Additional costs
This course involves an additional SQA fee. Please see our Courses Explained page for further information on costs.
Why take this course?
This Unit has been designed to develop candidates’ knowledge, understanding and skills in the characteristics and applications of a range of power electronic devices. Candidates will also study how these devices are electrically protected and cooled and will also consider a range of single phase a.c. to d.c. converter and d.c. to d.c. chopper circuits.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
- Analyse characteristics and applications of power electronic devices
- Outline arrangements for protection/dissipation of heat from power electronic devices
- Analyse operation and applications of single phase converters
- Analyse operation and applications of dc to dc choppers.
What you will experience
Power Electronics devices and circuits are used extensively throughout industry and commerce for control purposes in a range of different equipment (e.g. the control of speed and torque in electrical motors).
In this Unit you will be provided with the opportunities to learn about the characteristics and applications of a range of modern power electronic devices. You will also learn about how such devices are electrically protected and cooled and you will consider the practical application of some of these devices by studying a range of single phase converter and d.c. chopper circuits.
Assessment for this Unit will comprise of one written test paper and one laboratory exercise. The written test will last one and half hours and will be taken under controlled, supervised conditions. You will take this test at the end of Unit delivery. You are likely to undertake the practical laboratory during the delivery of Outcome 3.
Key Facts
Candidates should have a general knowledge and understanding of electronics and electrical machines. This may be evidence by possession of the following HN Units: DN46 33 Analogue Electronics: An Introduction and DN4J 34 Electrical Machine Principles.
Anything else?
Please note that fee waivers may apply. Find out more about funding for part-time courses.
Student Stories
Svetlana Mateeva
Engineering
NC Electrical Engineering SCQF Level 5
“College has improved my confidence –the lecturers guide you allowing you to work independently so that you feel a sense of achievement when something works! The atmosphere is very positive, no matter what country you come from and what language you speak.”
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Kevin Simpson
Engineering
HNC Engineering Design
“My experience in the power generation and LNG industries show how transferrable a qualification an HNC in Engineering can be.”
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Oskars Rancans
Engineering
HND Electrical Engineering
“I’m really enjoying my new role and I’m glad I have my qualifications behind me. They have set me up for an engineering career which will allow me to work and live in different places.”
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David Ewing
Engineering
HNC Mechanical Engineering
“I could never have imagined when I was studying back in Aberdeen that I would one day be working in the motorsport industry for Formula 1.”
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Emma Craig
Engineering
HND Electrical Engineering
“I think more women should consider studying engineering, it’s a career that can take you anywhere you want to go and is not limited to oil and gas.”
Read more about Emma's story
Scott Fraser
Engineering
Electrical Installation Apprenticeship
“During my apprenticeship I’ve been involved a lot in domestic properties – rewiring houses, kitchens, bathrooms and full rewires of new houses plus some small industrial work as well. it’s been a lot of fun and I’ve learnt a lot of new things.”
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Maureen Morgan
Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship
“I look to get my Crane Op tickets which will make me the first female Crane Operator in the North Sea.”
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Glenn Murison
Engineering
HNC Mechanical Engineering
“It’s given me a recognised qualification for progressing my career in the industry.”
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Eilidh Duncan
Engineering
Shell Engineering Scheme
“Studying at NESCol definitely helped me get my job – every day I put into practice things I learned at college.”
Read more about Eilidh's story
Alex Bowie
Engineering
HNC Electrical Engineering
“I had a great experience at the College and thought the lecturers and facilities were excellent so when I had the opportunity to return through my employer it was a no brainer.”
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Applications
Please Note: Distance learning courses have flexible start dates and applications will be considered at all points of the year.
For non-Scottish residents – the College will confirm fees payable for your chosen course on booking and these may differ from the advertised fee
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to sign an enrolment form. In signing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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