The
School of Applied Sciences
Foundation Degree in Lift Engineering
Development of the programme of study leading to the Foundation Degree in Lift Engineering was made possible through the funding provided by the European Social Fund (ESF) whose support is gratefully acknowledged.
Educational Aims
The educational aims of the Foundation Degree programme are :
- To provide the opportunity for students to acquire and enhance self-learning
and research skills appropriate both to undergraduate study and to subsequent
continuing professional development.
- To provide the opportunity for students to make a critical appraisal of the engineering and commercial basis of the industry.
- To provide an understanding of the engineering principles on which lift design and manufacture are based.
These aims are based on the premise that:
- Skills and knowledge must be evaluated and updated continually throughout
a professional career;
- The success of the engineering industry, in every field, depends on fundamental principles which ensure that products and services provide an acceptable level of safety, reliability and regard for the environment.
Contact with LEIA, experience within the Lift Industry and contact with Directors and Senior Managers in the UK and overseas indicates a need for :
-
High quality engineering education oriented towards lift engineering at undergraduate level
-
Continuing professional development for current practitioners in the industry
-
A need from employers for engineers to obtain theoretical underpinning of engineering practice
-
Development and formation of technicians and technician engineers to full professional capability
The course will provide the necessary academic underpinning, and, consequent on the distance learning format, will obviate much of the necessity actually to release engineers from their day to day duties to attend for full time or part time instruction. Only at certain, pre-determined times are there weekend (Friday/Saturday) workshops for UK based students. For the benefit of overseas students, a summer school provides appropriate workshops and seminars. Within the Division of Engineering the existing BSc Engineering together with the LEIA Distance Learning provision in Lift Technology and the well established MSc programme, has given many years of experience operating with industry based engineering students and with the Lift Industry, placing the School in a strong position to provide an appropriate programme at undergraduate level.
The Course
The taught, modular, distance learning course leads to the award of Foundation Degree in Lift Engineering, validated and awarded by University of Northampton. The course aims to provide a detailed, academic study of engineering and related management issues orientated towards the Lift Industry, together with a higher-level qualification for persons employed in the lift making and allied industries. Detail of entry requirements is given below.
Course Structure
The course is composed of discrete 'modules' of study, carrying a credit of either 10 or 20 CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer) points at level 1 or level 2. A full module achieves 20 points, whilst a half module achieves 10.
To qualify for the award of Foundation Degree, it will be necessary for students to achieve 120 CATS points at level 1 and 120 at level 2.
The subjects required for the completion of the Foundation Degree are shown below.
|
Points
|
|||
| Level 1 |
Value
|
||
|
TDL1005
|
ICT Applications |
20
|
|
|
TDL1006
|
Mathematics for Technology Part 1 |
20
|
|
|
TDL1007
|
Introduction to Engineering Design |
20
|
|
|
TDL1008
|
Electrical Technology |
20
|
|
|
TDL1009
|
Engineering Mechanics |
20
|
|
|
TDL1010
|
Contract Management |
10
|
|
|
TDL1011
|
Project - Business and Organisations |
10
|
|
| Level 2 | |||
|
TDL2006
|
Case Study |
20
|
|
|
TDL2007
|
Lift Applications and Codes |
20
|
|
|
TDL2008
|
Electronic Systems and Controls for Lifts |
20
|
|
|
TDL2009
|
Applied Mechanics |
20
|
|
|
TDL2010
|
System Dynamics and Control |
20
|
|
|
TDL2011
|
Mathematics for Technology Part 2 |
20
|
It is expected that students will normally require at least four years to complete the Foundation Degree, although students will be able to negotiate their own pace of study, either shorter or longer. (Note that University regulations currently impose a maximum of six years for completion of the Foundation Degree.)
A typical study pattern is shown below:
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
||
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
|
Introduction to Engineering Design
TDL1007 |
Engineering Mechanics
TDL 1009 |
Lift Applications and Codes
TDL2007 |
Electronic Systems & Controls for Lifts
TDL2008 |
|
ICT Applications
TDL1005 |
Electrical Technology
TDL1008 |
Applied Mechanics
TDL2009 |
System Dynamics & Control
TDL2010 |
|
Maths for Technology Pt 1
TDL1006 |
Maths for Technology Pt 2
TDL2011 |
Case Study
TDL2006 |
|
|
Project - Business and Organisations
TDL1011 |
Blank
|
Blank
|
|
|
Contract management
TDL1010 |
Blank
|
Blank
|
Blank
|
Typical study plan to complete the Award in four years
Assessment
Assessment will be by coursework and examination. Depending on the particular learning outcomes of a module, the assessment methods that will be employed include multiple choice tests, written assignments, examinations and reports.
