HND Mechanical Engineering Foundation degree at Darlington College

You gain experience of carrying out a design project, giving you an appreciation of how design involves harmonising key parameters and blending them into the design solution, and to produce a design report. You cover each stage of the process, including: client brief, planning, design specification, design report and evaluation.

You develop the fundamental analytical knowledge and techniques needed to successfully complete the core modules of Higher National Engineering programmes. We provide you with the knowledge needed for further study of analytical methods and mathematics, required for more advanced option modules. You explore fundamental algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability, for the analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems at Higher National level.

You are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics. You explore properties of fluids and different types of flow, and the underlying principles and theory of fluid mechanics in lectures. You look at worked examples in tutorials and laboratory work to enable practical investigation.

You are introduced to the principles and laws of thermodynamics and heat transfer, and you learn how to apply them to real engineering systems. You study system definition, the fundamental laws of thermodynamics, and the use of non-flow and steady flow energy equations with ideal gas equations and steam tables. You explore the various mechanisms of heat transfer and examine the performance of heat exchangers, concluding with an investigation into heat engine cycles.

You are introduced to the techniques and best practices required to successfully manage an engineering project - from identifying a problem, through to finding a solution. You 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. You cover: roles, responsibilities and behaviours of a professional engineer, planning a project, project management stages, devising so

This module covers a range of mechanical principles which underpin the design and operation of mechanical engineering systems. It includes aspects related to loading of structures and mechanics of machines. The aim of the unit is to provide a firm foundation for work in engineering design and a basis for more advanced study.

You are introduced to the production process for key material types, the various types of machinery used to manufacture products and the different ways of organising production systems to optimise the production process, consideration of how to measure the effectiveness of a production system within the overall context of the manufacturing system, and an examination of how production engineering contributes to ensuring safe and reliable operation of manufacturing.

You consider the importance of quality assurance processes in manufacturing or service environments and study the principles and theories that underpin them. You explore the tools and techniques used to support quality control, including attributes and variables, testing processes and costing models. You also learn the importance of quantifying costs related to quality and examine international standards for quality management.

This module covers a range of advanced mechanical principles which underpin the design and operation of mechanical engineering systems. It includes aspects related to strengths of materials and mechanics of machines.

You explore the use of powerful software modelling tools that are increasingly essential in modern engineering practice. These tools help you predict potential manufacturing difficulties and understand how a product or component is likely to perform in service. You also use them to carry out rapid, low-cost design iteration and optimisation, helping you reduce costs, pre-empt failure and enhance performance. You apply relevant Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and engineering analysis tools to solve c

Learn to apply numerical methods to solve advanced mathematical problems commonly encountered in engineering and technology. You use number theory in practical engineering contexts, solve systems of linear equations using matrix methods, and apply graphical and numerical techniques to approximate solutions in real-world scenarios. You also review and analyse models of engineering systems using ordinary differential equations.

Enhance your skills in applied thermodynamics by bridging theory and practice. Key topics covered include heat pumps and refrigeration, air compressor performance, steam power plants, and gas turbines.

You are introduced to the principles and processes of lean manufacturing, so that you can become an effective and committed practitioner of lean techniques in whatever sector you are employed in. You study: scoping and defining lean manufacturing, the benefits and challenges of adopting lean manufacturing, The Toyota Production System (TPS), common tools and techniques associated with lean manufacturing and process improvement, and the most appropriate improvement tool(s) to tackle a problem.

You explore advanced manufacturing technologies and the requirements for producing goods economically. You investigate the function, purpose and economic evaluation of various manufacturing strategies, as well as automation and its cost-benefit analysis. You delve into manufacturing systems engineering focusing on the design, operation and enhancement of integrated manufacturing systems.

Whilst it is essential that a product or service designed by an engineer delivers the performance required in the specification, it is equally important that it contributes to the economic viability of the company and that all aspects of its life cycle are managed in a professional manner.

You are introduced to the principles and laws of thermodynamics and learn how to apply them to engineering systems. You study system definitions, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, heat engine cycles, methods for measuring engine performance, and the layout and operation of steam plant.