Learning Outcomes for the Level 6 Diploma in Automotive Engineering 360 Credits – Three Year:

Year 1: Foundation and Core Engineering Principles

Introduction to Automotive Engineering

• Identify the key principles of automotive engineering and its significance in modern vehicle design and development.
• Understand the major components and systems of a vehicle, and their functions.
• Develop the ability to assess the role of automotive engineers in improving vehicle performance and innovation.

Mathematics for Automotive Engineering

• Apply mathematical techniques to solve automotive engineering problems related to vehicle design and performance.
• Utilize algebra, calculus, and geometry to model and analyze automotive systems.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using mathematical tools to optimize automotive components and systems.

Physics for Automotive Engineering

• Apply physical principles such as motion, force, and energy to solve automotive engineering problems.
• Analyze the impact of physical laws on the design, performance, and safety of vehicles.
• Understand the relationship between physical properties and the efficiency of automotive systems.

Mechanical Engineering Principles

• Develop a solid understanding of mechanical principles including statics, dynamics, and thermodynamics as applied to automotive engineering.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to the design and evaluation of automotive systems and components.
• Understand the interaction between mechanical engineering concepts and automotive technologies.

Automotive Systems and Technology

• Identify the main systems in vehicles, such as powertrains, braking systems, and suspension.
• Understand the technological advancements in automotive systems that improve vehicle performance.
• Develop the ability to analyze the interaction of various automotive technologies in modern vehicles.

Electrical and Electronic Systems in Vehicles

• Understand the role of electrical and electronic systems in vehicle operation and performance.
• Apply principles of circuit design, sensors, and control systems to vehicle electronics.
• Develop problem-solving skills to troubleshoot electrical issues in automotive systems.

Engineering Materials for Automotive Design

• Identify the types of materials used in automotive design, including metals, plastics, and composites.
• Analyze the mechanical properties of materials used in automotive applications.
• Understand the relationship between material selection and vehicle performance, safety, and durability.

Vehicle Chassis and Suspension Systems

• Analyze the function of vehicle chassis and suspension systems in providing stability and comfort.
• Understand the design principles of chassis and suspension systems to enhance vehicle handling.
• Develop the ability to select appropriate chassis and suspension components for specific vehicle types.

Introduction to Vehicle Diagnostics

• Understand the basic principles and tools of vehicle diagnostics.
• Identify common vehicle faults using diagnostic systems and troubleshooting techniques.
• Apply diagnostic methods to evaluate the performance of vehicle components and systems.

Manufacturing Processes for Automotive Engineering

• Identify various manufacturing processes used in automotive production, such as casting, machining, and welding.
• Understand the relationship between manufacturing processes and the quality of automotive products.
• Develop the ability to optimize manufacturing techniques to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Automotive Environmental Issues

• Understand the environmental challenges facing the automotive industry, including air quality and waste management.
• Explore solutions to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles, such as fuel efficiency and emissions reductions.
• Assess the role of automotive engineers in designing sustainable vehicles and manufacturing processes.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Management

• Understand the importance of health, safety, and environmental standards in automotive engineering.
• Apply relevant health and safety regulations in automotive design, manufacturing, and testing.
• Develop strategies to manage environmental impact and improve sustainability in automotive engineering projects.

Year 2: Advanced Automotive Technologies and Systems

Advanced Engine Technologies

• Analyze the components and operation of advanced engine systems, including turbocharging, hybridization, and fuel injection.
• Evaluate the performance and efficiency of different engine technologies.
• Apply advanced techniques to improve engine efficiency, emissions, and overall performance.

Vehicle Dynamics and Handling

• Understand the fundamental principles of vehicle dynamics, including tire-road interaction, stability, and control.
• Apply knowledge of suspension, steering, and braking systems to optimize vehicle handling and performance.
• Develop solutions to improve vehicle handling, particularly under dynamic driving conditions.

Advanced Automotive Electronics

• Understand advanced automotive electronic systems, including in-vehicle networks, sensors, and ECU programming.
• Apply electronics to improve vehicle safety, performance, and comfort.
• Develop diagnostic and troubleshooting skills for complex automotive electronic systems.

Transmission and Powertrain Systems

• Analyze the function and performance of transmission and powertrain systems in vehicles.
• Understand the design and operation of manual, automatic, and continuously variable transmissions (CVT).
• Apply knowledge to optimize powertrain efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve driving dynamics.

Vehicle HVAC Systems

• Understand the principles and design of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in vehicles.
• Analyze the impact of HVAC systems on vehicle comfort, fuel efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
• Develop solutions for improving HVAC system performance and energy efficiency in modern vehicles.

Vehicle Safety Systems

• Understand the design and operation of advanced vehicle safety systems such as airbags, collision avoidance, and lane assist.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of safety systems in preventing accidents and reducing injury.
• Develop strategies to improve vehicle safety through advanced system integration.

Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technologies

• Understand the core principles and technologies behind hybrid and electric vehicles.
• Analyze the advantages and challenges of hybrid and electric powertrains compared to traditional combustion engines.
• Develop skills to design and integrate hybrid and electric powertrains into modern vehicles.

Automotive Aerodynamics

• Apply aerodynamic principles to vehicle design to reduce drag, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance stability.
• Understand the effects of vehicle shape and surface finish on aerodynamic performance.
• Develop strategies to optimize vehicle aerodynamics for both performance and environmental impact.

Automotive Materials Engineering

• Identify and analyze advanced materials, including lightweight composites and high-strength alloys, used in automotive applications.
• Apply material science principles to improve vehicle safety, performance, and sustainability.
• Develop solutions for selecting and manufacturing materials that meet specific vehicle performance requirements.

Vehicle Assembly and Production Techniques

• Understand the processes involved in the assembly and production of vehicles, including robotic automation and quality control.
• Analyze production workflows and systems to optimize vehicle manufacturing.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve production efficiency.

Automotive Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

• Develop advanced diagnostic skills for troubleshooting complex automotive systems, including electrical, mechanical, and electronic faults.
• Use modern diagnostic tools, including OBD-II systems and software, to identify and resolve issues.
• Develop a methodical approach to system diagnostics and fault resolution.

Vehicle Testing and Performance Evaluation

• Understand the principles and methods of vehicle testing, including road testing, performance evaluation, and regulatory compliance.
• Apply testing techniques to assess vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and emissions.
• Analyze test data to recommend improvements in vehicle design and performance.

Year 3: Industry Applications, Management, and Innovation

Advanced Vehicle Design and Prototyping

• Apply advanced design principles to create innovative vehicle prototypes using CAD and other design software.
• Understand the prototyping process, from concept to production-ready models.
• Develop skills to test and refine prototypes for performance, safety, and manufacturability.

Automotive Control Systems

• Understand the design and application of control systems in modern vehicles, including adaptive cruise control and stability control systems.
• Apply control theory to optimize vehicle performance, comfort, and safety.
• Analyze and improve control algorithms for vehicle systems using real-time feedback.

Automotive Quality Control and Assurance

• Apply quality control methodologies to ensure automotive components meet industry standards and specifications.
• Use statistical tools and techniques to monitor and control product quality throughout the production process.
• Develop strategies for continuous improvement in automotive manufacturing and assembly processes.

Sustainability in Automotive Engineering

• Understand the environmental impact of the automotive industry, focusing on sustainability issues such as energy consumption and material usage.
• Develop solutions to improve the sustainability of automotive designs through energy-efficient technologies and eco-friendly materials.
• Analyze the role of automotive engineers in promoting sustainability through lifecycle assessments and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Automotive Project Management

• Understand the principles of project management, including scope, time, cost, and quality management in automotive projects.
• Apply project management tools and techniques to plan, execute, and close automotive engineering projects.
• Develop the ability to manage resources, stakeholders, and risks in large-scale automotive engineering projects.

Automotive Research and Development

• Conduct research to solve emerging problems in automotive engineering, focusing on new technologies and methods.
• Analyze and evaluate new automotive concepts and prototypes to assess feasibility and performance.
• Apply R&D principles to develop innovative automotive solutions and improve existing systems.

Vehicle Electromagnetic Compatibility

• Understand the principles of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and its relevance to vehicle design and performance.
• Analyze the impact of electromagnetic interference on vehicle systems, particularly electronics and communication.
• Develop strategies to mitigate EMC issues in vehicle design and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Automotive Business and Marketing

• Understand the principles of business and marketing in the automotive industry, including market research, product positioning, and branding.
• Analyze consumer behavior and identify trends to guide automotive product development.
• Develop marketing strategies for automotive products, focusing on competitive advantages and customer needs.

Autonomous Vehicles and Future Technologies

• Understand the core technologies behind autonomous vehicles, including sensors, machine learning, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication.
• Analyze the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on the automotive industry and society.
• Explore the future of automotive technologies, including connected vehicles, AI, and next-generation propulsion systems.

Vehicle Fleet Management and Operations

• Understand the principles of managing and maintaining a fleet of vehicles, focusing on cost optimization, performance, and safety.
• Develop strategies for tracking and optimizing fleet performance through data analysis and monitoring tools.
• Apply fleet management principles to maximize the efficiency and lifespan of vehicles in various industries.

Automotive Regulatory Compliance and Standards

• Understand the regulatory framework governing the automotive industry, including safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Apply industry standards to ensure vehicle designs meet legal and regulatory requirements.
• Develop strategies to navigate regulatory changes and ensure ongoing compliance in automotive engineering projects.

Capstone Project in Automotive Engineering

• Apply all the knowledge and skills acquired during the course to solve a real-world automotive engineering challenge.
• Conduct research, design, prototype, and test a solution to an automotive engineering problem.
• Present the results of the capstone project, demonstrating technical expertise, problem-solving ability, and innovation.