Normally, examinations will take place at the University. However, alternative arrangements will be explored for students, such as overseas students, who have difficulty attending on the appropriate dates.
Resources
The relevant published texts used in the course are available in the University. With the Distance Learning nature of the provision, essential texts will be provided to each student alongside the specialised learning materials. However, there are arrangements for students to obtain other, reference texts held in the University library. A particular need will be for copies of relevant codes and standards. British Standards are likely to be available in local libraries or in-company.
Indicative module content
| Level 1 | ||
|
TDL1005
|
Basics Directory/folder and file management, file names, use of windows explorer, on-line help, saving, printing, definitions (drag, double click etc.) Reading and sending e-mail, attachments, address book, saving messages to folders, role of e-mail in business today. Web based activities Use of web boards for communication, use the web to find relevant resources, search engines, how is the web used in industry, elementary use of html code. Legal issues such as copyrighting. Word processing Formatting characters, paragraphs, page, selecting text, cut/copy/paste, undo, indentation, bullets and numbering, page numbers, tables, spell check, page breaks, graphics, toolbars, views, equation editor. Spreadsheets Naming cells, entering data into cells, formulas, formatting cells, changing column width, copy cell contents, creating charts, page set-up, sheets, copying and pasting a chart into another application. Presentations Creating a new presentation, page set-up, entering text, graphics, new slides, templates, slide layout, views, order of slides, deleting slides, notes, master slides, transitions and animations, drawing tools. |
|
|
TDL1006
|
Algebra: |
|
|
TDL1007
|
Fundamentals of the design process; Design for manufacture and the make/buy decision; The product design specification; The function and importance of the design review; The relationship between quality assurance systems and the design process; Cost of design; Design planning; Elementary project planning and management; Safety and reliability in design; Testing and verification; Applications of computer aided design, drafting and manufacture; Principles of manufacturing engineering. | |
|
TDL1008
|
Simple d.c. and a.c. circuits; Resonant circuits; Energy, power and power factor; Electromagnetic systems; Interfaces and electromechanical switching of lift machinery; D.C. and A.C. lift motors; Control systems; Inverters and converters; Programmable devices | |
|
TDL1009
|
Statics |
|
|
TDL1010
|
Define a contract - offer, acceptance , consideration; Contractual alternatives : traditional, management contracting, design and build; construction management; Forms of contract; Forms of subcontract : nominated subcontractor, named subcontractor, domestic subcontractor, works package subcontract, trade contractor Specialist subcontractor as main contractor Bills of quantities Contract particulars and appendices Forms of tender Employer subcontractor forms of agreement, simple contract or deed, commencement and completion, effect of delays Disruption and prolongation Liquidated and ascertained damages |
|
|
TDL1011
|
Purposes/types of reports - common themes; Research, gather, organise and evaluate information; Key words and common weaknesses; Taxonomy of Cognitive Domain/useful phrases; Harvard referencing, quotes within quotes, bibliographies etc.; Appendices, tables/graphs, commentaries; Facts/Opinions/Arguments - making points, constructing arguments; Analysis of text - critical analysis/literature reviews; Introductions/Conclusions/Abstracts/Recommendations; Analysis of own writing style/developing concise/precise writing; How a business is organised; Departmental functions within a business; Fulfilling customer requirements; Supplier as consultant | |
| Level 2 | ||
|
TDL2006
|
Specification; Design; Implementation; Testing; Project management; Commercial, legal and ethical considerations. | |
|
TDL2007
|
System Specification: Configuration, traffic study,
choice of system System Calculation: Roping, compensation, traction and specific pressure, mathematical models Safety: Buffering, safety gear, emergency terminal slowdown, system dynamics Machine: Suspended load, power, efficiency, equations of motion Layout & Structure: Guides, imposed loads, space requirements Building Services: Electrical requirements, ventilation, heating and lighting, fire precautions Safety codes: The standing of the EN81 series of European standards relative to the Lifts Regulations 1997 and the Essential Safety requirements. European Directives: The relationship between a Directive and its associated Harmonised Standard General Safety: Health and Safety at Work, CDM regulations etc. |
|
|
TDL2008
|
