School of Science, Technology and Engineering Engineering Department Study Guide HNC Engineering 2015/16
Study Guide 1. Welcome... 3 2. Introduction... 4 3. Aims of the Programme... 4 4. Programme Description... 5 5. Progression... 5 6. Programme Module Information... 6 7. Teaching and Learning Strategy... 7 8. Assessments... 9 9. Key Skills Development... 11 10. Communication... 12 11. Student Support and Learning Resources... 13 12. Programme Management and Quality Assurance... 16 13. Engineering Staff with Contact Details... 18 2 P a g e
1. Welcome On behalf of the Engineering Team at Northampton College, welcome to the your HNC Engineering programme. We all hope that you ll enjoy your studies and that you ll get a lot of benefit from the new knowledge you will acquire. We ve been tutoring programmes in Engineering for many years, and most of us have worked at one time or another in the engineering industry, so we re confident that we can provide you with all the support you need. More than that, we re looking forward to working with you and learning with you as well about how industry is working today - what s new, what s improving and what s changing. On the following pages of this guide you ll find plenty of information about the programme and how to use it to get the most good. We hope that you ll find it useful. The most important thing to remember is that your programme team is here to help you with your studies. If you have any problems, you re always welcome to get in touch whether by coming to see your personal tutor or an individual module tutor. Neil Tobin (Personal Tutor HNC) Stephen Hillyard (Curriculum Manager - Engineering) Patrick Leavey (Deputy Principal) 3 P a g e
2. Introduction The pace of change in technology is constantly accelerating and as it does so its use has spread into areas, which in the past might have been regarded as non-engineering. Consequently, there is a need for qualified personnel who are technically literate, and who are able to take more informed decisions in the light of an increased awareness of the consequences of those decisions. This suite of programmes is designed to prepare students and graduates for employment in modern engineering and related industries and to contribute to the success of their organisation. Students who have successfully completed a L3 Engineering or Level 3 Electrical/Electronic Engineering (or agreed equivalent) can progress onto the part-time HNC Engineering being delivered at Northampton College. The HNC course is fully integrated into the Engineering Programme at Northampton College and on successful completion of this two year parttime course will give you seamless and flexible progression onto the second year of the Higher National Diploma (Engineering) currently being delivered at the University of Northampton. Success in this programme would then see you move on as an undergraduate onto the BSc. (Hons) Engineering Top-Up and ultimately the MSc Engineering. More details about these courses can be found on the University of Northampton website. 3. Aims of the Programme The main aim of the programme is to provide broad based vocational education in engineering. This involves aspects of, mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, electronic and computer aided engineering. Within this main aim, four supporting aims have been identified which highlight the course philosophy and to provide students with: A common foundation of appropriate skills and knowledge for progress in their chosen careers. An understanding of the current best practice in their chosen engineering specialism. Appropriate personal skills for their future careers. The skills and knowledge to enable them to progress to higher level courses 4 P a g e
4. Programme Description In the first year the programme concentrates on fundamental technical principles, design methodologies, basic mathematical and statistical techniques together with computer systems. It will give you knowledge and understanding of the technical requirements and design techniques needed to carry out engineering related projects. A range of these techniques will be applied during the second year. Additionally, the first year programme will introduce you to the computer systems, which will assist in the process of data analysis and presentation and give you the ability to critically evaluate such systems. In the second year, engineering fundamentals are further developed by a group of modules covering advanced engineering principles, materials and industrial practice. Students also undertake a project which is often work-related. Coursework is used to assess specific learning outcomes and in particular offer the opportunity for you to develop transferable skills in terms of research, communication skills, problem solving, oral presentation skills, group activities and time management. The assignments are related to real life situations and are therefore an important learning activity. The assessment profile for each module has been chosen to ensure that the assessment pattern is the most efficient method of ensuring that you have achieved the learning outcomes. 5. Progression The well-established and successful collaboration between the University of Northampton and Northampton College provides a complete pathway from L1 right through to MSc courses in Engineering. For successful students wishing to progress to Higher Education this provides a path of natural progression from the College BTEC L3 Engineering and Electrical Electronics programmes onto the part-time HNC in Engineering either as a fee paying student or as an employed Higher Apprentice. The HNC in engineering is a two year course and progression from year one to year two of the course requires that you achieve the 80 credits from year 1, and more importantly that you have achieved any pre-requisites for modules at year two. Without these, you will be unable to study these modules until the pre-requisites are completed may hold up your studies! 5 P a g e
