Sample Schemes of Work and
Lesson Plan
Diploma in Engineering
OCR Level 2 Principal Learning in Engineering H810
Unit F550: Engineering Applications of Computers
This Support Material booklet is designed to accompany the OCR Diploma in Engineering
specification for teaching from September 2008.
© OCR 2009
Contents
Contents
2
Sample Schemes of Work: OCR Level 2 Principal Learning in Engineering Unit F550:
Engineering applications of computers
3
Sample Lesson Plans: OCR Level 2 Principal Learning in Engineering Unit F550:
Engineering applications of computers
11
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Engineering Diploma
Sample Diploma Scheme of Work
OCR Level 2 Principal Learning in Engineering Unit F550: Engineering
applications of computers
Suggested
teaching time
8 hours
Topic
Engineering applications of computers
Overview: This unit is assessed internally via a controlled assignment in which they analyse a domestic product (which must contain an embedded
computer system) in terms of the use of computers in its design, manufacturing, diagnostics and maintenance. The evidence will be in the form of a
research report including screen shots, digital evidence, comments. It will then be externally moderated.
This unit provides learners with the opportunity to investigate and experience the use of computers in a range of engineering applications, including ‘expert
systems’ for problem solving, diagnostics, maintenance operations, process control and manufacturing. The unit also enables a learner to understand how
computers have enabled advances in the way engineering tasks are performed. An expert system is a computer program that contains some of the
subject-specific knowledge of one or more human experts.
The most common form of expert systems is a program made up of a set of rules that analyse information (usually supplied by the user of the system)
about a specific class of problems, as well as providing mathematical analysis of the problem(s), and, depending upon their design, recommend a course
of user action in order to implement corrections. It is a system that utilises what appear to be reasoning capabilities to reach conclusions. Learners should
also understand why embedded systems are used in modern domestic products, how computer systems are used in maintenance operations and have a
knowledge and understanding of the way computer-based communication systems are used to exchange data.
There are ample opportunities for learners to demonstrate and develop their PLT’s.
The unit should be undertaken in 60 GLH.
= Innovative teaching idea
Engineering Diploma
= ICT opportunity
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Sample Diploma Scheme of Work
OCR Level 2 Principal Learning in Engineering Unit F550: Engineering
applications of computers
Suggested
teaching time
8 hours
Topic outline
Introduction to Engineering
application of computers
Topic
How and where are computers used in engineering
Suggested teaching and homework
activities
Suggested resources
Points to note

initial activity on preparing for the industrial
visit
Industrial visit to see products being made and
the role that computers played in the process
This topic should take a number of lessons to
complete

group activity to identify where they think
computers are used in industry
Internet access
The following aspects should be covered by the
presenter:


groups to produce checklist/work sheet for
visit
Completed worksheets displayed for others
after visit

Videos/visiting speakers
Work sheets for the visit
= Innovative teaching idea
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how CAD systems and graphical
packages are used to design/model new
products

how CAM systems are used in the
manufacturing process

the use of bar code readers and computer
program to monitor material levels,
resources, components (JIT) inputs, and
outputs and order points (JIT)

the use of computers for workplace financial
control and record keeping
= ICT opportunity
Engineering Diploma
Sample Diploma Scheme of Work
OCR Level 2 Principal Learning in Engineering Unit F550: Engineering
applications of computers
Suggested
teaching time
8 hours
Topic
How and where are computers used in engineering
Topic outline
Suggested teaching and homework
activities
Learners will:


Develop knowledge and
understanding of the way
computers are used in
engineering
They will be able to:

Explain how computers are
used:

