HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME
1 Programme/Course Title: Higher National Certificate in Building Services Engineering
(Electrical)
2 Department: Engineering
3 Course Validation Number: 00/315
4 UCAS Code:
5 Qualification/Award Title: Higher National Certificate
6 Awarding Body: Edexcel
7 Professional Accreditation:
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE)
The Construction Industry Council Standards Panel (CICSP) which represents all the main
professional bodies, NTOs (SSCs), employer bodies and key employers for higher level qualifications
in the Construction and Built Environment Sector.
8 Relevant QAA Subject Benchmarking Group:
(include QAA reference number for Units)
9 Mode (ways of studying the programme): FT
PT
X
Other ……………..
PROGRAMME AIMS
10 The overall aims of this programme/course are to: meet the needs of industry,
commerce and the public services by;
a) preparing students for a range of technical, professional and management career
disciplines in building services engineering by providing specialised studies which are
directly relevant to individual occupations and professions in which students are currently
working or in which they intend to seek employment
b) enabling students to make an immediate contribution in employment in the building
services engineering sector
c) providing students with flexibility, knowledge, skills, understanding and motivation as a
basis for progression to graduate and postgraduate studies
d) developing a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for
successful performance in working life
e) providing further study, career development and progression from a
Technician/.Technical Certificate at level 3 within or following an Advanced Modern
Apprenticeship (AMA)
f) providing a significant basis for progression to Incorporated Engineer level, via a
Matching Section.
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PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
(a) KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
11 The Learning Outcomes are:
Individual learning outcomes are applicable to each unit of this programme
Unit 1 - Design Principles and Application (H1)
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1) Differentiate between the planning, design and production phases of the construction process
and describe the co-ordination and management of each phase
2) Analyse the various factors that affect the selection of materials, systems and equipment, and
evaluate the environmental impact of energy and other constraints on the planning, design and
construction processes
3) Describe the roles, responsibilities and obligations (including liability for health, safety and
welfare) of all parties to a construction project
4) Describe how technology affects the design of a construction project and also the design
process and procedures used in the production phase.
Unit 2 - Services Science (H1)
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1) Identify human and environmental factors influencing thermal comfort
2) Analyse and apply basic principles to the flow of heat energy and fluids
3) Analyse and evaluate single phase ac electrical networks
4) Investigate the characteristics, transmission and effects of sound and vibration
5) Determine elements of control systems and their performance.
Unit 3 - Analytical Methods (H1)
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1) Apply analytical methods to the management and production of construction, civil
engineering or building services installation processes and operations
2) Apply analytical methods to surveying, testing and control problems in the construction, civil
engineering or building services engineering process
3) Analyse and solve problems using statistics and probability
4) Apply analytical methods to analyse structural, building or building services engineering
systems and provide appropriate solutions.
Unit 4 - Management Principles and Applications (H2)
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1) Develop an understanding of the principles of management, the work of pioneers and
founders of management, their evolution and application to modern day practice
2) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the industry, its markets and activities, the roles
of the professions/disciplines in project teams and the management principles appropriate to
organisations within the industry
3) Demonstrate an understanding of the application of management techniques to organisation,
work planning, co-ordination, control of resources, cost control, quality, communications and
client/customer liaison involved in the design and construction processes
4) Determine methods of procurement and contracting and their implications for risk,
performance, best practice, sustainability and the environment.
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Unit
5 - Group Project (H2)
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1) Select and agree the extent of the study and agree specifications and procedures and initiate
feasibility studies
2) Implement the scheme of work within the agree procedures, to specification and to time scale
3) Evaluate intermediate and final outcomes and the teams performance in working to the final
solution
4) Present a project evaluation.
Note: These outcomes will be achieved whilst working as a member of a team.
