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CourseINTRODUCTION
University College of Matara (UCM) offers Higher National Diploma in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology at National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Levels 6 in a duration of 3 years. The program of study consists of Foundation course (6 months), NVQ Levels 5 (1 year), NVQ Level 6 (1 year) and on the job training (OJT) which covers six months at the end of the NVQ Level 5 and three months at the end of the NVQ Level 6. On the job training (OJT) provides students to get thorough industrial exposure and essential hand on experiences in technical and managerial areas which are influential to engage with the rapidly growing industry of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology (RAT) curriculum and modules are designed to impart core technical knowledge, skills and competencies and to enhance communication, managerial, and entrepreneurial skills among the students. Competency Based Training (CBT) and student centred learning are some of the key concepts adopted in the delivery of the study programme taking into consideration the industry inputs and recent trends in technological developments. Opportunities are available to engage in extracurricular activities through sports, cultural, literary, inventions, and other societies. This is considered as an essential component of diploma holder’s soft skills development in order to make them well-rounded personalities which are influential to move with modern competitive environment.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology (RAT) laboratory has successfully installed quality management system (QMS) under ISO 9001.2015 and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology academic programme has accredited by Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC), Sri Lanka in year 2018. Also, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology division surrounded and enriched with highly competent and dedicated human resources and vast spectrum of physical resources including high end, leading edge laboratory equipment and many other essential facilities for teaching, learning and career development process. Therefore, this is an ideal place to get invaluable exposure to develop your competencies which are influential to engage with modern technical world to serve the nation as young and dynamic youth.
Higher National Diploma (NVQ Level 6) in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology
DM 01 – Occupational Health and Safety
DM 02 – Basic Engineering Drawings
DM 03 – Basic Workshop Practices
DM 05 – Basic Plumbing (UPVC) & GI Practices
DM 08 – Basic Refrigeration & Air conditioning Practices
DM 10 – Basic Electronic Practices
D29S002 – Welding in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
Mathematics for Technology (Optional)
Physics for Technology (Optional)
Module | Learning Outcomes |
| G52C001M01 – Cooling Loads in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning | • Conduct building survey in view of identifying elements of heat gains and losses • Identify sources of external heat gains and internal heat sources of a space with mode of heat flow • Describe different modes of heat transfer with mathematical expressions • Calculate the heat gains to a space • Determine peak load conditions • Perform a cooling load analysis for a simple application • Define parameters related to moist air • Read values of moist air properties from the psychometric chart • Represent air conditioning processes on a psychometric chart • Determine sensible and latent heat changes in air conditioning processes • Determine reheat requirements • Determine conditions of return and fresh air mixture • Determine supply air state for a given air conditioning application • Determine cooling coil performance specifications |
| G52C001M02 – Refrigeration Systems and Equipment Installation | • Identify and select proper tools, instruments and equipment for a particular installation • Identify skills needed for particular installation tasks • Interpret installation drawings • Identify proper locations for different component installations • Carry out connecting of different refrigerant pipes • Make electrical connections as specified by the manufacturer of different items • Carry out pre- commissioning testing |
| G52C001M03 – Operation of Refrigeration Plants | • Identify different types of industrial refrigerators, specifications and their uses • Carry out pre-tests as recommended by the manufacturers before operation of plants • Carry out regular checks as recommended by the manufacturer • Check electrical wiring as required • Attend to regular minor maintenance work • Carryout start up and shut down operations as recommended by the manufacturer |
| G52C001M04 – Risk and Hazard Identification and Assessment in Occupational Health and Safety | • Investigate incidents for prevention • Access existing sources of information and data to identify hazards • Conduct hazard identification • Assess risk • Participate in implementation process • Describe relevant SLSI standards • Describe ozone depleting potential (ODP)and global warming potential (GWP) • Perform refrigerant Identification, Recovery and recycling |
