UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE Programme Specification This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17 1. Awarding Institution / Body University of Central Lancashire 2. Teaching Institution University of Central Lancashire; Blackpool & Fylde College; Hartlepool College 3. University Department/Centre John Tyndall Institute for Nuclear Research, School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences 4. External Accreditation 5. Title of Final Award HNC Engineering (Nuclear) 6. Modes of Attendance offered Full time, part time, block 7. UCAS Code 128H 8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s) Foundation degree Engineering 9. Other external influences IEng section of UK-Spec; Portsmouth University; British Energy 10. Date of production/revision of this form 10th July 2009 11. Aims of the Programme This course has been developed in conjunction with employers from the nuclear industry to support the national need for upskilling staff within the COGENT sectors. Cogent is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, Oil and Gas, Nuclear, Petroleum and Polymer Industries. It is effectively the first two years of a part-time delivery of FdEng Engineering (Nuclear). It articulates with that course through Approved Prior Learning. The National Skills Academy – Nuclear (NSAN) has endorsed the FdEng for award nationally by University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and the University of Portsmouth (UoP). This HNC is required to meet union-agreed minimum qualifications for certain payscales and jobs (for which FdC is not recognised) before completion of the FdEng. The course aims to deliver the particular educational needs identified by NSAN, COGENT and representatives of the nuclear industries:- engineering science, management, personal skills and an introduction to nuclear fundamentals. In addition, and as applied to the nuclear industries, the course aims : To provide a framework allowing students to follow a flexible coherent programme of study. To provide vocational learning suitable for the nuclear sector. To develop technical and work specific skills underpinned by academic learning. To equip students with the necessary transferable skills for lifelong learning, employability and flexibility in the context of changing labour markets To provide students with the skills and knowledge required to maximise career opportunities To adequately prepare successful students for entry to year 2 of a foundation degree and advanced entry to the final 1/3rd of the associated FdEng Engineering course. To provide a challenging and stimulating study environment. 12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods A. Knowledge and Understanding Students will be expected to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of: A1 Relevant mathematics for analysing and modelling engineering / nuclear systems. A2 Scientific and theoretical specifications of engineering / nuclear systems. A3 The application of the design process to engineering systems. A4 The use and relevance of appropriate software for the nuclear industry. A5 The importance of relevant business, ethics and the environment. A. Teaching and Learning Methods Core lectures, tutorials and seminars. Attainment of all six learning outcomes is enhanced by lectures from and subsequent discussions with industry professionals. A. Assessment methods By examination and coursework, using a variety of theoretical and practical scenarios. B. Subject-specific skills Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to: B1. Mathematically model real engineering / nuclear situations effectively. B2. Apply the design process to enable the selection of appropriate materials and geometries. B3. Communicate technical information in a lucid manner to both non-technical and technical staff. B. Teaching and Learning Methods Knowledge will be gained through a mixture of formal lectures and tutorials, group work, practical work, assignment and project work. B. Assessment methods By completion of module assessments including examinations and coursework, many of which are based upon practical case examples/scenarios. C. Thinking Skills Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to: C1 Apply analytical techniques to the solution of problems. C2 Build an holistic approach to solving problems, by applying judgement to criteria including risk, cost, safety and the environment. C3 Develop an awareness of the effects upon society of technological developments and develop a proper sense of professional conduct in relation to society’s use of technology in the engineering / nuclear environment. C4 Plan, execute and report on laboratory experiments and workshop practices. C. Teaching and Learning Methods Core lectures, tutorials and formative case examples. Group and project work will enable students to acquire and develop problem solving skills. C. Assessment methods Assessment is by the completion of a variety of assignments and examinations which include the analysis and resolution of simulated case studies and project-based scenarios. D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to: D1. Communicate effectively in writing, speaking and in other appropriate forms of presentation. D2. Read, interpret and understand documents and be conscious of security issues related to complex products and systems. D3. Use information technology to handle data and communications and to assist with design and testing. D4. Manipulate data and perform calculations appropriate to engineering/operational situations in both simulation and practice. D5. Work as an effective team member to achieve agreed goals within a predefined hierarchical framework. D. Teaching and Learning Methods Knowledge will be gained through a mixture of formal lectures and tutorials, group work, practical work, assignments, and design project development. Skills will be developed by hands-on work in tutorials, in laboratory experiments, in IT&C work. Assessment methods Assessment is by the completion of a variety of assignments and examinations which include the analysis and resolution of engineering-based scenarios, as well as a portfolio of case-work and a reflective assignment. 