Unit 6 - Health, Safety and Welfare (H2)
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1) Define the main health, safety and welfare legislation in the construction sector and the
implications of non-compliance
2) Explain the main requirements of an effective health and safety policy along with the
organisational arrangements necessary for its implementation
3) Demonstrate an understanding of hazard and risk identification in design and construction
4) Undertake risk assessment and formulate control measures to prevent ill health and injury
5) Review, revise and monitor assessments as required.
Unit 23 - Electrical Theory (H2)
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1) Evaluate and analyse ac networks in a series of combinations and relate the analysis to the
application of complex quantities
2) Analyse the performance of all practical dc networks met in practice by applying the
techniques of network circuit theorems
3) Investigate and analyse the operation of dc and ac motors and their selection/application.
4) Analyse the response of circuits to transients and establish the practical applications of such
behaviour
5) Investigate the theory and application of electronic measuring instruments and relate their use
to analogue instruments.
Unit 24 - Electrical and Electronics Control Principles (H1)*
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1) Explore and evaluate control principles and their operation in buildings and process control
environments, and evaluate systems which operate electronically
2) Investigate and analyse the effect of varying the frequency in ac circuits, and relate the,
analysis to control of power in circuits and communication systems
3) Investigate the principles of information transmission systems using analogue and digital
techniques.
Unit 25 - Electrical Installation A (H1)*
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1) Evaluate design criteria and constraints and investigate the application of standards and
legislation
2) Evaluate the methods of data distribution for large commercial, public and industrial
buildings
3) Identify the elements of rectification systems and investigate practical applications in the
control of electric plant and equipment.
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Unit 27 - Power Supplies to Buildings (H2)
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1) Investigate the application of circuit theorems and complex quantities techniques to the
analysis of ac Power Supply Networks
2) Evaluate and analyse the transformer in power transmission, distribution, measurements and
protection
3) Investigate the calculation of fault currents in power supply networks under varying
conditions, and analyse the rating of HV switchgear and protection equipment
4) Establish the design parameters for HV distribution systems and analyse the factors affecting
choice of switchgear, protection and earthing
5) Evaluate the effects of abnormal loads on power supply systems and relate the supply
constraints to the design of Tariffs and Supply Contracts.
Unit 29 - Electrical Installation B (H2)
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1) Establish the need for lightning protection and apply the principles for protection
2) Select forms of protection against short circuit, over current, and fault current in extra low
and low voltage circuits
3) Describe and evaluate the need for and provision of standby supplies
4) Analyse modes of vertical and horizontal transportation for buildings
5) Evaluate the forms of fire protection for buildings, their occupants and equipment.
12 The Teaching and Learning Strategies are:
Edexcel does not define the mode of study for BTEC Higher National qualifications. Centres
are free to offer the qualifications using any mode of delivery that meets the needs of their
learners.
Here at COSC this may be through traditional classroom teaching (practical and theory), open
learning, distance learning or a combination of these. Whatever mode of delivery is used, we will
ensure that you, the learner has appropriate access to the resources identified in the specifications and
to the subject
specialists delivering the units. This is particularly important for learners studying for the
qualification through open or distance learning. Full guidance on Edexcels policies on distance
assessment. and electronic assessment. Are provided on the Edexcel website. (www.edexcel/org.uk)
Learners studying for the qualification on a part-time basis bring with them a wealth of
experience that will be utilised to maximum effect by our tutors and assessors. Assessment
instruments based on the learners work environment will be encouraged. In planning this
programme we have aimed to enhance the vocational nature of the BTEC Higher National
qualification by:
1) liaising with employers to ensure that the programme is relevant to the specific needs of the
learners
2) accessing and using non-confidential data and documents from learners workplaces
3) linking with company-based/workplace training programmes
4) making full use of the variety of experience of work and life that learners bring to the
programme
The specifications contain a balance of practical skill development and knowledge requirements,
some of which can be theoretical in nature. Tutors and assessors will ensure that appropriate links are
made between theory and practice and that the knowledge base is applied to the sector. To do this we
are required to develop relevant and up-to-date teaching materials that allow learners to
apply their learning to actual events and activity within the sector. Maximum use will be
made of the learners previous experience.
