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Course Handbookwww.corrodere.com

Diploma in Coatings for Corrosion Control

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FOREWORD

Welcome to the Corrodere Diploma in Coatings for

Corrosion Control.

It is the objective of this course to increase the

knowledge of the student, over and above that provided

in courses currently available. By encouraging research

into the available literature and discussions with

colleagues and peers, individuals can develop their specific

skills in the area of Coatings and Corrosion Control.

On completion of this course you should possess more

than the basic background knowledge enabling you to

further and develop your successful career in Coatings

and Corrosion Control.

MPI take its obligations to each of their students very

seriously. You have registered for a course with particular

goals in mind and all the tutors and personnel involved

with the course want to help you to achieve those goals.

An essential element in an effective relationship between

the MPI Group and its students is a clear body of policies

that make explicit the expectations on both sides. The

purpose of this handbook is to describe those policies. It

is essential that you read this handbook at the beginning

of the course and keep it for reference to particular

issues as they may arise.

I hope that you find your association with the course an

inspiring and rewarding experience.

We wish you well in your studies.

David Deacon

Course Director

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This course has been written so you are able to study online:-• When you like• Where you like• At your own pace

1.1 Online Reference Material

All Diploma students will have access to the online Corrodere reference material for the study period of twelve months. Students will find a wealth of useful information for their assignments on the Corrodere website particularly within the specialist modules.

1.2 Tutor Marked Assignments (TMA’s)

There will be six assignments each covering a different specialist subject within the Corrosion Control field. Guidelines for the assignments are provided within the question.

1.3 Final Examination

There will be a three hour closed book examination consisting of both multi-choice and essay type questions.

1.4 Recommended Reading List

Every student will be supplied with a reference book by C. G. Munger. Corrodere also provides you with a recommended reading list/bibliography see page 10, also at www.corrodere.com. It is not necessary to purchase all of these books, but reading or referencing as many as possible will greatly enhance your knowledge base and is strongly recommended. Certain books in coatings and corrosion control are essential reading for the coatings inspector and you should try and get access to them for your own reference.

Students will also have access to archive reference material from:

• JPCL magazine (www.paintsquare.com/archive) and

• PCE magazines (www.protectivecoatingseurope.com).

• Each student will receive a free subscription to PCE magazine for 12 months.

1.5 Understanding the Coatings and Corrosion Control Industry

Corrosion is widespread and can be found in virtually every industry throughout the globe. Corrosion can have both commercial and environmental implications and there are numerous methods of corrosion control such as material selection, cathodic protection, environmental control etc. By far the most widely used method of corrosion control is with the use of protective coatings. The protective coatings industry employs tens of thousands of people worldwide in an industry which relies on innovation, performance and reliability.

Coating specialists are recognised for their experience with the various forms of surface preparation and coating types to protect in the most hostile environments.

This course has been designed to enable the participants to gain a thorough knowledge of corrosion control with the use of Protective Coatings, and will offer a sound platform from which to work. A Diploma in Coatings for Corrosion Control is internationally recognised and offers the participants a credible qualification in a diverse and exciting industry,

1.6 Reputation

The coatings and corrosion control industry is a small and closely knit community. Individuals succeed or fail depending upon their reputation. On many occasions that reputation is established by an individual’s response to a given situation. Honesty and integrity combined with knowledge and diligence are attributes that will contribute to a successful future career. This course will give you the knowledge, it is up to you to supply the other essential ingredients.

1. COURSE GUIDANCE NOTES

1. COURSE GUIDANCE NOTES

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2.1 Support Arrangements and Authors

The tutors are there to help you make the most of your studies. They will help you with the course materials, assignments and study difficulties. Their contact details are available at www.corrodere.com. You can also contact the MPI Group directly on corrodere@mpigroup.co.uk.

Due to commitments, some tutors may not respond immediately. Please consider variations in time zones when telephoning tutors. If you are unable to contact your author or tutor, please send your query by email to the Course Manager at corrodere@mpigroup.co.uk

2.2 Tutorials

A tutorial will be held the day prior to the examination. Dates and locations for these will be seen on the online calendar and emailed when available.

This will be an opportunity to meet fellow participants, authors and tutors.

2.3 Website - Personal Login Details

Once logged in, you will have access to all the training material, which is frequently updated.

Please refer to the Corrodere website as your first point of contact www.corrodere.com

Please make a note of your login details here:

Username

Password

For further advice contact the Corrodere Administration Office on tel +44 (0)1252 732220 or email corrodere@mpigroup.co.uk marked for the attention of the Course Manager.

2. STUDY SUPPORT

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The TMA section of the Diploma consists of twelve specialist subjects from which students must choose six for their TMA’s all carrying equal marks.

The tutor marked assignments constitutes 60% of the final mark towards the Diploma.

