Full time Electrical/Electronic Engineering National Diploma

Electrical/Electronic Engineering National Diploma
This course provides a specialist qualification in electronic engineering that equips students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for a career as a technician in the industry. Progression from this qualification may be into employment combined with professional body exams, or it may be to a degree or other higher education programme in electronics or a related area. Students will have access to a wide selection of specialist units, which serve to broaden and deepen students experience in preparation for the world of work. They will acquire skills and knowledge which are transferable and which will enable them to meet changing circumstances, whether these arise from a shift in their own status or employment, or general changes in industry practice, provision or environment. As with all BTEC qualifications, the focus of the course is on the practical application of knowledge and the development of the work-related skills required for employment within the industry. A BTEC National Diploma qualification is directly equivalent to three A-levels and offers a good opportunity for progression to Higher Education (HE) and employment.

Course Content:
The course is made up of 18 units, comprising six core units and 12 specialist units which enable students to study particular areas in greater depth. Year 1: In the first year students cover the following core units:

• Business systems for technicians
This unit provides an introduction to the business and commercial aspects of electronic engineering. It aims to provide students with a firm foundation for employment, together with an understanding of the financial, legal, social and environmental constraints within which an engineering company operates.
• Science for technicians
This unit offers a foundation in scientific principles, enabling students to solve simple engineering problems. Students will develop an understanding of statics, dynamics, electrical principles, the operating principles of basic electrical machines, energy and closed-loop engineering systems.
• Mathematics for technicians
This unit provides a foundation in mathematical principles, enabling students to solve mathematical, scientific and associated engineering problems. Students will cover algebraic laws, trigonometric ratios and techniques, graphical methods, statistical methods and the elementary rules of calculus arithmetic.
• Electrical and electronic principles
This unit aims to develop students understanding of the underlying principles governing the operation of electronic devices and circuits through practical investigation. Students will use dc circuit analysis methods, investigate the principles and properties of electric fields, explore the principles governing magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction theory, and investigate the relationship between the main parameters used to describe and measure single phase ac waveforms. These will be supplemented by the following specialist units:
• Electronics
• Digital electronics
• Microelectronics
• Electronic circuit manufacture
• Introduction to software development

Year 2: In the second year students cover the following core units:

• Communications for technicians
This unit aims to develop students communication skills by diverse means, including drawing, sketching, writing and speaking. It also introduces students to a variety of techniques used for obtaining, evaluating, processing and presenting information, including the use of ICT.
• Project
This unit aims to bring together students skills and knowledge by selecting, planning and implementing a project with agreed specifications and procedures that reflect the performance expected of an electronic technician. This will develop students ability to produce a viable solution to an agreed specification within defined constraints. These will be supplemented by the following specialist units:
• Analogue electronics
• Further electronics
• Electronic fault finding
• Electronic computer aided design
& analysis
• PC specifications
& maintenance
• Further mathematics for technicians

Vocational Relevance:
Students successfully completing the course will be able to register with the Engineering Council as an Engineering Technician.

Attendance Requirements:
Full-time. Details regarding expected course timetable and attendance will be given at interview, if available.

Entry Requirements:
Applicants should have one of the following:

• At least five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Maths
• BTEC First Diploma at merit or distinction

Entry Process:
All applicants will be invited to an interview with the tutor, allowing you to find out more and check that the course is the best option for you. Interviews normally take place between January and September of the year in which the course starts.

Assessment:
Assessment is by means of portfolio evidence, assignments, assessments and a project.

Progression Routes:
To employment as a technician or to Higher Education HNC/D, Foundation Degree or BSc.

Career Options:
A wide range of options in many diverse fields.

Fees

Year : Description : Under 19 : Over 19 & on benefits : Over 19 : Overseas
09/10 : Tuition : £0.00 : £0.00 : £700.00 : £5,800.00
09/10 : Material : £25.00 : £25.00 : £25.00 : £25.00
09/10 : Exams : £0.00 : £0.00 : £0.00 : £0.00
09/10 : Trips : £0.00 : £0.00 : £0.00 : £0.00
09/10 : Kit : £0.00 : £0.00 : £0.00 : £0.00
Fees subject to change please enquire on application. For courses lasting more than one year, please note that the fees given above are for the first year only. Similar fees will be due for each subsequent year of the course and will be subject to an inflationary increase on the first year fees.

Sessions

Year : Full or Part-time : Level : Start date : End date : Day : Start time : End time
09/10 : FT : Further Education : 21/9/2009 : 9/7/2010 : : N/A : N/A