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13 The Assessment Strategies are:
Learners must pass all 10 units on their programme of learning to be awarded a BTEC Higher
National Certificate The assessment of BTEC Higher National qualifications is criterion-referenced
and centres are required to assess the learners’ evidence against published learning outcomes and
assessment criteria. All units will be individually graded as pass. merit or distinction.. To achieve a
Pass grade for the unit learners must meet the assessment criteria set out in the specifications.
This gives transparency to the assessment process and provides for the establishment of
national standards for each qualification.
The units in BTEC Higher National qualifications all have a standard format which is designed
to provide clear guidance on the requirements of the qualification for learners, assessors and
those responsible for monitoring national standards.
(B) SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
14 The Learning Outcomes are:
Learners will be expected to develop the following skills during the programme of study the ability to:
a) analyse and synthesise a range of concepts and summarise information critically
b) read and use appropriate literature with a full and critical understanding
c) think independently, research into and solve problems
d) insight and judgement in relation to the margins and consequences of error
e) recognise the moral and ethical issues of engineering, environmental and scientific enquiry
and experimentation and appreciate the need for ethical standards and professional codes of
conduct
f) design, plan, conduct and report investigations and communicate the results of their study and
other work accurately and reliably using a range of specialist techniques
g) use their knowledge, understanding and skills to evaluate and formulate evidence-based
arguments critically and identify solutions to clearly defined problems of a routine nature and
some requiring innovation and creativity
h) apply complex theories to practical realistic work situations
i) apply their subject-related and transferable skills in contexts where the scope of the task and
the
j) criteria for decisions are generally well defined but where some personal responsibility and
initiative are required
k) develop an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of building services engineering, and
of the
l) skills required to work in non-adversarial teams with other professions in construction
m) ability to take responsibility to manage and direct their own and where appropriate the
activities of others
n) identify and address their own learning needs within defined contexts, recognise their own
learning style and undertake guided further learning in new areas.
15 The Teaching and Learning Strategies are:
As above
16 The Assessment Strategies are:
As above
A copy of the full specification of each unit, its learning outcomes and criteria for
grading is available at www.edexcel.org.uk or from your tutor
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PROGRAMME STRUCTURES
Reference Points: NICATS level descriptors; Subject Benchmark Statements, QAA
Qualifications Framework; Awarding Body Specifications
17 Explanation of routes, compulsory and optional modules:
The BTEC Higher National Certificate in Building Services Engineering (Electrical) is a 10-unit
qualification of which six are core units. This programme must contain a minimum of five units
designated at H2 level.
The BTEC Higher National Certificate in Building Services Engineering (Electrical) is awarded on
successful completion of 10 BTEC Units – 6 core and 4 optional. Each unit represents 60 hours of
part time study.
On this course at COSC the units in bold are the units to be studied.
Core units
Design Principles and Application (H1)
Services Science (H1)
Analytical Methods (H1)
Management Principles and Applications (H2)
Group Project (H2)
Health, Safety and Welfare (H2)
Electrical Route (4 other subjects from the following list)
Electrical Theory (H2)
Electrical and Electronics Control Principles (H1)*
Electrical Installation A (H1)*
Lighting Applications (H1)
Power Supplies to Buildings (H2)
Building Fire Protection and Security (H1)
Electrical Installation B (H2)
Building Management Systems (H2)
Work-based Learning A (H2)
Work-based Learning B (H2)
Services Project Management (H2) #
Engineering Mathematics (H2) #
Quality Assurance and Control (H1) #
* These two units are half value units and should be taken together to make up
one unit.
18 Opportunities for work placement/study abroad:
It is recognised that a high percentage of students attending this course will already be in
employment. However, any opportunities for work placement or employment for any student not
already in work will be a matter of priority and all students will be given the opportunity to take up
such placement or employment within the industry.
