BTEC National Diploma Electrical/Electronic
Engineering - Level 3
Course Introduction
This course is suitable for those who wish to be employed at technician grade in the Electronics or Computer Hardware industries. It will give you a broad-based knowledge and skills across a wide range of electronic and computer hardware topics with the necessary supporting principles and mathematics. BTEC National Awards are valued highly by employers and the Higher Education sector (University and Colleges).
Entry Requirements
You will need to hold the equivalent of a UK level 2 qualification and have an interest or experience in the Electrical/Electronic engineering. The College will assess your qualifications and tell you whether you are eligible to join the course. You will need to complete the application and write 250 words on the back page of the form explaining why you want to undertaken your chosen course.
Year 1 Course Modules
Communications for Technicians (core module)
You will use simple engineering drawings/circuit/network diagrams and sketches to communicate technical information. You will use verbal and written communication skills in engineering settings, obtain and use engineering information, use information and communication technology (ICT) to present information in engineering settings.
Mathematics for Technicians (core module)
You will use algebraic methods, use trigonometric methods and standard formula to determine areas and volumes, use statistical methods to display data, use elementary calculus techniques.
Electrical & Electronic Principles (core module)
You will use circuit theory to determine voltage, current and resistance in direct current (DC) circuits, understand the concepts of capacitance and determine capacitance values in DC circuits, understand the principles and properties of magnetism, understand single-phase alternating current (AC) theory.
Principles & Applications of Electronic Devices & Circuits
You will understand the function and operation of diodes, transistors and logic gates, build and test operational amplifier-based analogue circuits, build and test combinational and sequential logic circuits, use computer-based simulation software packages to construct and test the operation of analogue and digital circuits.
Selection & Applications of PLCs
During this module you will understand the selection, hardware and software requirements of a programmable controller, use programming techniques to produce a program for a modern programmable controller, understand complex programmable controller applications; understand data communications media and networks used with modern programmable controllers.
Microprocessor Systems & Applications
During this module you will learn how microprocessor-based systems can be applied, understand the architecture and operation of a microprocessor system, understand decimal, binary and hexadecimal number systems, instructions and subroutines, use a microprocessor development system to prepare and run a program.
Electronic Measurement and Testing
In this module you will understand the function, features and characteristics of electronic measurement and test equipment, select and use electronic measurement and test equipment to make meaningful measurements on an electronic circuit, understand the principles of calibration and configuration of electronic test equipment, select and use virtual test instruments and software to make measurements and analyse measurement data.
Electrical Technology & Electrical Applications
During this module you will learn the methods used to produce electrical energy, know the inherent electrical and magnetic properties of conductors, insulators and magnetic materials, understand the physical arrangements of supply, transmission and distribution equipment, and understand the use of electrical energy to support applications of electrical technology.
Year 2 Course Modules
Business Systems for Technicians (Core module)
During this module you will learn how an engineering company operates, understand how external factors and the economic environment affect the way in which an engineering company operates, understand the impact of relevant legislation and regulations and environmental and social constraints on a typical engineering company, and apply costing techniques to determine the cost effectiveness of an engineering activity.
Engineering Project (Double length core module)
You will specify a project, agree procedures and choose a solution, plan and monitor a project, implement the project within agreed procedures and to specification, present the project outcome.
Electronic Fault Finding
During this module you will interpret a circuit diagram for an electronic system and identify the type of circuit, the circuit components and the type of circuit signals, plan and implement a fault-finding strategy, diagnose fault conditions using test equipment and record the results.
Three Phase Systems
During this module you will use electrical relationships and determine current, voltage and power quantities for three-phase circuits, know about the operation of three-phase supply systems, calculate parameters and carry out measurements in three-phase balanced and unbalanced loads, understand the utilisation of three-phase power and the safety requirements when working on high voltage equipment.
Three Phase Motors & Drives
You will learn and understand how squirrel-cage and wound rotor three-phase induction motors operate, understand how three-phase synchronous and synchronous-induction motors operate, know about the function and operation of motor starters and control gear, know about a range of industrial applications for installing, commissioning and maintaining three-phase motors.
Principles & Applications of Analogue Electronics
You will learn to understand the principles of analogue circuits, understand the operation of analogue electronic circuit systems and their components, use computer-based techniques to design and test analogue electronic circuits for specified functions and build and test an analogue electronic circuit.
Further Electrical Principles
During this module you will apply direct current (DC) circuit analysis methods and consider the types, construction and characteristics of a DC motor and generator, understand the transient behaviour of resistor-capacitor (RC) and resistor inductor (RL) DC circuits, understand the behaviour of single-phase alternating current (AC) circuits, understand three-phase alternating current (AC) theory.
Principles & Applications of Microcontrollers
During this module you will understand the internal architectural features and common characteristics of microcontrollers, understand microcontroller communication interfaces and human interface devices, understand microcontroller hardware control methods, select, implement and test a microcontroller.
Assessment
You will be continuously assessed through coursework assignments in each subject, set by the subject lecturer and verified by a BTEC moderator, and by an Integrated Vocational Assignment set by BTEC. All individual units are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. An overall grade is awarded for the qualifications at Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Progression/Next Step
The BTEC National Diploma will support you in applying for jobs within this sector. Upon successful completion of your second year, you may then progress onto a Foundation Degree or Undergraduate degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or closely related subjects studied in the course content.
Course Fee
£4,500 per year
