PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

The National Diploma (ND) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering is a two-year programme offered in two modes morning and evening. The diploma is recognised by well-known industries world-wide and considered as the bench mark for engineering education. Emphasis is placed on an integrated, trainee–centred approach to learning. The programme provides a wide range of subjects within the discipline, all of which are considered essential for the prospective technician. It consists of twenty (22) modules of study that will prepare trainees to work effectively as technicians in electrical and electronic engineering. Module titles and contents have been chosen after consultation with industry and, therefore, give our ND graduates maximum opportunity to enhance their skills and career growth. The programme incorporates a substantial practical element, including a local industry-training (on job) requirement at the end of the programme. ND graduates will have the background knowledge of principles, concepts, operation and maintenance skills required for a technician in electrical and electronic engineering, and will be able to apply them in the field. They will be able to handle latest technologies such as Microprocessor and PLC based controls employed in modern industry. Through the integrated self-confidence gained from this programme, the trainees will also be able to stand on their own by self-employment. Graduates will be able to work effectively as part of a team of technicians in operation and maintenance departments of industries in public and private sectors.

Year One

Semester 1

1. English as a Foreign Language
2. Mathematics
3. Industry & Society
4. Electrical & Electronic Principles (A)
5. Associated Workshop
6. Electronics
7. Computer Aided Drawing

Semester 2

1. English as a Foreign Language
2. Mathematics
3. Engineering Applications of Computers
4. Science
5. Associated Workshop
6. Digital Electronics
7. Programmable Logic Controllers

Year-2

Semester 1

Module Name

1. Language and Communication
2. Project
3. Associated Workshop
4. Electrical and Electronics Principles B
5. Electrical Applications
6. Power Electronics
7. Microelectronics Systems

Semester 2

1. Language and Communication
2. Small Business Start-up
3. Project
4. Associated Workshop
5. Wiring Regulations
6. Protection/Testing –Electrical Installation
7. Digital System Fault Finding

Module Description

Electrical and Electronic Principles “A”

This core module provides immediately usable technical skills and a foundation for further development. Principles of DC and single phase AC circuit analysis are introduced. To underpin the knowledge of motors and modern drives, some field theory and properties of materials are studied. A key theme is formed by the operation, appropriate application and correct use of selected, representative electrical/electronic measuring instruments and an awareness of their inherent limitations.

Analogue Electronics

The aims of this module are to achieve a high level of competence in applying moden electronic devices, to identify and select appropriate measuring and test equipment, to test and evaluate electronic systems and devices against the manufacturers’ data and to select appropriate components and parameters to implement specifications. The trainees are encouraged to adopt a critical approach to testing and measurement techniques and the evaluation of the results obtained.

Digital Electronics

This module uses an investigative approach to enhance the testing and analytical skills of the trainee. Tests and analysis will be conducted with emphasis on the correct use of measuring instruments and techniques, to satisfy the appropriate objectives of this and other modules. The result of each test and design activity will be reported using the most effective and appropriate means. Whether formal, informal, written, or oral each report will form the basis for assessment of the objectives of this unit and for communicative skills. At least 40% of the learning support time will be devoted to practical laboratory-based activity.

Microelectronic System

The module covers the basic principles required to understand and use microprocessor? based systems. A thorough understanding of the microprocessor demands knowledge of the concepts of electronics and computer programming skills. Hardware is the physical structure of the microprocessor and the programming makes it function ? one without the other is meaningless. Therefore, in this unit, the contents are presented with an integrated approach to hardware and software in the context of a typical microprocessor.

Engineering Science

This module aims to present underpinning knowledge of the fundamental science concepts and to give a basic engineering background for potential engineering technicians. This is accomplished through presentation of basic scientific laws and principles, investigating the behavior of simple linear systems, calculating the response of engineering systems to changes in variables, and determining the response of such systems to changes in parameters.

Communication skills

The module is intended to build upon the existing receptive and productive communication skills of the trainees and to equip them to perform academic and work-related communicative tasks relevant to the field of engineering and the work environment. These studies will enable trainees to:

• communicate with and relate to others on engineering and work-related matters
• develop skills of acquiring, selecting and presenting information.
• develop sensitivity to, and awareness of, other people’s ideas and attitudes.

Information Technology

This unit provides an introduction to the use of information technology and microcomputer systems. The trainees is introduced to and uses a range of hardware and software packages including a word processor, a spreadsheet, a database, and a graphics package.

Industry and Society

This module aims to provide trainees with an awareness of the Bahraini industrial scene and the environment within which it operates. The module will investigate the need for and availability of resources together with the effects of demand, competition, technological development and the legal and social constraints on industrial organizations. Management structures, personnel and patterns of communication in both the private and public sectors will also be studied.

Health and Safety

This module is concerned with the adoption of methods of working which are safe, and which minimize risks to health. The trainee will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to enable their to identify hazards and risks. Trainees will also become familiar with current legislation dealing with appropriate working practices in the workplace.

