring the safe and reliable operation of manufacturing processes.

You consider the importance of quality assurance processes in manufacturing or service environments and study the principles and theories that underpin them. You explore the tools and techniques used to support quality control, including attributes and variables, testing processes and costing models. You also learn the importance of quantifying costs related to quality and examine international standards for quality management.