You MUST complete and submit all 6 TMA’s six weeks before you sit the examination, as you cannot submit TMA’s after the examination date.

3.1 Preparing Assignments

Your TMA’s serve two purposes. They help you to learn and they enable the Course Director to judge the standard you have achieved. The preparatory work that you do for an assignment and the process of writing it should help you to concentrate on specific aspects of the course and to strengthen what you have learnt. Use the TMA as though you are writing a report for a client, get into the habit of checking the spelling and re-reading the TMA before you send it off.

It is suggested that you have a minimum interval of 30 days between each assignment as it is in your interest to know what mark you have achieved in each TMA progressively.

Each TMA you submit must be written in your own words and be approximately 2,500-3,000 words long. Do not cut and paste or copy in any way from the module or other people’s documents, publications, reference books or other material as this will be plagiarism and will be deemed inadmissable.

It is expected that the answers submitted for the TMA’s will show a much greater depth of knowledge than that obtained from the on-line training.

3.2 Assignment Template

An assignment template has been developed for the Diploma and must be used by the student.

The assignment template is in word format.

The assignments should include a bibliography or reading list. A glossary may also be included together with appendices where appropriate. (N.B. These sections are not included in the word count)

The student should ensure that spelling mistakes do not exist within the assignment. The document grammar should also be checked.

3.3 Internet Material

The internet is a superb source of information, however the student must be aware that all material may not be reliable.

The student is to check the exact source of material and list this within the bibliography etc.

Some websites are compiled by the general public and the material may be technically incorrect.

Copying and pasting the above, or other web material is strictly forbidden except in the case of diagrams deemed essential to the assignment.

Reference books and published papers by recognized experts are a source of reliable information.

The words should be your own to demonstrate an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the subject.

The assignment should demonstrate a depth of knowledge and understanding higher than that on the on-line training.

3.4 Submitting Assignments

The TMA’s should be submitted on the word template provided to the tutors via corrodere.tma@mpigroup.co.uk (subject title- TMA submission) Please ensure you have received a delivery receipt. Leave a wide margin on the left hand side and double space the text. Put your name and assignment number at the top of every sheet. Mark the page sequence in the bottom right hand corner of each page as page X of Y. You are not required to complete the modules in strict order.

3.5 TMA Marking

The total percentage available towards the final Diploma marks from all the TMA’s is 60%. Each TMA will have a minimum of 6 marks and a maximum of 10 marks allocated to it. The student must obtain 45/60 overall for the combined 6 TMA’s. (NB: it is therefore not possible to achieve this by obtaining the minimum 6/10 for each TMA). If a minimum total mark of 45 is not achieved taking into account any re-submitted TMA’s then the student will not be eligible to sit the final examination and would not be awarded the Diploma.

3.6 Resubmitting Assignments

If the minimum mark is not achieved, the TMA will be returned to the student with tutor notes and remarks. Students are allowed to resubmit assignments once. TMA’s that achieve the minimum mark or higher will not be returned to the student.

3.7 Late Receipt of TMA Mark

If you do not receive your TMA mark back within six weeks of submission, please contact the Corrodere Course Manager at corrodere@mpigroup.co.uk

3. TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENTS (TMA’S)

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4.1 Final Examination Dates

The exam will be held twice a year in October/November and March/April. Exact dates will be advised after commencement of the course via the Corrodere website. All six TMA’s must be submitted no later than six weeks before the exam date to allow for marking and advising whether you are eligible to sit the final exam.

4.2 Examination Registration

All students must register to take the examination. A registration form is available in the student log in area. Please complete this form if you wish to take the examination.

4.3 Final Examination

This is a three-hour closed book written examination covering all aspects of Coatings and Corrosion Control and consists of multi choice and essay type questions.It will be carried out in the presence of an invigilator/proctor. The final exam constitutes 40% of the total mark towards the Diploma. The multi choice questions will each have equal marks. The essay type questions will each have equal marks but a higher individual mark than the multi-choice questions. The MINIMUM required total mark from the final exam to count towards the Diploma mark is 30/40. The questions will require a much greater depth of knowledge than that obtained from the on-line training.

• You are not allowed to bring reference books or other material into the examination;

• Paper will be provided and please bring any necessary writing equipment to complete your exam;

• You are allowed to bring a calculator into the exam;• You may not use a mobile phone whilst in the

examination or as a calculator and will be required to turn it off.

Examinations will be completed in hand written format (unless otherwise advised). It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that their hand writing is legible. Laptop computers will only be allowed for students with a registered disability. Students must apply to the Corrodere Course Manager prior to the examination if they wish to use a laptop computer. The Course Manager’s decision is final in all matters concerning the use of computers.