Simple d. c. and a.c. thyristor circuits IGBT Circuits and switching Protection of power electronic devices Controlled rectification, conversion and inversion d.c. speed control systems a.c. Speed control systems Closed loop and open loop control Transducers and encoders Supervisory systems Application of programmable logic controllers Remote diagnostics |
|
|
TDL2009
|
Mechanics of materials Mechanical properties of materials; Axial load; Torsion; Bending of beams and shafts: moments, forces, stresses and deflections; Foundations of stress and strain transformations; Buckling of columns Thermo-fluid mechanics Fluid properties and conservation laws.; Thermodynamic properties and laws; Fluids at rest: pressures, forces, stability; Description of fluid motion and classification of flows.; Internal flows: laminar, turbulent and compressible flows in a pipe; Fundamentals of convection conduction and radiation |
|
|
TDL2010
|
Modelling of dynamic systems as it applies to lift systems and components; Mechanical and electromechanical systems; Linkage mechanisms (e.g. door drive systems); Fluid and thermal systems in hydraulic lift engineering; Response analysis and computer simulation techniques; Response measurement techniques, motion transducers and actuators; Dynamic signal processing techniques; Examples of control systems; Automatic control: open- and closed-loop systems; The Laplace transform; Transfer function, frequency response and the phase plane; The principles of passive and active vibration suppression; Introduction to non-linear system dynamics and control | |
|
TDL2011
|
Algebra |
Entry Requirements
Owing to the wide range of academic qualifications available world wide, entry requirements are described here in terms of UK academic awards. Applicants from outside UK should submit evidence of their own qualifications. The Academic Registry at the University will then establish the equivalence of those qualifications in the UK context.
Those whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in written and spoken English. This will normally be a TOEFL score of 600 or above, or an IELTS score of 6 or above.
The course is aimed primarily at people who are currently employed within an appropriate industry and are therefore most likely to be mature (over 21) and have a number of years experience. The entry level is the equivalent of one A-Level. Within the framework of University processes for APL/APEL candidates who demonstrate, through their experience, the potential to benefit from the course (and hold a pass at GCSE Grade C Maths or its equivalent) will be accepted
In case of doubt, a candidate may be accepted for one or more modules as an associate student. Such modules must be passed prior to registering for the award.
Applicants who have achieved the award of BTEC Professional Development Certificate in Engineering (Lift & Escalator Technology) will automatically satisfy the entry requirements, subject to the requirements above regarding English Language.
Two of the units of study for the BTEC Professional Development Certificate (PDC) are included in the Foundation Degree. Applicants who have completed these units either as part of the PDC or as independent Units of Study will be credited with the appropriate modules in the Foundation Degree.
Notwithstanding the intended catchment among mature entrants, normal "school-leavers" are not debarred from entry. The entry criterion is one A-Level in an appropriate subject e.g. ICT, Physics, Mathematics etc. together with a GCSE pass at grade C or above in Mathematics and English. It will also need to be demonstrated that the necessary opportunities for work based learning can be provided, either through appropriate industrial placement or through employment. Applications from students with disabilities are welcome, within the constraints of an employer's ability to accommodate the work-based learning element of the programme
Any candidate may be required to undergo an interview to establish their potential to benefit from the course. This interview may, where appropriate, be conducted remotely by video conferencing or by telephone at the discretion of the admissions tutor.
Internet access is essential for students following this course. Significant elements of tutorial support will require the use of e-mail and the Internet based tutorial communication network operated by the Lift Technology section of the University. Access to additional IT facilities, together with specialist software, will be provided in the case of students attending the University for supplementary weekend and summer schools. Admission to the programme is conditional upon access to the Internet and e-mail.
Application form
There is an application form (Word 541KB) attached to this web page. The form may be printed out and filled in but must be submitted in hard copy to the Admission Office.
Further Information
For further information, advice, and course fees please contact:
Admissions Office
University of Northampton
Avenue Campus
St. George's Avenue
Northampton NN2 6JD.
Telephone: 01604 735500 (International : 00 44 1604 735500)
Fax : 01604 717813 (International : 00 44 1604 717813)
e-mail : admissions@northampton.ac.uk
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