The HNC provides a gateway for direct entry to the HND at University of Northampton. Students who have completed the HNC only need to successfully complete a further 80 credits to achieve the HND. Successful students may also progress from the HND onto the BSc Engineering (Top Up) and ultimately the MSc Engineering both run at The University of Northampton. This progression opportunity is shown in the diagram below: HNC Engineering YR1 (PT) HNC Engineering YR2(PT) HND Engineering Top Up (PT) 80 Credits 80 Credits 80 Credits HND Engineering YR1 (FT) HND Engineering YR2 (FT) BSc Engineering Top Up (FT/PT) MSc 120 Credits 120 Credits 120 Credits 180 Credits 6. Programme Module Information Year 1 Code Title Tutor Credits Pre-Requisites ENG1004 Introduction to Engineering Design Neil Tobin 20 None ENG1005 Electrical Principles Ian Mundy 20 None ENG1006 Mechanical Principles Paul Sturdy 20 None ENG1047 Analytical Method for Technology Jane Deery 20 None Year 2 Code Title Tutor Credits Pre-Requisites ENG1007 Materials Science Paul Sturdy 20 None ENG1048 Engineering Industry Practice Neil Tobin 20 None ENG2018 Engineering Project Ian Mundy 20 ENG1005 or ENG1006 ENG2001 Advanced Engineering Principles Paul Sturdy/ Ian Mundy 20 ENG1005 or ENG1006 6 P a g e
Module Specifications The Module Specifications provide an outline as to the topics areas to be covered within a module, the assessment strategy, module aims and objectives, Key Skills to be developed and the relevant reading material. You can find the module specifications on the following website and on the University NILE/College Moodle pages for the course. http://oldweb.northampton.ac.uk/caf/undergraduate%20module%20specifications/engine ering%20manufacture%20&%20quality/ Alternatively speak with your Module Leader who will be able to provide you with a copy. 7. Teaching and Learning Strategy The Teaching and Learning strategies are designed to be appropriate for the subject content and the learning outcomes of each module. The method of teaching/learning used at any given time will be that considered to be the most appropriate to impart the necessary information to you and develop an analytical and critical approach to learning. This is to ensure a balanced teaching/learning programme, which meets the aims and objectives of both the individual subjects and the whole programme. Emphasis is placed on encouraging you to adopt an enquiring and investigative attitude and thereby gain confidence in their ability. To this end, some of you timetabled hours will be used for student centred learning. The programme team has adopted the following terminology for its teaching and learning activities: Teaching and learning activities Lecture Usually meaning, one lecturer to the whole group of students. Seminar Tutorial Project work One lecturer to the whole group but focusing on the solution of problems, e.g. Mathematics. One lecturer to a small group of up to 12 students. Student led activity where lecturer plays a directing and supporting role. 7 P a g e
Case studies Workshops Practicals and Labs Case studies are an invaluable tool for demonstrating the application of theoretical principles to real-world situations. They also provide suitable targets for the analysis of system structure and performance. Where appropriate, case studies are included in modules as a vehicle for student centred learning activities. These are student lead sessions that allow specific issues to be pursued, e.g. class problems relating to a mathematical topic. Student led activity, where students carry out an investigation of an engineering problem, in a laboratory situation. Feedback During your studies you will receive a range of feedback. This will include formal feedback via your assessment activities, this could be written or verbal and often both. You will also receive informal feedback during your lectures and tutorials; this could include comment on projects, reports or any programme work, advice on un-assessed practical work or presentation. If you feel you need further feedback then please speak with your module tutor. Attendance and time keeping Regular attendance is very important to ensure you gain the most from your studies and it is a requirement of the College that you actively engage with each module and the programme overall. A register is taken during each module and the Module Tutor will monitor attendance. If a student is regularly absent from timetabled lectures and has given no valid reason, then the Module Tutor will start the Cause for Concern process. If you are aware that you are going to miss a lecture or are to be late, as a matter of courtesy please inform the lecturer beforehand. To ensure a prompt start to the lecture sessions and minimise disruption to the class it is important that you arrive on time, or as soon as possible (should you have back to back sessions). Conduct in lectures It is important to create a positive learning environment for all students. We expect appropriate and respectful conduct in lectures if you are disruptive you may be asked to leave. The use of mobile phones in lectures is discouraged, as is the use of other 8 P a g e
