This is a distance learning course in which students progress at their own pace and in a place of their choosing. Prior to commencing the course a three hour seminar with as many new enrolees as possible attending is arranged.. During this event the student meets the tutorial staff and is introduced to the programme and provided with an explained of what is expected of them during their period of study. Those that are unable to attend this event are contacted by the programme Coordinator who transmits (by phone and letter) the essential information covered at the meeting. A handbook providing guidelines on the presentation of tutor based assignments and advises on how to gain maximum use of available `on-hand? university support (through e-mail, phone and fax). Students are encouraged to maintain close contact with their in-company tutor and regularly discuss their coursework progress. Learning from direct observation within the factory and from colleagues engaged in different tasks of the production process is sought via the assignment work contained.

Relevant resources on Whitewares products or Whitewares raw materials production site are essential. Access to the internet and local library to expand the foundation knowledge-base provided by the individual sections is desirable, plus reference to additional material provided or specified by the University tutorial staff, together with the Course Handbook.

Pottery Science Materials, processes and Products, Dinsdale A, Ellis Horwood Ltd 1986 ISBN 0853129800
The Chemistry and Physics of clays Grimshaw RW, Benn 1971
Clays and Ceramic Raw Materials, Worrall WE, Elsevier 1986 ISBN 1-85166-004-6
Safe Operation of Kilns HSE 1993 ISBN 0717606309
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health in the Production of Pottery HSE 1995 ISBN 0717608492
Priorities for Health and Safety in the Ceramics Industry CEIS 1 2002
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (Fourth Edition) (COSHH) Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L5 ISBN 01717625346
Control of Lead Regulations 2002 (Third Edition) (COSHH) Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L132 ISBN 01717625656
BS EN ISO:94 Quality systems. Model for quality assurance in production, installation and servicing British Standards ISBN 0580234401

None.

The course of 10 sections supported by purpose-written learning material.
Unit 1 Introduction to Ceramics & Ceramic Technology Unit 2 Raw Materials
Unit 3 Body Preparation Unit 4 Making methods
Unit 5 Drying Unit 6 Firing
Unit 7 Glazes, Colours & Decoration Unit 8 Testing Methods
Unit 9 Health & Safety Unit 10 Quality Assurance & Statistics
Student (tutor assessed) assignments have been designed to cover the range of Whitewares ceramic manufacturing activities. This includes the physical processes of manufacturing and supporting. These sections are collectively structured in logical progression building up the student?s understanding and appreciation of the underlying technology step by step.

1) Short written answers to questions specific to Whitewares technology: Units 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 & 10, learning outcomes 1, 2,3, 5 & 6
2) Written answers and calculations to numerical and analytical questions: Units 1 & 10, learning outcomes 3, 5 & 7.
3) Written annotated technical notes and essay answers : Units 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10, learning outcomes 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7.
4) Written answers relating to questions on standards and statistical process control: Unit 10, Learning outcome 3 & 4.