Mechatronics HNC

Gain an understanding of electronic devices and circuits used in modern electronic systems, including power supplies, operational amplifiers and digital circuits.

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 develop an understanding of the properties, selection processing, applications and utilisation of engineering materials. Explore the fundamental structure of common engineering materials, their principal mechanical, chemical and electrical properties, and how these properties affect manufacture, application, service life and end-of-life management and recycling.

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.

Explore the principles of mechatronic systems from small, single-component systems as well as larger systems integrating components from different engineering disciplines. Focus on key topics such as the evolution, design and characteristics of mechatronic systems; sensors, transducers, and actuators, closed-loop feedback systems, programmable control devices, interfacing and system integration design, and functional safety requirements.

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.