equipment for web-browsing unless part of the lecture itself. Also, for Health and Safety where you may be using IT equipment, please refrain from eating or drinking during lectures, unless you have a valid reason to do so. If you do feel the need to have a drink during the lecture then bottled water is allowed only if it has a sports cap. 8. Assessments The following rules and regulations apply to all modules: Assessment Deadlines These are set by each module tutor and will be placed on Moodle. Extensions to Deadlines: Assignments are expected to be submitted by the due date. Occasionally circumstances beyond your control affect your ability to submit work on time. In these cases, you must request an extension of the deadline with your module tutor. This request must be made before the deadline date, and not after it has passed. Email request to your module tutor would be preferred in order to keep record for extension granted. In extreme circumstances, then you may wish to consider an appeal for deferral of assessment under Mitigating Circumstances (see below). Mitigating Circumstances: Mitigating circumstances are serious and acute problems or events beyond a student s control which have adversely affected the completion of assessments. If you feel you have a claim under mitigating circumstances, then you must act as quickly as possible. A leaflet which provides guidance for students in relation to mitigating circumstances affecting assessment is available on request. What happens if you fail an assignment? You have two opportunities to submit work. If you fail an item of assessment, you will be able to resubmit/re-sit at the second opportunity for a maximum grade of D-. If you have been awarded Mitigating Circumstances, your grade will not be capped. When are the second opportunity dates? There is a fixed schedule for these second attempts or deferred deadlines. Please refer to the Assignment schedule. 9 P a g e
Please note that there is no extension available to this final deadline date: For the original deadline of assignments due up to 27th February 2015, the deadline for the second opportunity is 27 th April 2015. ----to be changed for 15/16 For the original deadline of assignments due after 27th February 2014, the resubmission date is 13th July 2015 Please note that there is no extension available to this final deadline date. ----to be changed for 15/16 What happens if you don t submit assessment? If you do not submit an item of assignment, you have the right to resubmit/resit at the second opportunity for a maximum grade of D-. It is very important that you submit EVERY item of assessment because if you do not, you will receive a grade of G for non submitted items. This makes it very difficult if not impossible to pass the module. What happens if you submit coursework late? If an assignment is submitted late, but within a week of the deadline, and an extension has not been granted, the work will be marked and returned to you with full feedback, but it will be awarded a maximum grade of D-. If the work is submitted more than a week late it will be given a grade of G. This applies to all assignments PLEASE NOTE There is no extension available for the general submission date for re-sit work in July Plagiarism in assessed work Plagiarism is taken very seriously and is when a student submits work for assessment, which they claim to be their own but actually contains material that belongs to another person. The College considers plagiarism to be a type of academic misconduct. Northampton College is committed to upholding the integrity of its qualifications and has its own Malpractice / Maladministration / Plagiarism Policy that all students and staff must comply with. Contravention of this policy will dealt with through the college disciplinary procedure. All of these document are available for viewing on the College intranet and you 10 P a g e
will be introduced to research, referencing and academic standards as part of your early study skills development. Northampton College policies are written in accordance with those of the University of Northampton whose policies on plagiarism and academic misconduct can be found in the Student Guide to Academic Integrity available on the University website. Referencing your work correctly is important for avoiding plagiarism. If you do not reference your work properly, you could be plagiarising even if you do not intend to. Good referencing practice also shows the breadth and depth of your academic reading which may improve your marks. The Examinations Irregularities Panel is empowered to recommend severe penalties where students are found guilty of plagiarism. Assessment Submission All assessed work should be handed in electronically through NILE/Moodle. As already said, and extension to the set date has to be agreed beforehand by the Module Tutor. 9. Key Skills Development The programme will give you a valuable opportunity to develop a range of key skills. Learning to Learn Communication Group Work You will be taught the concepts of this skill, with respect to the acquisition and interpretation of information, an analysis of your findings and the subsequent presentation the results. Modules introduce the requirement for the production of formal written reports, to an agreed professional standard, including an approved reference system. You will also participate in oral presentations, both as an individual and as a member of a group. It is clear that with many technological problems, several individuals, each offering specialist knowledge, may be involved together with management personnel in their solution. Hence, the ability to work successfully in a team and to liaise with technical specialists becomes 11 P a g e
