Mechanical Engineering by Flexible Open Learning HND

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).

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).

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).

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. You are introduced to the principles and laws of thermodynamics and heat transfer and then shown how they can be applied to engineering systems.

You cover 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 are introduced to the different mechanisms of heat transfer and look 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 distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

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).

You cover 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. You gain a firm foundation for work in engineering design and a basis for more advanced study.

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

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).

You apply the principles of fluid mechanics and the techniques used to predict the behaviour of fluids in engineering applications. You look at the forces exerted by a static fluid on immersed surfaces, viscosity, the flow of fluids through pipelines and around bluff bodies and examines hydraulic machines.

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

You develop knowledge of the principles of heat transfer and combustion and the associated empirical relationships to enable you to solve practical problems and be able to produce a specification for practical engineering equipment.

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

You gain a basic background knowledge and understanding of the properties, selection, processing, applications and utilisation of engineering materials.

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

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).

A mechanical engineer is required to have an advanced knowledge of most of the machinery used within the engineering industry, and should understand the physical laws that influence their operation. You gain advanced knowledge of the mechanical theories associated with engineering applications.
 
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

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).

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).

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).

You develop an understanding of basic mechanisms and performance measures used for the implementation and analysis of process control systems that apply across the engineering disciplines.

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

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).

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).

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).