Foundation Studies

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TM1 is a computer-based instructional module that has been designed to teach the fundamentals of the following topics
(with an automotive bias):

• Safety
• Measurement
• Materials
• Fixing and Securing Devices
• Science
• Interpreting Information
• Wheels, Tires and Wheel Bearings
• Body

Each topic is divided into a series of on-screen, theory-based interactive assignments that incorporate continuous
assessment through questions. When used in conjunction with a ClassAct networked management system, this provides instant feedback of student performance.

Curriculum material topics include:

Safety

• Legislation
• HSE booklet - Dangers in Motor Vehicle Repair
• Responsibilities
• Specific hazards and hazardous substances
• Safe working area
• Personal safety and first aid
• Fire extinguisher
• Hazardous equipment

Measurement

• Units of measurement
• Measurement using rule, tape, calliper, feeler gauge, volume measures, micrometer, dial gauge, protractor, pressure gauge
• Size and fits

Materials

• Ferrous and non-ferrous metals
• Non-metallic materials including glass, thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, rubber and upholstery

Fixing and Securing Devices

• Screw threads
• Thread cutting and restoration
• Thread locking devices
• Adhesives

Science

• Conversion of energy sources
• Heat and temperature
• Heat transfer
• Force and pressure
• Levers
• Resultant of a force
• Gear ratio
• Thermal expansion and contraction
• Temperature, pressure and volume of a gas
• Types of stress: shear, compressive, tensile and torsional
• Center of gravity and centrifugal force
• Torque and power

Interpreting Information

• Workshop manuals and wiring diagrams
• Parts diagrams and lists
• Vehicle identification
• Service updates
• Sequential testing
• Investigative road tests

Wheels, Tires and Wheel Bearings

• Wheel construction, design and fixings
• Tire construction and identification
• Tubeless tires
• Influence of tires on vehicle handling characteristics
• Legal requirements for wheels and tires
• Reasons for, and arrangement of wheel bearings
• Loads imposed on drive shafts, wheels, tires and wheel bearings
• Tire defects related to steering, suspension and usage

Body

• Function
• Chassis
• Load bearing members
• Monocoque
• Composite
• Vehicle body types
• Door fittings
• Seals
• Windows
• Safety glass
• Trim
• Seats
• VIN plate information
• Legal requirements for safety testing
• Legal requirements for seat belts
• Legal requirements for window glass, visibility and mirrors 
• Legal requirements for seat fixtures
• Legal requirements for steering fixtures
• Legal requirements for body and chassis condition
• Legal requirements for passive and active safety
• Airbags and intelligent airbags
• Total protection

Competence-based reporting

Each on-screen assignment is designed around a list of performance objectives. These include academic, technical, and occupational objectives.

The assignments are written in such a way as to enable a student to attain the performance objectives, with the assessment questions linked to these in order to provide a measure of true competency.

The performance objectives are used by the ClassAct management system to generate a comprehensive portfolio of student competency reports.