Chemical Engineering by Flexible Open Learning HNC
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | 2023-07-09 |
| 2024-01-01 | 2023-11-26 |
Program Overview
Course overview
The Higher National Certificate (HNC) Chemical Engineering by Flexible Open Learning provides you with a programme of study over a range of disciplines to help you develop skills to progress your career through employment or further education at degree level. This is a Teesside University award delivered under licence from Pearson by Teesside University Open Learning (Engineering).
What does by flexible open learning mean?
Open learning
– open learning is suitable for those who are unable to attend conventional classroom-based courses. So, if you work on an oil rig in the Caribbean or in pipeline construction in a desert, you can study at your own pace at a location suitable to you.Flexible study
– you work at your own pace. But typically, a Higher National Certificate takes between two and three years. You must complete the course within five years and you must do at least two 15-credit modules a year (30 credits in total).Learning resources
– we provide the course materials through our e-learning site. You are given user-friendly guides, explanations, self-assessment questions and answers to help your study. If there is practical work involved in a module we loan you a special practical kit to do it at home.Tutor support
– you are allocated a tutor for each module. The tutor grades your tutor-marked assessments and provides feedback through the online site. Your tutor is also available to contact by phone, email or (by prior arrangement) in person to help you with any problems that you have with the work.Assessments
– you are assessed by a series of in-course tutor-marked assessments. The number of assessments varies across the modules. You complete the assessment and submit your answers through the online site.
Application dates
The HNC programme is a nationally recognised qualification awarded under licence from Pearson.
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Program Outline
Course details
You study eight modules covering the range of local and national needs in industries and business. The HNC provides a sound understanding of all key principles. Of these eight modules, there are seven core modules that you must complete - the remaining one will be chosen from a list of options.
Course structure
Core modules
Engineering Design (TUOLE)
You experience the process of carrying out a design project, enabling you to appreciate that design involves harmonising key parameters and blending them into the design solution, and to produce a design report. You look at each stage of the design process including client brief, planning, design specification, design report and evaluation.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Engineering Maths (TUOLE)
You gain the fundamental analytical knowledge and techniques needed to successfully complete the core modules of higher national engineering programmes. The module is intended as a base for the further study of analytical methods and mathematics, needed for more advanced option modules.
You use fundamental algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability, for the analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems at higher national level. This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Engineering Science (TUOLE)
You are introduced 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.
You cover international system of units, interpreting data, static and dynamic forces, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, material properties and failure, and AC/DC circuit theories. This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Fluid Mechanics (TUOLE)
You apply the principles of fluid mechanics and the techniques used to predict the behaviour of fluids in engineering applications. You look at the forces exerted by a static fluid on immersed surfaces, viscosity, the flow of fluids through pipelines and around bluff bodies and examines hydraulic machines.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Heat Transfer and Combustion (TUOLE)
You develop knowledge of the principles of heat transfer and combustion and the associated empirical relationships to enable you to solve practical problems and be able to produce a specification for practical engineering equipment.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Managing a Professional Engineering Project (TUOLE)
You look at the approach required to identify the best solution to a specified engineering need. You are introduced to some of the core tools and methodologies available to engineers to maximise their chances of bringing an engineering project to a successful conclusion; meeting the specification, on cost, on time and performed in an ecologically and ethically sound manner. You are guided through the management activities needed to deliver a major engineering project. Rather than considering the details of the design solution, the analysis you undertake relates to the management of the project rather than the detail of the engineering design solution. You consider the duties and responsibilities of a professional engineer working in our society.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Mass and Energy Balance (TUOLE)
You are introduced to the concepts of laws of conservation of mass and energy through a process, a sound strategy for setting up and solving mass and energy balance problems related to chemical processes, the use of steam tables for solving energy balance problems and the concepts of recycles and purges.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).and one optional module
Analytical Instrumentation (TUOLE)
You discuss modern techniques of detecting variables in industrial processes. These techniques ensure that the measurement, or sampled quantity, is representative of the measure. You also develop an understanding of modern measurement principles and recognition of how these concepts are applied in the design of commercial instruments for the measurement of both analytical and chemical composition variables.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Materials Engineering (TUOLE)
You gain a basic background knowledge and understanding of the properties, selection, processing, applications and utilisation of engineering materials.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Measurement of Process Variables (TUOLE)
You investigate the principles of measurement of pressure, flow, temperature and level and to describe and assess the performance of the associated measuring systems and instruments.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
Following payment for each of your modules, you will be given access to the learning and assessment material for that module via our e-learning site. The learning material is divided into individual lessons, each of which has an introduction, aims, study advice, self-assessment questions and a summary. It is important that you realise that open learning study requires a considerable degree of self-discipline. You must be prepared to devote both time and effort to studying notwithstanding other distractions which may be present. Each 15 credit module requires a notional 150 hours of student effort; this, for example, equates to about 10 hours a week for 3-4 months.
Each module is supported through e-learning@tees.ac.uk.How you are assessed
The module leaning outcomes are assessed through tutor marked assignments (TMAs). Some of the units also require practical work - we provide additional software and/or practical kit for this. After you have completed the assessment for a module, your tutor will arrange an exit interview which enables them to authenticate your work and confirm the grade. These interviews can be done in person, by phone or Skype.
TMAs are a means of continuous assessment. They contain a series of questions which can be used to satisfy the learning outcomes of the module. The TMAs for the module are available to download from the module online elearning site. All completed answers for the TMAs should be submitted through the online site, elearning@tees. Your module tutor will grade your answers and provide feedback through elearning@tees.Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability servicesFind out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costsEmployability
Career opportunities
Students who complete this HNC course can progress to a Higher National Diploma or directly into the second year of an appropriate degree at the University. Please note the degree is not offered by distance learning but most are available on day release attending the University on a weekly basis.
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed to gain employment within the process and related industries in the area of management. The qualification provides you with the opportunity to seek career development into a senior position in national and international companies.