13. Programme Structures* Level Module Module Title Code Level 2 SC2101 SC2102 SC2105 Business with Personal and Professional Development. Engineering Design 2. Computer-Aided Engineering Communication and Personal Development SC1102 Engineering and Technology Appreciation SC1103 Engineering Mathematics SC1104 Engineering Design 1 SC1105 Materials and Manufacture SC1106 Mechanical Engineering Principles 1 SC1107 Electrical and Electronic Principles 1 SC1108 Nuclear Fundamentals 15. Personal Development Planning Level 1 SC1101 14. Awards and Credits* Credit rating (O/Comp) 10 Comp 20 Comp 10 Comp 10 Comp 10 Comp 20 20 10 20 20 10 Higher National Certificate in Engineering (Nuclear) Requires 160 credits including a minimum of 40 at Level 2. Certificate Requires a minimum of 20 credits at level 1 from the list. Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp PDP is encountered in 2 modules: Communication and Personal Development at level 1 and Business with Personal and Professional Development at level 2. The course is supported by British Energy and those students employed by British Energy will benefit from the mentoring and planning involved in that company’s system of Performance Management. Other students may benefit from similar agreements with their own employers, but also through the personal development planning expected through reflection. The University or College will provide materials and a personal tutor to assist with this. 16. Admissions criteria Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information. Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter. For standard entry, academic achievement following 2 years post-16 study will demonstrate the capacity to benefit from the course. Thus the minimum criteria will be the equivalent of 1 ‘A2’ Level qualification at Grade ‘D’ (60 UCAS points) or better in a science, technology or mathematical subject (or 2 ‘A2’ Levels at Grade ‘E’ (80 UCAS points) with at least one in a science, maths or technology-related subject), plus 5 GCSE’s (including both mathematics and English at Grade ‘C’ or above), together with a committed and enthusiastic approach to the subject. Examples of equivalence to A-levels are a National Diploma in a technical or numerate discipline; or NVQ3. The course is also open to mature students and has been developed with mature students in mind, particularly those who have experience of nuclear projects as operatives and wish to move into leadership positions. Mature students may offer a combination of lower level academic qualifications (e.g. traditional CSE, City & Guilds L1, NVQ, vocational training courses, ONC) and experience in lieu of the standard entry requirements subject to satisfactory interview. For example, BTEC Certificate in Engineering coupled with a period of Apprenticeship training. All mature students holding/completing a relevant University Certificate can access/transfer to this HNC. Mature students without post-16 qualifications will be considered where their history of site based work activity is substantial and demonstrates (in lieu of an access course) that the applicant has the ability to cope with and benefit from the course. Irrespective of prior academic attainment, all students will be interviewed prior to an offer being made to assess their general suitability for the course; and offers (with or without advanced entry) are not automatic for those who hold appropriate qualifications. In the event that the course is over-subscribed, offers will be made to students who appear most suitable, taking into account prior academic achievement, experience, prior work-based achievement, references and attitude toward the opportunity. In the case of overseas students, competency in English is a pre-requisite for enrolment on the course, demonstrated by an IELTS score of 6.0 or above.. NOTE: The requirements of “Classified Worker” status within the Nuclear Industry (those employees who may work within facilities that directly handle radioactive materials) may restrict students with certain disabilities from pursuing certain career paths. For similar reasons, such students may also be unable to participate fully in any visits to Nuclear Licensed Sites that the course may entail. If prospective students have any queries in this regard, they should contact the Course Leader for advice 17. Key sources of information about the programme John Tyndall Nuclear Research Institute website (under development) http://www.uclan.ac.uk/scitech/john_tyndall_nuclear/index.php Hartlepool FE College website http://www.hartlepoolfe.ac.uk Blackpool & Fylde College website http://www.blackpool.ac.uk University courses information at http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/ug/bsc_fm.htm Factsheets and industry recruitment documentation LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 18. Curriculum Skills Map Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed Programme Learning Outcomes Other skills relevant to Core (C) or Knowledge and Subjectemployability and personal Compulsory Understanding Specific Skills Thinking Skills development Leve Module (Comp) or l Code Module Title Option (O) A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 SC2101 Business with Personal and Professional Development. SC2102 Engineering Design 2. SC2105 Computer-Aided Engineering SC1101 Communication and Personal Development SC1102 Engineering and Technical Appreciation SC1103 Engineering Mathematics 1 SC1104 Engineering Design 1 SC1105 Materials and Manufacture 1 SC1106 Mechanical Engineering Principles 1 SC1107 Electrical and Electronic Principles 1 SC1108 Nuclear Fundamentals Comp Comp Comp X X X X Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Comp X X X Comp Comp X X X X X X X X X X X X X