HNC Building Services Engineering

Programme Specification HNC Building Services Engineering Date of Publication to Students [2010-11] NOTE: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detail on the specific learning outcomes, indicative content and the teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found (1) at www.sbc.ac.uk, (2) in the Module Specifications and (3) in the Student Handbook.

The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the University and may be checked within independent review processes undertaken by the Quality Assurance Agency.

Awarding Institution / Body:

Birmingham City University

Teaching Institution:

South Birmingham College

Interim Awards and Final Award:

HNC

Programme Title:

HNC Building Services Engineering

Main fields of Study:

Building Services Engineering

Modes of Study:

Part time

Language of Study:

English

UCAS Code:

JACS Code:

Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

BTEC/Edexcel HNC/D Building Services Guidance and Unit specifications Engineering Council Requirements of Standards and Routes to Registration (SARTOR) CICSC Construction industry council standards committee Membership requirements of CIBSE (chartered institute of Building Services

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Engineers) and IEE (institute of Electrical Engineers) Programme philosophy and aims Explain the overall approach adopted by the programme and how it leads to the aims shown below

The BTEC Higher National Certificate in Building Services Engineering is designed to provide a specialist vocational programme, linked to professional body requirements and National Occupational Standards; there is a strong emphasis on work relatedness.

The programme meets the needs of individual learners in terms of progression, whether that is into employment or to continue onto a degree or professional qualification. In addition a part time HNC can aid students already in employment to achieve promotion to supervisory or management roles and/or equip them with skills and knowledge to be able to adapt to the changing business environment.

The aims of the HNC in Building Services Engineering programme are to: i.

prepare students for a range of technical, professional and management careers in building services engineering by providing units which are directly relevant to individual occupations and professions in which students are currently working

ii.

provide an environment where students will be able to enhance their knowledge in building services engineering

iii.

enable students to make an immediate contribution in employment in the building services engineering sector by providing them with the knowledge and skills required

iv.

provide further study, career development and progression from a Technical Certificate at level 3 within or following an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA)

v.

provide students with the knowledge, skills and qualifications necessary for progression to other courses or professional qualifications.

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Intended learning outcomes and the means by which they are achieved and demonstrated:

Learning Outcomes1

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas.

A. Knowledge and understanding At the end of the programme the student can demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of A1. Basic mathematics and physics that are relevant to Building Services and construction A2. Fundamental concepts, principles and theories of Building Services mechanical and electrical systems A3. Basic construction costing systems, financial planning, budgeting and control relating to a Building construction programme A4. Project planning and scheduling methods A5. Legal and commercial background relevant to Building Services Engineers A6. Essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relevant to the pathway chosen by the student within HV&AC or Electrical Installation B. Thinking Skills At the end of the programme the student can B1. Analyse and model Building Services situations, and solve problems using algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics.

B2. Describe and analyse Building Services systems in terms of basic mechanical, electrical, fluid, energy, heat flow and levels of human comfort.

B3. Solve problems in a structured and logical manner B4. Gather data from a variety of sources, evaluate and synthesise to produce a group report B5. Research into construction aspects of Building Services design B6. Specify and design an integrated Building Services system to suit a model building C. Practical Skills At the end of the programme the student can C1. Use safely a range of technological equipment and systems.

C2. Use computer technology in the design process, in information seeking, processing and presentation, and in process simulation.

C3. Carry out safely, observe, record accurately and report on practical workshop activities and investigations.

C4. Prepare Building Services drawings to recognised standards for the purpose 1

Guidance on the specification of learning outcomes is available from the Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching.

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of obtaining quantities C5. Prepare Building Services specifications for the installation and costing of systems D. Transferable Skills At the end of the programme the student can D1. Formulate and evaluate a range of solutions to Building Services design problems D2. Prepare technical reports and design documents using appropriate tools D3. Work effectively in a team D4. Communicate effectively in writing and verbally and through drawings and sketches D5. Agree specifications, procedures and timescales for given project work D6. Implement project work within agreed specifications, procedures and timescales D7. Apply a range of skills and techniques to develop a variety of ideas in the creation of new or modified products, services or situations.

D8. Be competent in presenting a range of information using verbal and written presentation techniques

Learning teaching, and assessment methods used Learning and teaching methods used

Lectures Tutorial support groups Practical classroom based activities Group and individual presentations Group projects Independent learning/self directed study Work shop investigations Online learning materials Assessment methods

Written examinations Coursework assignments Group-based project work Practical investigations A design report including drawings and analysis Group and individual presentations

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Programme structure and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards The structure of the course, the modules, levels and credit values, and the awards which can be gained are given below.

General Information The programme runs part time over two years. Each year is 34 weeks in duration.