Mathematics

This module provides an extension of the work done at First Diploma level, particularly in algebra and trigonometry. It also introduces vector analysis and calculus to provide a base in mathematical techniques for use in the study of engineering technology. Suitable examples are used to cover all applications in electrical and electronic technology. Trainees’ successfully completing this module should have acquired the ability to adopt appropriate mathematical methods and solve a variety of engineering problems which are appropriate to employment at technician level.

Electrical and Electronic Principles “B”

This module aims to extend the student’s appreciation and cognizance of fundamental electrical principles and circuit theorems which will enable the trainee to solve practical problems in three phase circuits. Also, he will learn the concept of simple transients and rotating machine and evaluate their characteristics. Introduction to control principles is given and the student will evaluate the performance of simple pen-loop closed¬ loop systems.

Electrical Applications

The aims of this module are to provide trainees with a basic knowledge and awareness of electrical supply systems, their associated components, application of conducting, insulating and tariffs, advantages of power factor correction, properties and application of conducting, insulating and magnetic materials. Trainees will learn to set up equipment, make measurements, relate measured data to supporting theoretical concepts already established and communicate results by means of reports in appropriate forms. This module will provide the students with insight into the operation of electrical machines, measurement and fault diagnosis of equipment and installations. Trainees will perform practical tests and will transform test data into meaningful graphs. Certain practical tasks will be set up which will enhance their grasp of the knowledge and principles studied in earlier units.

Power Electronics

This module covers the Power Electronics and Drives principles that trainees in many branches of electrical and electronic engineering need to understand. It builds on the knowledge of basic electronics and electrical principles. It also provides the basis for further study in more speciality areas of Power Electronics and Drives.

Programmable Logic Controller

This unit enables trainees to develop competence in operating, programming and troubleshooting programmable logic controller (PLC) based industrial control systems. The curriculum begins with basic wiring concepts and moves quickly through circuits, ladder logic and programming. Additional units focus on troubleshooting and the special features of the industrial standard PLC. The learning system includes a pocket programmer, input and output devices and a wiring kit. Each unit in the curriculum includes programming and wiring experiments, which stimulate proficiency in PLC operation and industrial applications.

Electronic System Fault Diagnosis

This module uses investigative approach to enhance testing and analytical skills as tools for performing effective faultfinding of electronic systems and equipment. These tests and analysis will be conducted with emphasis on the correct use of measuring instruments and their importance in the faultfinding process and techniques, to satisfy the appropriate outcomes of this module. The result of each faultfinding test and subsequent repair of the system will be recorded and documented through the most effective and appropriate means. Whether formal, informal, written, or oral each documentation will form the basis for assessment of the objectives of this unit and for communicative skills. At least 80% of the learning support time will be devoted to practical laboratory-based activity.

IEE Wiring Regulations

The module aims at enabling the student to specify means of protection against the types of dangers specified by the lEE wiring regulations. The student acquires the ability to verify that an installation complies with these regulations by carrying out necessary inspection and testing, and also recognize standard forms of inspection and completion certificate. Emphasis is laid on identifying possible earthing arrangement related to type of systems, and hence being able to correctly evaluate and investigate earth fault loop impedance and its effects. The trainees’ skills are thus consolidated by the ability to inspect and test a completed installation using standard equipment.

Electronic Computer Aided Design

This second year core module will develop an awareness and understanding in the student of the application and advantages of Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) packages. A commercial CAD package is used to produce and simulate circuit operation of a variety of engineering drawings and circuit diagrams in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Project

This module is concerned with the ability to utilise the knowledge and skills developed at work and/or on an engineering programme in order to complete a realistic work project. It also includes project specifications and procedures, project evaluation and presentation. The module also aims to integrate the skill and knowledge developed in the other modules of the course within a major piece of work that reflects the type of performance expected of a higher technician at work, bring small groups of students together into a multi-disciplinary team so that they can co-ordinate their individual skills and abilities, develop the ability to work individually and with others, within a defined time scale and given constraints, to produce an acceptable and viable solution to an agreed brief

Entrepreneurial Skills

This module adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Start Your Own Business Office of the International Labor Organization. In particular it aims to provide trainees with the basic knowledge of what entrepreneurship is all about, and what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. It reaches out to trainees who are about to make a personal decision on a trade or career they wish to pursue. At it’s heart it is the institute’s desire to nurture among the trainees the qualities of creativity, appreciation for hard work, self-reliance, the need to achieve, the ability to take risks, and other wellsprings from which the entrepreneurial spirit comes.

Protection and Testing of Electrical Installation

This module works directly with the electrical installation module where the trainee will appreciate different fuse types and will do cable size calculation given a specific data. In addition the trainee will study the various hazardous conditions associated with the electrical installation.