important. Group exercises in the taught elements, provide the opportunity to demonstrate and improve these skills. Problem Solving The ability to solve problems is a major requirement of engineering graduates. Year 1 modules introduce the techniques involved in the evaluation and solution of simple engineering problems. The principles of decisionmaking techniques are taught. Self-management Use of IT Numeracy The importance of self-management and time management skills is necessary for all modules. You will have set deadlines for assignments/assessment and these have to be adhered to unless there are extenuating circumstances which are accepted through the Mitigating Circumstances policy. The complexity of modern technological systems is inherently dependent upon the exchange of data through the use of computer techniques. The value of IT is introduced at the first level and is continually developed and assessed throughout the three years of the programme. All written assignments must be word-processed. The solution of engineering problems relies on the ability to represent systems and their behaviour in mathematical terms, which in turn depends on the use of various mathematical skills relevant to effective performance in a technological environment. The majority of the technical modules require some form of calculation, ranging from simple dimensions to complex signal processing computations. Additionally, at all levels, students are expected to calculate the cost of implementing their designs, using the most appropriate mathematical tool. 10. Communication Communication is an important part of this programme, and is a two-way process. Email and phone details of staff are available via the College Directory and also at the end of this document. Appointments with the Curriculum Manager: If it is a matter that can be dealt with quickly then you can speak with them before or after a lecture or alternatively make contact by email or telephone to arrange an appointment. 12 P a g e
Moodle/NILE Virtual Learning Environments We will post important information onto Moodle/NILE on a regular basis. Please log in on a regular basis to Moodle for announcements relating to your course and make sure we have the correct email address for you so important announcement can be forwarded to you. Such announcements might include room or timetabling changes, new assessment briefs and feedback and notification of cancelled lectures due to staff sickness. Whilst you will be given access to the College VLE (Moodle), you must use the University VLE (NILE) for core learning materials including assessments (and assessment submission). Text and Phone Occasionally you will be contacted by text and exceptionally by phone. Please make sure that the College has your up to date and working phone number. 11. Student Support and Learning Resources Student Hub The University of Northampton Student Hub provides all the information you need to know about the operation of programmes at the University, codes of practice and academic regulations and policies. The link to the Hub is given below (which can be accessed when you log in through the Students link at the top of the University web site: http://www.northampton.ac.uk/new-students/student-hub-information Academic Tutorial Support Personal Tutor The personal tutor system ensures that each student has access to a named academic member of staff, which would normally be a member of the programme team. The personal tutor is normally the first point of contact if you have a problem with your studies, or a personal problem, which impinges on your studies. Whilst you may feel it is essential to tell him/her about your personal problems, your personal tutor will only be able to advise or rectify problems with your studies. Otherwise he/she may refer you to a wide range of student support facilities available in the College. Note that your personal tutor is not there to help with personal problems themselves, only the study problems which may arise from them. If help is needed with personal issues, the Student Support Centre will 13 P a g e
be able to help. If your personal tutor is absent for any reason, the Curriculum Manager can also be approached. Personal tutors will arrange to talk to you on an individual basis at least once per term and solicit your general views on your overall experience at the college, particularly your opinions on the programme. Members of the programme team will contact your personal tutor and the programme leader, in the first instance, if you are giving cause for concern, e.g. if you are not attending lectures, tutorials etc., or are late with assignment work. Module Tutor Your module tutor should be the first point of reference should you have a question relating to the content or operation of a module. If you do not feel you can discuss the question you may have with the module tutor then you should speak with the Curriculum Manager. Curriculum Manager The relevant Curriculum Manager (shown in the Welcome page of this document) can assist with any programme related matter, which you have not been able to resolve with your personal tutor or Module Leader. Deputy Principal Should the module Leader or Curriculum Manager not be able to resolve your question then you can contact the Deputy Principal Patrick Leavey. Other Support Available Enrolment Team The enrolment team are there to help you with a range of non-academic issues related to your studies. This includes enrolment and re-enrolment, payment of fees and how to get your student card. They are located at the front of the main building opposite reception or can be contacted on 01604 734567. Or, email to enrolment team at: alex.summers@northamptoncollege.ac.uk 14 P a g e