You must complete all 6 common core modules and 4 option modules from a pathway route.

All modules must be passed to be awarded the HNC Building Services Engineering.

Programme structure:

BTEC HNC Building Services Engineering (common core units) Unit Code Units

Unit Level Credit Value

H1 Design Principles and Application Unit 1 Unit 2 Services Science H1 Unit 3 Analytical Methods H1 Unit 4 Management Principles and Application H2 Unit 5 Group Project H2 Unit 6 Health Safety and Welfare H2 BTEC HNC Building Services Engineering HVAC (option units) Unit 11 Thermofluids and Acoustic Criteria H2 Unit 12 Air conditioning A H1 Unit 13 Heating A H1 Unit 17 Piped Distribution Services H1 BTEC HNC Building Services Engineering Electrical Installation (option units) Unit 23 Electrical Theory H2 Unit 24 Electrical and Electronic Control Principles H1 Unit 25 Electrical Installations A H1 Unit 26 Lighting Applications H1 Unit 27 Power Supplies to Buildings H2

15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 7.5 7.5 15 15

Support for Learning including Personal Development Planning (PDP)

Students are encouraged to identify and, with guidance, to reflect on their own learning needs and are offered support as appropriate to those needs.

Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a process undertaken by students at Birmingham City University to reflect upon their own learning, performance and achievement and to plan for their personal, educational and career development. It will enable you to

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articulate the skills you are developing in order to open up opportunities for the future.

Where specific learning needs are identified (e.g. Where a disability is declared,) the course team will liaise with the University Student Support Department to ensure that the requirements of the statement are met.

Students are encouraged to identify and, with guidance, to reflect on their own learning needs and are offered the following support as appropriate to meet those needs: Course induction programme Induction to learning resources Group project briefing sessions for students embarking upon project work, followed by regular meetings with supervisors at which progress is monitored.

Individual tutorials Learning agreements Online resources (Moodle) Study skills support Student Handbook with information relating to the course, modules, assessment, the College and the University Access to the Liaison Librarians (Learning and Teaching; Enquiries; Collection Management) Access to college resources such as IT facilities and the Library Assistance and support from the University’s Academic Skills Unit.

Access to the University’s Student Services, including those offered by the careers service, financial; advisers, medical centre, disability service, creche, counselling service and chaplaincy

Criteria for admission Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the programme, which are as follows:

South Birmingham College is committed to widening participation. It has an open access admissions policy which is designed to take full account of students' qualifications, skills and knowledge in order to place them on courses at the right level. Each application is considered individually by the course director who works closely with members of the course team and staff from student services. Offers of a place on a course are made on the basis of a range of factors including likely or actual qualifications, work experience, references from school, college or employers and, most importantly, the motivation of a student to follow a course of study in the area. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the college and to meet staff who teach on the course. College open days are organised for this purpose. Interviews can also be arranged where an applicant needs further advice and guidance before making a final decision. Interviews are also scheduled with the course leader and student services staff when additional information is needed from the applicant.

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Course Entry Requirements This course is designed to meet the needs of student who are mainly employed within the building services industry. The normal entry requirements are that the student should have appropriate attainment from a previous course of study, and /or relevant employment experience, which may be ascertained by one or more of the following:To have a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Building Services Engineering To have passed a BTEC Bridging course in Building Services An Advanced Level GNVQ in Construction (Building Services) To have studied 2 or more ‘A’ Levels in maths and a science subject with passes at grade ‘E’ or above.

Students without formal level 3 qualifications but can demonstrate sufficient experience to be able to achieve the qualification and benefit from the programme Methods for evaluation and enhancement of quality and standards including listening and responding to views of students

Quality and standards are enhanced through: Committees: Board of Studies Examination/ Award Board Birmingham City University Faculty academic planning and development sub-committee Faculty Board Mechanisms for review and evaluation: Review and validation event Annual monitoring report Student feedback questionnaires Annual teaching appraisal External examiner’s report Course team meetings Quality monitoring liaison tutors External Examiners who monitor the programme are recruited from similar programmes of high standing at other Higher Education Institutions. They are very experienced in running Popular Music programmes to degree level. Their work includes: Approving coursework assignments and assessment criteria Approving examination papers Monitoring standards through moderation of completed assessments Attending Examination Boards Participating in the review and validation processes.

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Programme Outcomes mapped against module Unit no 1 2 3 4 5 6 11 12 13 17 23 24 26 27 25

Unit title Design Principles Services Science Analytical Methods Management Principles Group Project Health, Safety & Welfare Thermofluids & Acoustics Air Conditioning A Heating A Piped Distribution Electrical Theory Electrical & Control (0.5) Lighting Applications Power Supplies to Buildings Electrical Install A (0.5)

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