School of Science, Technology and

Engineering

Engineering Department

Study Guide

HNC Engineering

2015/16

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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

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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)

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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 part-

time 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

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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!

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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:

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

HNC

Engineering

YR1 (PT)

BSc Engineering Top Up (FT/PT)

HND Engineering Top Up (PT)

MScHND Engineering

YR1 (FT)HND Engineering

YR2 (FT)

HNC

Engineering

YR2(PT)

120 Credits 120 Credits 120 Credits

80 Credits 80 Credits 80 Credits

180 Credits

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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 One lecturer to the whole group but focusing on the solution of

problems, e.g. Mathematics.

Tutorial One lecturer to a small group of up to 12 students.

Project work Student led activity where lecturer plays a directing and supporting role.

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Case studies 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.

Workshops These are student lead sessions that allow specific issues to be pursued,

e.g. class problems relating to a mathematical topic.

Practicals and

Labs

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

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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.

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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 27th 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

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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 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.

Communication 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.

Group Work 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

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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 decision-

making techniques are taught.

Self-management 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.

Use of IT 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.

Numeracy 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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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