Learning Resources The Learning Resources Department provides support for students in the areas of Library services, IT and Media. They are always willing to assist with questions you may have in these areas. Learning Resources - Northampton College Term Time Term Time Term Time Monday 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday 8:45am - 4:00pm Monday 8:45am - 8:00pm Tuesday 8:30am - 8:00pm Tuesday 8:45am - 7:00pm Tuesday 8:45am - 8:00pm Wednesday 8:30am - 8:00pm Wednesday 8:45am - 4:00pm Wednesday 8:45am - 8:00pm Thursday 8:30am - 8:00pm Thursday 8:45am - 4:00pm Thursday 8:45am - 8:00pm Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm Friday 8:45am - 4:00pm Friday 8:45am - 4:00pm Saturday Closed Saturday Closed Saturday 9:30am - 1:30pm Sunday Closed Sunday Closed Sunday Closed Non-Term Time Non-Term Time Non-Term Time For our out of term time opening times please look at the college news page.. Thank you. Learning Resources - Northampton University Library Opening Open Hours (typical term time) Date Park Campus Avenue Campus Monday 08:00-22:00 08:00-22:00 Tuesday 08:00-22:00 08:00-22:00 Wednesday 08:00-22:00 08:00-22:00 Thursday 08:00-22:00 08:00-22:00 Friday 08:00-19:00 08:00-19:00 15 P a g e
Saturday 10:00-17:00 10:00-17:00 Sunday 13:00-17:00 13:00-17:00 These are term opening times. For other times check on the University website. Learning Facilitators Learning facilitators are available to provide tutorial support and resource packages for students to assist in refining and developing their skills as learners, especially in the broad area of key underpinning skills. The learning facilitators can work closely with subject programme and module tutors to ensure integration with the subject curriculum. The learning facilitators can give you help with planning your assignments, structuring your reports and assignments, referencing, help with aspects of mathematics you may not have met before, and suchlike problems, all to support your academic studies. All levels of students consult the expertise available from the learning facilitators to supplement the tuition from programme tutors, and we would encourage you to make full use of the support available. 12. Programme Management and Quality Assurance A variety of quality assurance mechanisms are employed to ensure the continued quality of all of our programmes. These procedures range from student feedback questionnaires and informal meetings of students with teaching staff and personal tutors, through to formal review, Surveys and visits by external examiners and the QAA. Students and staff may be asked to engage with the University of Northampton as part of their QA and QE practices through E-RAP (extended rolling action plan), meetings and feedback fora. At Northampton College you will be asked to participate in all Listen to Learner surveys, the Induction Survey, as well as FE choices Student Survey. As Higher Education students you will also be asked to take part in the National Student Barometer and National Student Survey so your voice will be heard on many levels. 16 P a g e
Both institutions have rigorous policies and procedures in place for dealing with complaints from students and other stakeholders and all complaints are dealt with quickly and according to these procedures. Programme Monitoring & Evaluation The HNC programme at Northampton College will be continuously monitored by the QA Team and the Curriculum Manager through both formal and informal feedback. Close monitoring of student progress is also key to ensuring the success of students so that interventions can be applied where necessary. To support this, informal student feedback is continuously sought and responded to by the Curriculum Manager/Course Leader and as a major part of the monitoring process student tracking my module is regularly checked. Any matters arising will be considered and responded to either by the course team at informal meetings or, where necessary, by the Curriculum Manager. Matters arising from formal student feedback or from student reps will always receive a formal reply. To ensure continued alignment with the University, Northampton college staff will attend the E-RAP meetings held termly at the University. This also provides a conduit for issues to be presented that are raised by the Northampton college Staff from Northampton College are also represented on the QSEC and SSEC (Quality and Standards Enhancement Committee and School Student Experience Committee) meetings at the University held at University six times each academic year. External Examiners The programme is closely monitored by academics external to the College who work for other institutions called External Examiners appointed by the University of Northampton. These have expert knowledge of the required standards for engineering courses in the UK and will undertake sampling of students work including the setting of assessments and exams. Their role is to ensure that we, the College, are doing the job right. They will produce and annual end-of-year report which will be available to all students to view on Moodle/NILE. 17 P a g e
13. Engineering Staff with Contact Details Name Ext. Room Email Address Role / Subject Area Stephen Hillyard 4229 C1.11 stephen.hillyard@northamptoncollege.ac.uk Curriculum Manager - Engineering Neil Tobin 4117 D1.04 neil.tobin@northamptoncollege.ac.uk Personal Tutor Mechanical Engineering Ian Mundy 4117 D1.04 ian.mundy@northamptoncollege.ac.uk Tutor Electrical/Electronics Paul Sturdy 4110 D1.04 paul.sturdy@northamptoncollege.ac.uk Tutor CAD/Engineering Phil Arnold 4190 D1.04 phil.arnold@northamptoncollege.ac.uk Tutor Electrical Engineering Rob Bailey 4287 D1.04 rob.bailey@northamptoncollege.ac.uk Tutor Electrical Engineering Jane Deery 6579 C2.43 jane.deery@northamptoncollege.ac.uk Head of Maths