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<h1>COLU based in Teesside, is a leading designer and developer of open learning, HNC engineering courses in electrical, mechanical and chemical and distance learning courses. </h1>
<p>We have one of the largest portfolios of validated courses in the UK covering the Engineering and Process Industries.
These courses are aimed at raising the technical understanding and problem solving skills of operators and technicians. Open learning, distance learning and HNC engineering courses in electrical, mechanical and chemical are designed to support standards of competence set by the industries and integrate into the work patterns of staff.
"In the last 18 years we have provided over 4 million hours of open learning study and have seen over 30,000 qualifications
New Higher National Certificate Courses
On 1st September 2006, COLU will be offering four new distance learning HNC engineering courses in electrical, mechanical, instrumentation and chemical:
These are University of Teesside, Edexcel HNCs, and each comprising ten 15-credit modules with assessment by Tutor Marked Assignments and end of module authentication interviews.
Open learning, HNC engineering courses and distance learning courses such as those offered by COLU in Teesside, have been developed to enable you to continue your training without the constraints of fixed times and places. You are in control of your learning but to become an effective learner you will need to:
Develop a 'habit of study'
Have a place to work
Set aside times when you will not be interrupted
Produce a regular output of written work
File and store your books and notes
Getting Organised For Study
Whilst open learning enables you to study at your own pace, many people find it difficult to develop a 'habit of study' because of the self-discipline that is needed. To help you overcome this problem and achieve your long term aim of completing a given module within a realistic period of time, we include a suggested study schedule. Note that it is a suggested schedule and that you may negotiate with your tutor a different, more suitable schedule.
When you look at your schedule you will see that you have to complete two main elements:
Lessons (bound into books)
Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs)
Additionally, your module may include practical/project work and/or an examination.
Work through each lesson at your own pace. After studying each few lessons you will have to complete and send in a Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA). These will keep you in contact with your tutor who will mark your answers and return them to you, together with any appropriate constructive comments. If, at any time, you have difficulties with the work, remember that your tutor is there to help you. Don't hesitate to ask for help!
Revision and Examination Technique
Your course may include an end examination in which case you may need to do some revision. If you have worked systematically through your lessons and completed the TMAs, you will have been learning, revising and gaining experience in answering questions all the way through the module. Often, you can use the summaries, to be found at the end of each lesson, to check that you can remember all that you have covered.
Module/Unit Structure
We have stated previously that your main work involves completing lessons and Tutor Marked Assessments. The module/unit is actually made up of a series of topics composed of a number of lessons.
You will find that all the lessons have common features:
The Introduction will help you to get started. It provides you with an overview of the lesson.
Your Aims are provided so that you know what you are aiming to achieve when you have completed the lesson. They provide learning objectives to which it is worth referring whilst you are working through the lesson.
The Study Advice will help you in planning your work strategy by pointing out any special resources needed or unusual time requirements.
Self-Assessment Questions enable you to check your progress and find out if you have achieved your objectives. Solutions or answers are provided but you won't help your learning if you look at the answers before you attempt the questions.
The Summary is designed to reinforce what you've just done and generally provides a quick reference to the contents of the lesson.
The module/unit also includes Tutor Marked Assignments. These will keep you in contact with your tutor who will mark your answers and provide constructive comments. TMAs usually form part of the final assessment of a module so do make sure that you complete and return them within the time allocated.
Again, if you have any problems with your lessons or if you have any queries about your studies, please do not hesitate to contact a tutor.
If you contact your tutor by telephone, it will be of help if you have the lesson in front of you with your queries clearly formulated.
Finally, we wish you all success with your studies.
Q : What are open learning, HNC engineering courses and distance learning courses?
Distance learning means studying at a location that is convenient to you. Rather than give up your job, distance learning students can continue to live at home and earn while studying.
Students studying on this course will be using specially prepared learning materials that have been written by experienced academics. They know which sections of the work students usually find difficult, and have provided user-friendly explanations and self-assessment questions to help your study.
Full answers are provided. Most study packs include a series of Tutor Marked Assignments or TMAs that provide feedback on your progress.
Q : What type of students take open learning, HNC engineering courses and distance learning courses?
Courses are aimed at new trainees, experienced process operators and technicians working in the various process industries. Applicants must be resident in the UK unless applying through employers.
Q : Why should I study?
Increased knowledge and higher qualifications will enhance both your performance in your present job and your future employment prospects.
Q : Who provides the open learning, distance learning courses and HNC engineering courses in electrical, mechanical, instrumentation and chemical?
COLU provides the course materials, and can also provide tutorial support. Other centres also offer support for COLU courses. The accreditation of the course is provided either by City & Guilds (C & G) or the University of Teesside and Edexcel.
Q : What qualification could I achieve?
There is a progression of qualifications available through COLU open learning materials. Your entry point is determined by previous qualifications and experience.
Contact:
COLU
School of Science and Technology
University of Teesside
Middlesbrough
Tees Valley
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