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Mechanical engineers/technicians are a vital part of the workforce in a variety of types of technical work, such as mechanical design, manufacture, maintenance and technical services areas of the engineering industry.
This Higher National Certificate (HNC) course will help you to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life and thereby enable you to make an immediate contribution to employment at the appropriate professional level as well as preparing you for a range of technical and management careers in mechanical engineering. It is equivalent to the first year of study on an undergraduate degree at university.
You will study the following modules:
Engineering Mathematics
The mathematics that is delivered in this unit is directly applicable to the engineering industry, and it will help to increase your knowledge of the broad underlying principles within this discipline. This unit will develop your skills in the mathematical principles and theories that underpin the engineering curriculum. You will be introduced to mathematical methods and statistical techniques in order to analyse and solve problems within an engineering context. On successful completion of this unit, you 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 problems.
Engineering Principles
This unit will introduce you 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 forces, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, material properties and failure, and AC/DC circuit theories.
Mechanical Principles
This unit introduces you to the essential mechanical principles associated with engineering applications. Topics included: behavioural characteristics of static, dynamic and oscillating engineering systems including shear forces, bending moments, torsion, linear and angular acceleration, conservation of energy and vibrating systems; and the movement and transfer of energy by considering parameters of mechanical power transmission systems.
Application of Machine Tools
This unit will develop the skills and understanding needed for the safe and efficient production of components on manual machine tools. This unit introduces you to the types of manually operated machine tools commonly used in industry and typical applications of such equipment. It introduces the theory of cutting tools, the practice of tool and work setting for production on manual machine tools and the checking of critical features and dimensions against specifications. Safe use of equipment will be a continuing theme throughout the unit.
Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM)
This unit introduces you to all the stages of the CAD/CAM process and to the process of modelling components using CAD software specifically suitable for transferring to CAM software. Among the topics included in this unit are: programming methods, component set-up, tooling, solid modelling, geometry manipulation, component drawing, importing solid model, manufacturing simulation, data transfer, CNC machine types and inspections.
Fluid Mechanics
This unit will introduce you to the fluid mechanics techniques used in mechanical engineering. The hydraulic devices and systems that incorporate the transmission of hydraulic pressure and forces exerted by a static fluid on immersed surfaces. Topics included: pressure and force, submerged surfaces, fluid flow theory, aerodynamics, and hydraulic machinery. On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to work with the concept and measurement of viscosity in fluids, and the characteristics of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids; examine fluid flow phenomena, including energy conservation, estimation of head loss in pipes and viscous drag; and examine the operational characteristics of hydraulic machines, in particular the operating principles of various water turbines and pumps.
Engineering Thermodynamics
This unit introduces you to the principles and concepts of thermodynamics and its application in modern engineering. On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to investigate fundamental thermodynamic systems and their properties, apply the steady flow energy equation to plant equipment, examine the principles of heat transfer to industrial applications, and determine the performance of internal combustion engines.
Professional Engineering Project
This unit introduces you to the techniques and best practices required to successfully create and manage an engineering project designed to identify a solution to an engineering need. While carrying out this project, you will consider the role and function of engineering in our society, the professional duties and responsibilities expected of engineers together with the behaviours that accompany their actions. Among the topics covered in this unit are: roles, responsibilities and behaviours of a professional engineer, planning a project, project management stages, devising solutions, theories and calculations, management using a Gantt chart, evaluation techniques, communication skills, and the creation and presentation of a project report.
Course Fee
The fee shown below is the total course fee for the two-year qualification.
Awarding Body
This HNC is delivered in partnership with and awarded by the University of Portsmouth.
This course is endorsed by the South Coast Institute of Technology and represents a pathway to further progression towards higher level qualifications.
The South Coast Institute of Technology is a collaboration of five further education colleges and two universities. We work with well known employers to deliver industry-led courses which fill skills gaps and support the economic growth of the South Coast. You can read more about the South Coast Institute of Technology by clicking the button below. South Coast IoT
Upon successful completion of the Level 4 HNC, you can progress on to a Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering to demonstrate further knowledge and competence in the workplace. This qualification will also give you the opportunity to enrol on a suitable engineering degree at university.
College is not just about your course – it’s an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and explore your interests! You can socialise with friends in the café and comfy seating areas, join a club or sports team or attend exciting events around the college. Many of our enrichment opportunities are also great on your CV or UCAS application to demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm outside of your studies.
Your time at college can also be affected by life or health difficulties, and it’s okay to need support. Our specialist teams are here every day to listen and give advice, whether it’s about career planning, financial support, mental health, or something else. And if you have a long-term support need or medical condition, we’ll work with you on personalised learning support to help you achieve your full potential.