| G52C001M05 – Engineering Drawing | • Prepare sketches of layout plan indicating locations of different components to be included in the final drawings • Select suitable drawing scales and a paper sizes • Use appropriate notations and symbols in drawings • Use appropriate symbols and notations in refrigeration system circuits that includes refrigerant, electricity and water • Use CAD software for producing simple technical drawings • Do basic geometrical constructions • Prepare drawings using projections • Prepare electrical circuit drawings • Prepare simple drawings related to civil construction work |
| EMPM01 – Manage Workplace Information | • Explain the importance of ICT tools in promoting the productivity of the organization • Describes the purpose of establishing ICT tools and strategies in enhancing the performance at workplace • Apply Information skills to enhance the productivity of the organization |
Module | Learning Outcomes |
| G52C001M06 – Air Conditioning Plants: Installation | • Sketch the arrangement of the main components of an air conditioning system • Identify different components of an air conditioning system with their specifications • Sketch the arrangement of the main components of the hydraulic and the cooling system • Describe the features of air cooled and water cooled systems • Describe the feature of different types of unitary AC equipment • Interpret installation drawings of air conditioning plants • Identify appropriate installation tools and use them correctly • Identify skills needed for particular installation tasks • Carry out pre- commissioning tests |
| G52C001M07 – Air Handling Systems: Installation | • Distinguish the type of air handling equipment, cooling coils and their features • Distinguish the type of air distribution devices and their features • Identify proper installation tools for the installation of air handling units, pipes etc • Identify skills needed for particular installation tasks |
| G52C001M08 – Operation of Air Conditioning Systems | • Operate and provide instructions to operators of AC plants on safe operations • Provide instructions to operators of AC plants on critical aspects that need regular attention • Read and comprehend the operational manuals provided by manufactures of plants • Check and measure operating values for safe and correct operation as specified by the supplier of the plant • Make adjustments and replace parts as specified by the supplier as per maintenance schedules • Follow recommended procedures for startup and shut down of the plant • Prepare schedules for regular maintenance work |
| G52C001M09 – Ventilation Systems | • To verify the ventilation needs of a building • Identify different components of a ventilation systems • Describe different types of ventilation methods • Follow proper installation methods • Test and commission a simple ventilation system |
| EMPM02 – Manage Workplace Communication | • Identify the essential components of an efficient communication system • Identify and overcome barriers to effective communication • Use all channels of communication equally well • Use common computer applications to collect, analyze and maintain essential data and information required to perform and enhance day to day activities of the organisation • Contributes to the overall growth and productivity development of the organization |
| EMPM03 – Planning and Scheduling Work at Workplace | • Prepare a work schedule for a given work situation • Determine work priorities as per predetermined criteria such as goals, targets and organizational requirements • Develop a plan (process) to complete work to be done in a given situation • Assess competencies of individual workers before assigning work |
On the Job Training (OJT) will provide opportunities for the students to gain practical experience, to appreciate and understand the theoretical principles learned in the class room, by applying the knowledge and transferring skill to different situations in the industry, work place or the work site. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology students complete their OJT in privet or public sector companies who are engaged with design, installation, maintenance projects of refrigeration and air conditioning.
OJT phase is a compulsory component in the delivery of the Diploma course that follows immediately after the completion of the institutional training phase. This function is carried out by the Special Industrial Training Section of the National Apprentices and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA). The students become eligible for OJT on completion of NVQ Level 5. Students are expected to, participate in ‘Placement Seminar’ that will be conducted with the purpose of creating smooth transition to workplace. The seminar and the counselling will be organized by NAITA. Issuing training diary, documents for apprentice contract, instructions to students including instruction on writing a report will be done by NAITA.
The students have to undergo structured OJT for a minimum of six (06) months in industry. After the end of OJT, an evaluation consists of Viva voce examination based on the content of Daily Diary and Training Report will be conducted by Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology Division in collaboration with NAITA.