To design new products

In production and process
control

For stock control

For financial control
= Innovative teaching idea
Engineering Diploma
Suggested resources
Points to note
group to share images to produce a wall
chart of images of computers used within
engineering for design, production/process
control, stock and financial control
Examples of CAD drawings of products,
products make via CAM machines, rapid
prototyping, spreadsheets, bar codes etc
This topic should take a number of lessons to
complete
group activity: identify all the terms that are
used in CAE and find definitions for
producing a glossary or posters around the
classroom (eg JIT, CAM, CAD, CNC,
microprocessor etc)
Materials and reference sources
= ICT opportunity
5 of 12
Sample Diploma Scheme of Work
OCR Level 2 Principal Learning in Engineering Unit F550: Engineering
applications of computers
Suggested
teaching time
18 hours
Topic
How, where and why computers are used in our consumer products
Topic outline
Suggested teaching and homework
activities
Suggested resources
Points to note
Learners will understand:

Presenter lead discussion on what had
been learned about computers in the
previous topic
Worksheets from previous visits
This topic will take a number of lessons to
complete

Analyse a problem in
systems terminology
Quiz to identify various types of inputs and
output devices


Recognise and use input
switches and sensors
Group activity to try and produce a flow
chart to control a simple problem eg flashing
light when two inputs are true


Recognise and use output
devices
Group or individual activity (depending on
resources) to program the PIC chips to
simulate the control system

Use linear, symbolic or
flow-chart programming
including conditional
sequencing

Simulate a control system

simple control programmes
and will be able to:

= Innovative teaching idea
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Types of input and output devices and
associated quiz
PC’s to program PIC chips
PIC system and a model/scenario to control
It is assumed that learners have acquired
appropriate ICT capability through other
studies, eg the National Curriculum Programme
of Study in ICT at Key Stage 3, however they
may need a refresher of some software
functions and how to create flow charts
Presenter to introduce more complicated
control system problems for the learners to try
and simulate eg burglar alarms, greenhouse
temperature, central heating and manufacturing
processes
= ICT opportunity
Engineering Diploma
Sample Diploma Scheme of Work
OCR Level 2 Principal Learning in Engineering Unit F550: Engineering
applications of computers
Suggested
teaching time
18 hours
Topic outline
Investigate embedded
computer systems
= Innovative teaching idea
Engineering Diploma
Topic
How, where and why computers are used in our consumer products
Suggested teaching and homework
activities

Group activity to list all the products that
contain a micro to control its functions

Class discussions on the advantages that
this brings to consumers and designers
Suggested resources
Points to note
Examples of domestic appliances previously
disassembled to show embedded system
This topic will take a number of lessons to
complete
Low voltage products like children’s toys may
be more suitable
Caution, many domestic appliances contain
embedded microprocessor systems but
warnings about disassembling mains voltage
items should be stressed to the learners
= ICT opportunity
7 of 12
Sample Diploma Scheme of Work
OCR Level 2 Principal Learning in Engineering Unit F550: Engineering
applications of computers
Suggested
teaching time
8 hours
Topic
What are expert systems and how to use them
Topic outline
Suggested teaching and homework
activities
Learners will:

Presenter lead introduction into what is an
expert system and examples of its uses.
Also its relationship with Artificial
intelligence (AI) and fuzzy logic
Develop knowledge and
understanding of simple expert
systems for problem solving
 Depending on available resources
and maintenance operations in
Presenters need to demonstrate computers
to analyse and problem solve. For example
engineering
predictive maintenance, product quality
statistical data, design software advanced
functions like interference checking and
virtual testing
and will be able to:


Understand what is meant
by the term ‘expert system’

Understand how to input
data into an expert system

Select suitable parameters
for problem solving
= Innovative teaching idea
8 of 12
Suggested resources
Points to note
Back ground info on expert system examples
eg virtual doctors, engine management
mapping, fault analysis and vision systems
used in manufacturing
This topic with take a number of lessons to
complete
Relevant ICT hardware and software, examples
can be found in the unit text
This topic has strong links with F553
Maintenance and F553 Manufacturing
engineering
Learners to experience the above problem
solving capabilities of computers
= ICT opportunity
Engineering Diploma
Sample Diploma Scheme of Work
OCR Level 2 Principal Learning in Engineering Unit F550: Engineering
applications of computers
Suggested
teaching time
8 hours
Topic outline