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ADMISSIONS
19 In order to gain entry to this programme/course you must satisfy the course entry
requirements listed below (guidance is available from college staff prior to enrolment):
Academic qualifications
:
1) A BTEC National Certificate or Diploma qualification in Building Services Engineering or a
2)
3)
4)
5)
related vocational area.
A BTEC National Award in Electrical Installation (used as a bridging programme for mature
entrants)
Other related level 3 qualifications (City & Guilds 2330 / 07, City & Guilds 2360 level 3)
A GCE Advanced level profile which demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject
or an adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be
supported by GCSE grades at A * to C
related work experience
Knowledge/skills
: Engineering (knowledge of the electrical industry is essential)
Personal skills
: Motivation and commitment
Literacy/numeracy/IT skills : A high standard of key/common skills is required or can be
attained on the course
Physical skills/attributes
: N/A
Other prerequisites
:
Co-requisites
:
Edexcels policy regarding access to its qualifications is that:
1) the qualifications should be available to everyone who is capable of reaching the required
standards
2) the qualifications should be free from any barriers that restrict access and progression
3) there should be equal opportunities for all wishing to access the qualifications.
COSC are required to recruit learners to BTEC qualifications with integrity. This will include
ensuring that applicants have appropriate information and advice about the qualifications and
that the qualification will meet their needs. COSC will take appropriate steps to assess each
applicants potential and make a professional judgement about their ability to successfully
complete the programme of study and achieve the qualification. This assessment will need to
take account of the support available to the learner within the centre during their programme of
study and any specific support that might be necessary to allow the learner to access the
assessment for the qualification. COSC will also show regard for Edexcels policy on
learners with particular requirements.
For learners who have not recently been in education COSC will need to review the profile of
qualifications and/or experience held by applicants, considering whether this profile shows an ability
to progress to a Level 4 qualification
PROGRESSION
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20 To qualify for this award students are required to pass all compulsory modules
21 Students may choose to leave the programme with an interim award as long as they
fulfil the following necessary requirements.
22 Students from this programme may progress to further study, eg:
HND in Building Service Engineering or on to a Degree.
23 Students from this programme may pursue a variety of careers, eg :
Electrical Contracts Supervisor, Electrical Installation Project Supervisor, Electrical
Installation Estimator.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT
City of Sunderland College uses a wide range of mechanisms to assure and enhance the
quality of the programme:
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Regular evaluation of programmes by students, staff and employers
Annual monitoring of programmes and modules
Annual self-assessment of programmes
Peer observation of teaching
Internal inspection
Staff development
INDICATORS OF QUALITY:
24 OFSTED Inspection Outcomes: N/A
25 QAA Subject Review Grades: Review in 2005
26 Prizes awarded to students:
27 Professional accreditation:
LEARNING SUPPORT/RESOURCES
27 Students will be offered a range of academic and personal support as follows (please
specify):
Induction
Personal Tutors
Programme Handbook
Module Guides
Library skills induction
Library facilities
Access to electronic databases
E-mail
Learning resources (specify):
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Learning resource centre
Laboratories
28 You will not be required to participate in residential experiences.
28 You will not be required to attend educational visits.
29 You will not be required to undertake work experience and it will not
form part of your final assessment.
SPECIAL LEARNING SUPPORT
During a course of study students may be entitled to receive special learning support to enable
them to achieve their qualifications (advice is available from college staff prior to enrolment
and during the course). Any application for an HE Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) should
be made to the college’s Student Services section.
PERSONAL FINANCIAL EXPENDITURE
30 This programme/course may involve students in personal financial
expenditure only as follows:
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Tuition fee
Registration to another body or bodies, eg a professional institution
Purchase of stationery
Purchase of textbooks
Purchase of equipment
Purchase of consumables
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