All trainees are expected to sign the contract of Apprenticeship, with the Management of the Industry/enterprise or work place. During this period the trainee will be called an “Apprentice” irrespective of the academic background or level of course followed. Monitoring is carried out for the purpose of eliminating possible shortcomings and advice apprentices to get a successful industrial experience. Apart from the industry personnel and NAITA staff, a designated coordinator appointed for the purpose at the University College of Matara (UCM) will monitor the training activities.
Apprentices undergoing OJT should obey the rules and regulations and adhere to work norms of the respective workplaces. They also should maintain the Daily Diary by recording specific skills and competencies gained in reference to activities they have carried out daily in the work place.
In writing the daily diary, students are instructed to enter the activities briefly in blocks indicated in front of each day from Monday to Friday, in a way that could be technologically understood and interpreted later. At the week end, apprentice has to write an analytical summary of new knowledge and skill acquired, thus reinforcing the learning during a given week. It is important that the apprentice produces this daily diary to the respective training in charge/supervisor, on the first day of the following week to evaluate, note the observations and give guidance over the apprentice’s work during the preceding week.
Module | Learning Outcomes |
| G52C001M10 – Refrigeration Systems and Equipment: Troubleshooting | • Identify and explain the operation of different types of compressors, condensers, evaporators and flow control devices. • Identify conditions of malfunctioning of refrigeration systems and components and take appropriate corrective measures. • Identify faults related to electrical controls in refrigeration and air conditioning systems • Determine the corrective measures for faults in electrical controls in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. |
| G52C001M11 – Plant Maintenance | • Collect information related to regular maintenance of refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation plants • Decide on resources and logistics needed for regular maintenance work • Explain the procedures of carrying out regular service and maintenance to refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation plants and components • Resources may include – spare parts, tool and equipment human resource, relevant manuals and software |
| G52C001M12 – Calculus Application in Technology Situations | • Apply differentiation techniques to technology applications • Apply integration techniques to technology applications |
| G52C001M13 – Work-Team Budgets and Financial Plans | • Plan financial management approaches • Implement financial management approaches • Monitor and control finances • Review and evaluate financial management processes |
| EMPM04 – Problem Solving and Decision Making | • Analyse a situation and accurately identify a problem • Assess the impact of a problem • Apply systematic procedure and process of solving a problem • Follow a standard approach to foresee likely problems • Follow an acceptable decision making process |
| EMPM05 – Teamwork and Leadership | • Define objectives and functions of teams to develop team plans towards achieving corporate goals of the organisation • Identify the important aspects of motivating individuals/teams and enhancing co-operation and commitment • Demonstrate an understanding of analyzing ideas and information through discussion and making informed decisions. • Manage and develop team performance by applying appropriate techniques and methods • Apply understanding of roles of team leadership and membership to build trust and confidence • Encourage members in the team to take initiative and make innovations |
Module | Learning Outcomes |
| G52C001M14 – Testing and Commissioning of Refrigeration Plants | • Identify and select proper tools instruments and equipment for testing and commissioning • Identify skills needed for particular testing tasks • Interpret installation drawings • Inspect installations to ensure the compliance with installation drawings and manufacturers’ recommendations • Make electrical connections as specified by the manufactures of different items • Check devices/procedures for the safety of operators and equipment • Carry out pre commissioning tests according to laid down procedures for relevant systems and as per common engineering practice |
| G52C001M15 – Testing and Commissioning of Air Conditioning Plants | • Describe different types of air conditioning systems and components • Describe the feature of different types of unitary AC equipment • Identify and select proper tools instruments and equipment for testing and commissioning • Identify skills needed for particular testing tasks • Interpret installation drawings • Inspect installations to ensure the compliance with installation drawings and manufacturers’ recommendations • Choose appropriate temperature, pressure, and velocity measuring instruments for balancing AC systems • List the data to be collected for balancing a AC system • List the procedure for balancing air and water flow systems • Supervise testing and commissioning of a simple air conditioning plant. |