Interpret results and use
them to modify engineering
features

Explain how and why
computers are used in
maintenance operations
= Innovative teaching idea
Engineering Diploma
Topic
What are expert systems and how to use them
Suggested teaching and homework
activities
Suggested resources
Points to note
= ICT opportunity
9 of 12
Sample Diploma Scheme of Work
OCR Level 2 Principal Learning in Engineering Unit F550: Engineering
applications of computers
Suggested
teaching time
6 hours
Topic
Data communications used in engineering
Topic outline
Suggested teaching and homework
activities
Learners will:

about a product from design to production,
delivery and maintenance

group investigation to collect examples of
data transfer used in engineering
Develop knowledge and
understanding of computer
based communications
systems to communicate data
and will be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of
the use of modern consumer
products to communicate
and exchange data during
design, manufacture and
maintenance
= Innovative teaching idea
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Presenter lead activity for learners to document
descriptions of all of the types of data
technology used eg Ethernet, Bluetooth, SMS,
GPRS, 3G, Wi-Fi, WWW, bar codes, databases
Suggested resources
Points to note
Industrial visit to an engineering organisation
and the role that data communications play in
their organisation or use the original visit in the
first topic to collect information
This topic with take a number of lessons to
complete
Examples of data transfer eg CAD/CAM,
barcode stock control, on line ordering, vehicle
diagnostics, telemetry, GPS and remote
monitoring (for example all M&S store freezers
are networked to a central control room) etc
Internet access
Videos/visiting speakers
Presenters should cover the following:

Use of laptop computers to access and
communicate information

Use of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) to
record digital images, annotations and
dialogue in real time as it happens

Use of third generation mobile phones to
record information in real time as it happens
Downloading and transferring information from
communications devices in a form that is usable
and accessible for engineering reports and
portfolios. Bluetooth. SMS multimedia
messages
= ICT opportunity
Engineering Diploma
Sample Diploma Lesson Plan
OCR Level 2 Principal Learning in
Engineering Unit F550: Engineering
applications of computers
Simple control programmes
OCR recognises that the teaching of this qualification will vary greatly from school to school and
from Presenter to Presenter. With that in mind, this lesson plan is offered as a possible approach
but will be subject to modifications by the individual Presenter.
Lesson length is assumed to be one hour.
Learning Objectives for the Lesson
Objective 1
Learner can recognise various inputs and output devices.
Objective 2
Learners to develop a simple programme to solve a problem.
Objective 3
Learners can simulate a control system.
Recap of Previous Experience and Prior Knowledge
Learners have been introduced to the use of computers in engineering:

In the designing and manufacture of products

Production and process control

Stock and financial control.
Content
Time
Content
10 minutes
Presenter led recap on the use of computers in production and process control,
ideally with a short video or slide show of a recent industrial visit to a production
facility.
10 minutes
Group activity for the learners to list the types of input and output devices used
on a production line or a word search linked to an image bank of devices, with
real devices to see 1st hand.
10 minutes
Presenter to introduce a simple process problem that can be solved by a flow
chart which then builds up into a demonstration of the process working via a PIC
Engineering Diploma
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Sample Diploma Lesson Plan
chip experimental board.
Time
Content
10 minutes
Learners asked to copy example and download to PIC chips themselves so to
familiarise them with the programming software and hardware.
10 minutes
Presenter now to introduce a variation on the first example and ask the learners
to try and solve the problem themselves.
Consolidation
Time
Content
10 minutes
Recap on input and output devices used (all digital signals) and how the next
lesson will tackle the Analogue world of process control.
Homework
Learners asked to list processes in manufacturing that may have a analogue
input eg Temperature.
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Engineering Diploma