Relevant resources within a Heavy Clayware or Refractory products factory 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.

Brick and Tile Making, Bender, W. & Handle, F., Bauverlag GMBH, Wiesbaden, Berlin, 1982. ISBN 3-7625-1485-2
Brick Clay: Issues for planning, Bloodworth AJ et al ,HMSO, 2001 CR/01/117N (for DTLR)
Heavy Clay Technology (2nd Edition), Clews, F.H., Academic Press, London & New York, 1969. ISBN 9991112642
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
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 and Ceramic Science Unit 2 Geology
Unit 3 Occurrence & Properties of Clay Raw Materials Unit 4 Winning & Processing
Unit 5 Forming Methods Unit 6 Properties & Testing
Unit 7 Statistics & Quality Control Unit 8 Drying
Unit 9 Firing Unit 10 Packaging & Disribution
Student based (tutor assessed) assignments have been designed to cover the range of Heavy Clayware manufacturing activities. This includes the physical processes of manufacturing and supporting activities. 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 answers to questions specific to Heavy Claywares technology: Units 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 & 10 learning outcomes 1, 2, 5 & 6
2) Written answers and calculations to numerical and analytical questions: Units 1, 6, 7, 8 & 9 learning outcomes 3, 5 & 6.
3) Annotated technical notes and essay answers : Units 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10, learning outcomes 3, 5 & 6.
4) Answers relating to questions on Standards and statistical process control: Unit 7, Learning outcome 4.

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.