| G52C001M16 – Insulations | • Identify different types of insulation materials. • Distinguish properties of different types and forms of insulation materials • Decide on a suitable type and form of insulation materials for a given application • Carry out and provide instructions for the installation of insulations according to common engineering practice and as recommended by the manufacturers • Determine possible locations of moisture condensation and take corrective measures |
| G52C001M17 – Environmental Management | • Develop workplace environmental management policy • Communicate workplace environmental management policy • Implement workplace environmental management policy • Review workplace environmental management policy implementation |
| G52C001M18 – Marketing and Sales Plan for a Product | • Plan marketing activities • Implement and manage marketing activities • Develop a sales plan for a product • Plan promotional materials • Coordinate promotional activities • Review and report on promotional activities |
| EMPM06 – Creating & Maintaining a Learning Culture at Workplace | • Inform management about training requirements of workers • Arrange /Conduct training programmes • Demonstrate the use of new equipment and methods |
On the Job Training (OJT) will provide opportunities for the students to gain practical experience, to appreciate and understand the theoretical principles learned in the class room, by applying the knowledge and transferring skill to different situations in the industry, work place or the work site. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology students complete their OJT in privet or public sector companies who are engaged with design, installation, maintenance projects of refrigeration and air conditioning. Some companies recruit students to fill up their vacancies in this period and the students have the chance to settle in above companies as permanent members.
This OJT phase is a compulsory component in the delivery of the Diploma course that follows immediately after the completion of the institutional training phase. This function is carried out by the Special Industrial Training Section of the National Apprentices and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA). The students become eligible for this OJT on completion of NVQ Level 6.
The students have to undergo structured OJT for a minimum of three (03) months in industry. After the end of OJT, an evaluation consists of Viva voce examination based on the content of Daily Diary and Training Report will be conducted by Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology Division in collaboration with NAITA.
All trainees are expected to sign the contract of Apprenticeship, with the Management of the Industry/enterprise or work place. Monitoring is carried out for the purpose of eliminating possible shortcomings and advice apprentices to get a successful industrial experience. Apart from the industry personnel and NAITA staff, a designated coordinator appointed for the purpose at the University College of Matara (UCM) will monitor the training activities.
Apprentices undergoing OJT should obey the rules and regulations and adhere to work norms of the respective workplaces. They also should maintain the Daily Diary by recording specific skills and competencies gained in reference to activities they have carried out daily in the work place.
In writing the daily diary, students are instructed to enter the activities briefly in blocks indicated in front of each day from Monday to Friday, in a way that could be technologically understood and interpreted later. At the week end, apprentice has to write an analytical summary of new knowledge and skill acquired, thus reinforcing the learning during a given week. It is important that the apprentice produces this daily diary to the respective training in charge/supervisor, on the first day of the following week to evaluate, note the observations and give guidance over the apprentice’s work during the preceding week.
Job Opportunity
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology Higher National Diploma opens avenues for employment at supervisory and middle level managerial positions in the industry and other government institutes.
After successful completion of the programme, diploma holders can enter to the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning industry as Assistant Engineers, Managers, Supervisors in installation and maintenance projects of refrigeration and air conditioning plants. Local and international high demanded job opportunities are available in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry for NVQ Level 6 qualified diploma holders. Also, diploma holders have the opportunity to join as Instructors in government (or private) higher educational institutes, Teachers in schools (for the vacancies called for NVQ Level 5 or 6 qualifications), Maintenance Officers or Technical Officers in government (or private) institutes etc.
With the experience and performance, they have the opportunity to promote to the top level of the management hierarchy.
Entry Qualifications
G.C.E. (A/L)
Minimum of three passes (3-S) for main subjects in Mathematics stream or Engineering Technology stream.
OR
NVQ Level 4 Qualification in:
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Automobile Air Conditioning Mechanics
- Electrician
Age Limit: Below 29 Years
