HNC Building Services

HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Engineering

PROGRAMME

1 Programme/Course Title: HNC Building Services Engineering
2 Department: Construction &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 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.

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 for Construction and the Built Environment
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1 Understand the planning and design phases of the construction process.
2 Understand the factors that affect the specification of materials and building services.
3 Understand how environmental factors affect the planning and design phases of the construction process.
4 Understand the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in construction projects.
5 Understand how technology affects the design and production phases of construction projects.
Unit 3: Applied Mathematics for Construction and the Built Environment)
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1 Be able to apply analytical methods to construction problems.
2 Be able to apply analytical methods to surveying and setting out procedures.
3 Be able to apply statistics to construction problems.
4 Be able to apply analytical methods to engineering problems.
Unit 5: Group Project in the Construction Industry
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1 Be able to devise a project scope and scheme of work.
2 Be able to implement the scheme of work.
3 Be able to evaluate the group project.
4 Be able to present the group project.
Note: These outcomes will be achieved whilst working as a member of a team
Unit 6: Health, Safety and Welfare for Construction and the Built Environment
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1 Understand the health, safety and welfare legislation applicable to the construction and built environment sector.
2 Understand the main requirements of an effective health and safety policy.
3 Understand hazard and risk identification in design and construction.
4 Understand the need to review, revise and monitor risk assessments.
5 Be able to undertake risk assessments.
Unit 43: Electricity and Lighting for Building Services Engineering
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1 Be able to design simple lighting installations.
2 Be able to specify the cables and methods used in the distribution of electricity.
3 Be able to apply legislation and standards to the design of electrical installations.
4 Be able to apply legislation and standards to the design of fire protection systems.
5 Be able to specify motors and control installations for use in mechanical services plant.
.
Unit 47: Energy Utilisation and Efficiency for Building Services Engineering
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1 Understand the environmental impact of energy utilisation in buildings.
2 Understand the sustainability of alternative energy sources and water supplies for buildings.
3 Be able to appraise the energy efficiency of building services installations.
4 Be able to undertake energy audits for buildings and building services installations.
5 Understand heat recovery and energy minimisation methods.
Unit 51: Lighting Applications for Industrial and Commercial Buildings
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1 Understand the lighting requirements of industrial and commercial buildings.
2 Understand the characteristics of lighting equipment and the visual effects of lighting.
3 Be able to design interior and exterior lighting schemes for industrial and commercial buildings.
4 Be able to produce a design for an emergency lighting system.
Unit 58: Application of Scientific Principles to Building Services Engineering
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1 Be able to determine heat energy transfer rates.
2 Be able to determine energy losses in fluid flow.
3 Understand the principles of single-phase AC electrical networks.
4 Be able to determine the effects of sound and vibration.
5 Understand elements of control systems and their performance.
12 The Teaching and Learning Strategies are:
Edexcel does not define the mode of study for BTEC Higher National qualifications. Educational establishments are free to offer the qualifications using any mode of delivery that meets the needs of their learners.
At Sunderland College 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 have 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 Edexcel policies on distance assessment and electronic assessment are provided on the Edexcel website. (
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 learner’s previous experience.
13 The Assessment Strategies are:
Learners must pass all 8 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 judgment 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 or from your tutor

PROGRAMME STRUCTURES

17 Explanation of routes, compulsory and optional modules:
The BTEC Higher National Certificate in Building Services Engineering (Electrical) is a 8-unit qualification of which four 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 – 4 core and 4 optional. Each unit represents 60 hours of part time study.
On this course at Sunderland College the units in bold are the units to be studied.
Core units
1: Design Principles and Application for Construction and the Built Environmen,t Level 4, 15 credits.
5: Group Project in the Construction Industry Level 5, 20 credits.
6: Health, Safety and Welfare for Construction and the Built Environment, Level 4, 15 credits
58: Application of Scientific Principles to Building Services Engineering, Level 4, 15 credits
Electrical Route (4 other subjects from the following list)
3: Applied Mathematics for Construction and the Built Environment
43: Electricity and Lighting for Building Services Engineering
47: Energy Utilisation and Efficiency for Building Services Engineering
51: Lighting Applications for Industrial and Commercial Buildings
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.

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 related vocational area.
2) A BTEC National Award in Electrical Installation (used as a bridging programme for mature entrants)
3) Other related level 3 qualifications (City & Guilds 2330 / 07, City & Guilds 2360 or 2365 or 2357 level 3)
4) 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
5) 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 :
Edexcel 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.
Sunderland College 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. Sunderland College 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. Sunderland College will also show regard for Edexcel policy on learners with particular requirements.
For learners who have not recently been in education Sunderland College 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

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 necessary requirements.

22 Students from this programme may progress to further study, eg:

HND in Building Service Engineering, HNC Construction Management 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

Sunderland College uses a wide range of mechanisms to assure and enhance the quality of the programme:

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 2016
26 Prizes awarded to students: Annual Prize awards27 Professional accreditation: CIBSE, etc

LEARNING SUPPORT/RESOURCES

27 Students will be offered a range of academic and personal support as follows (please specify):
InductionAccess to electronic databases
Personal TutorsE-mail
Programme Handbook
Learning resources (specify):

Module Guides
Library skills induction
Harvard referencing handbook
Research skills handbook
Library facilities
Learning resource centre
Moodle VLE
IET online resources
AMTECH design suit

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:

Tuition fee
Registration to another body or bodies, eg a professional institution
Purchase of stationery
Purchase of textbooks
Purchase of equipment

Purchase of consumables