HNC Automation and Control Engineering (HTQ)

U4002 Engineering Maths

The mathematics that is delivered in this unit is directly applicable to the engineering and manufacturing industry, and it will help to increase learners’ knowledge of the broad underlying principles within this discipline.

The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ skills in the mathematical principles and theories that underpin the engineering curriculum. Students will be introduced to mathematical methods and statistical techniques in order to analyse and solve problems within an engineering and manufacturing context.

On successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to employ mathematical methods within a variety of contextualised examples, interpret data using statistical techniques, and use analytical and computational methods to evaluate and solve engineering and manufacturing sector problems.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.

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U4003 Engineering Science

Engineering is a discipline that uses scientific theory to design, develop, or maintain structures, machines, systems, and processes. Engineers are therefore required to have a broad knowledge of the science that is applicable to the industry around them.

This unit introduces learners 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. Among the topics included in this unit are: international system of units, interpreting
data, static and dynamic fundamentals, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, material properties and failure, A.C./D.C. circuit theories, and electromagnetic principles and properties.

On successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to interpret and present qualitative and quantitative data using computer software, calculate unknown parameters within mechanical and electrical systems, explain a variety of material properties, and use electromagnetic theory in an applied context.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.

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U4061 Programming for Engineers

With the increasing programmability of devices, it is essential that engineers can define and develop software artefacts. Engineers are often involved in developing programs for a wide variety of projects, such as creating firmware, automating robots and machines, modelling conceptual designs, processing data, and developing machine-learning models. By acquiring programming competencies, engineers can meet these challenges, reap the benefits of customised designs, and develop solutions to solve future engineering problems, thus enhancing their career prospects.

This unit provides engineering learners with a comprehensive introduction to programming. Students will be able to investigate different software development platforms, programming paradigms, programming languages (e.g. Python, C or C++), and their engineering applications. They will gain the experience of going through a standard development process; from setting requirements through to design, implementation, testing and maintenance. The unit also covers program design, structure, and syntax through project activities. Students will be assessed on
creating programs that are efficient, functional, reliable, and maintainable.

On completion of this unit, learners will have acquired essential knowledge and skills in programming using a popular language that can be utilised in Level 5 units such as Machine Learning and Embedded Systems.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.

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U4062 Professional Engineering Practice

The work of the engineer is key to the development and progress of our society. The decisions they make in the course of their everyday work can be life-changing in positive ways or, if poorly made, can be life-threatening. Accordingly, the engineer must work to strict codes of professionalism in all aspects of their work.

This unit outlines the background to the legislation, professional codes of practice and operational competencies that underpin the development of the professional engineer. It also considers the roles of problem-solving, communication, team working and professional responsibility.

Elements of personal and professional development, reflective thinking, career planning and leadership are considered as well. The increasing necessity for a holistic approach to sustainability in design, manufacture, and reuse and recycling are emphasised.

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be well prepared for further study at levels 5 and 6, working towards membership of an appropriate professional institution at Incorporated Engineer level.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.

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U4063 Engineering Mechanics and Materials

Every aspect of engineering depends upon the use and manipulation of materials. Whether naturally occurring or man-made, it is the properties of these materials that are fundamental to their creation, processing and application.

This unit explores 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. Systems for categorising and ranking materials are also covered.

Finally, the service life performance of these materials is studied through calculations that measure their performance in static and dynamic applications, building on the work started in the associated level 4 unit, Engineering Science.

On successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to identify the underlying structural properties of engineering materials and how these properties relate to their application and performance. They will also be confident in completing calculations relating to the static performance of these materials when in service.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.

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U4006 Mechatronics

Auto-focus cameras, car cruise control and automated airport baggage handling systems are examples of mechatronic systems. Mechatronics is the combination of mechanical, electrical, and computer/controlled engineering working together in automated systems and ‘smart’ product design. Among the topics included in this unit are: consideration of component compatibility, constraints on size and cost, control devices used, British and/or European standards relevant to application, sensor types and interfacing, simulation and modelling software functions, system function and operation, advantages and disadvantages of software simulation, component data sheets, systems drawings, flowcharts, wiring and schematic diagrams.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to learn about the basic mechatronic system components and functions, designing a simple mechatronic system specification for a given application, appropriate simulation and modelling software to examine its operation and function, and solving faults on mechatronic systems using a range of techniques and methods.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.

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U4015 Automation, Robotics, and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

The word automation was not used until the 1940s and it originated in the automotive manufacturing sector as a method designed to reduce labour costs and improve the quality, accuracy and precision of the finished products. We are all now very familiar with the sight of dancing robots, not only in the production of cars but in everything from washing machines to pharmaceuticals. As a result of this technology the products we purchase may have never been touched by human hands and we all benefit from a reduction in costs and improvement in quality.

The aim of this unit is for learners to investigate how Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and industrial robots can be programmed to successfully implement automated engineering solutions.

Among the topics included in this unit are: PLC system operational characteristics,
different types of programming languages, types of robots and cell safety features.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to learn about programming PLCs and robotic manipulators to implement a set of activities, different types and uses of PLCs and robots available, writing PLC programs using a language of their choice, and program industrial robots with straightforward commands and safety factors.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.

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U4064 Analogue and Digital Electronics

Analogue and digital electronic systems are widely used for a variety of applications. These systems provide the building blocks for modern living; for example, smart devices/homes, Industry 4.0 and autonomous systems. Digital electronics are used to implement circuits such as the microcontroller-based systems found in mobile phones, computers, televisions, microwaves and many other devices. Analogue electronic circuits are commonly used alongside such systems. A smart speaker uses digital systems to perform ‘smart’ functions and analogue circuits are used to drive the voice interface and speaker response systems. This unit explores some of the specialist applications of these systems.

The overall aim of the unit is to introduce learners to the fundamental building blocks of analogue and digital systems. Engineers from the craft technician to the Chartered Engineer should have an understanding and working knowledge of these technologies because they underpin all of our electronic devices, both domestic and industrial. The unit’s learning outcomes promote the development of skills and knowledge in the areas of digital and analogue electronics: digital electronics – developing an understanding of the basic logic components and how they are constructed, tested and used in circuit design; analogue electronics – developing an understanding of common transistors and transistor circuit design. Transistor and operational amplifier systems are another focus of the unit; these types of circuits are essential for signal
processing and reproduction.

On successful completion of the unit, learners will have developed skills and knowledge in analogue and digital electronics, which are the basis of all electronic systems and device, including the understanding and practice of the theory of logic circuits and how to construct and test such systems, and the understanding and measurement of analogue circuits.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.

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