The course comprises of 6 purpose-written units of learning material.
Unit 1 Kiln History
Unit 2 Basic Science
Unit 3 Fuels and Combustion
Unit 4 Ceramics
Unit 5 Instrumentation and Control
Unit 6 Kilns
The Unit assignments represent 90% of the assessment with 10% of the marks for the final oral examination (which must be passed) and which is carried out by the company tutor at the student?s place of work. The student based (tutor assessed) assignments have been designed to cover the scope of kiln firing activities. These sections are collectively structured in logical progression building up the students understanding and appreciation of the underlying technology step by step.

1) Short answers to questions specific to : Units 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6, learning outcomes 1,2 & 3.
2) Written answers and calculations to numerical and analytical questions : Units 2 & 3, learning outcomes 1,2 & 3.
3) Annotated technical notes and essay answers : Units 3,4,5 & 6, learning outcomes 2, 5 & 6.
4) Evaluate kiln operation and firing practice in their workplace and indicate optimal potential learning outcomes 4 & 5.
5) Answer oral questions on safe operation and emergency situations relating to kiln firing (oral examination) learning outcome 4.

North American Combustion Handbook Vol. I: Combustion, Fuels, Stoichiometry, Heat Transfer, Fluid Flow Richard J. Reed, North American Manufacturing Company
Britain's Offshore Oil and Gas, HMSO
Davey DJ et al Technician Instrumentation and Control Cassell Tec series
Safe Operation of Kilns HSE 1993, ISBN 0717606309

Access to a factory, the internet and local library to expand the foundation knowledge-base provided by the individual units is desirable, plus reference to additional material provided or specified by the University tutorial staff, together with the Course Handbook.

None.

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.