Every page submitted must state clearly your name, the page number, the course reference and the date of the examination.

e.g. John Smith Page 1 of 6 Diploma in Corrosion Control - 2 October 2011.

4.4 Examination Marking

The final grade of your award will depend upon your total mark (which is a combination of the marks achieved from all of the TMA’s, maximum 60% and the final examination maximum 40%) as follows: -

• Pass 75+ marks• Pass with Merit 80+ marks• Pass with Distinction 90+ marks It is a requirement that the final mark includes a

minimum mark of 45 from the TMA’s and 30 from the final examination.

4.5 Alternative Examination Venues

Wherever you are studying you must indicate your intention as to where you wish to sit the examination. If you are unable to attend the UK examination centre, you will be required to find a suitable venue and make the initial arrangements to take the examination. Any expenses incurred in this will be paid by the student.

You must give sufficient time for the Course Manager to confirm that your venue is suitable. Please provide the following information at least eight weeks before the exam dates:

a. Notify the Course Manager that you wish to take the examination outside of the UK.

b. Provide the Course Manager with the name, address and type of venue that you have considered. (Suitable locations could be: British Embassies or High Commissions, Accredited Colleges of Further Education or a legal notary or Commissioner of Oaths, The British Council).

c. The Course Manager will confirm with your nominated venue that it is suitable and will notify you accordingly.

d. You will be notified of the invigilator/proctor.

4.6 Examination Deferment Options

We offer two examination dates, students may opt for either of them. If you do not sit the examination at either of the two options, it will be deemed you have withdrawn from the course and all fees will still be payable. There is the opportunity for a six month extension for an additional charge of £275 +VAT if you sit the exam after the two nominated dates.

You will only have one extension opportunity, unless mitigating circumstances are presented and proven to the Corrodere Administration Office. If you do not sit the deferred examination you will be deemed to have withdrawn from the course. If you wish to continue the course at a later date a re-registration fee equal to 50% of the course fees will be charged.

4.7 Resitting Examination

Students are entitled to resit the final examination once within 6 months of their first attempt. To apply for this there is an additional cost of £275 +VAT.

4. DIPLOMA EXAMINATION GUIDELINES

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5. INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE PARTNERS

5.1 MPI Group

The MPI Group was originally formed in 1981 to publish the well-respected ship repair, maintenance and conversion magazine Drydock, which it does to this day, and now also publishes Protective Coatings Europe.

The Group now has four divisions, Publishing, Event Management, Print and Design and Education and Training.

Within the Education and Training Division, which was established in 2001, the company has successfully partnered various industry associations to market, administer and publish a number of Distance Learning Diplomas. The Group has developed an impressive list of contacts and a detailed knowledge of the industry.

5.2 SSPC

The Society for Protective Coatings was founded in 1950 as the Steel Structures Painting Council, a non-profit professional society concerned with the use of coatings to protect industrial steel structures. In 1997, the name of the association was changed to The Society for Protective Coatings to better reflect the changing nature of coatings technology and the ever-expanding types of construction materials.

Mission

The purpose of SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings (hereinafter referred to as SSPC) is to advance the technology and promote the use of protective coatings to preserve industrial, marine and commercial structures, components and substrates.

5.3 BCF

The BCF’s prime functions are:

• To promote and to protect the interests of its members.

• To encourage the prosperity of the industry.

• To improve the business climate in which the industry operate.

• To provide an interface between the industry and the Government, other industry and non- industry organisations, the media and the general public.

The BCF:

• Provides a forum for coatings and wall covering manufacturers to discuss issues.

• Agrees industry priorities and positions on commercial and regulatory matters.

• Encourages industry best practice through the establishment of voluntary standards.

• Monitors and anticipates legislative developments and other focuses on the coatings and wall coverings industry.

• Lobbies UK, EC and international authorities to influence legislation and other controls.

• Develops and provides guidance and information to manufacturers and to their suppliers and customers on legislation and other requirements.

• Provides industry training programmes and materials and awards qualifications.

• Promotes the benefits of the use of coatings and wall coverings.

• Ensures value for money for its entire membership.

• Activities are carried out by a team of professional, permanent staff well experienced in the industry. This is complemented by the enthusiastic and voluntary support and contribution of individuals and companies in membership, through the BCF’s extensive committee and communication networks.

5.4 ICorr

The Institute of Corrosion endorses a series of comprehensive and structured training programmes covering essential aspects of the various disciplines within the areas of protective treatment inspection.

The aim of the Institute is to ensure that the highest principles are set to meet the requirements not only of member companies but also their clients and specifiers; giving them on an international scale the assurance of quality inspection to the necessary standards.

5.5 Portsmouth University

People who successfully complete the diploma can use it as part of the evidence offered in a portfolio for claiming Accredited Prior Learning (APL) against the University of Portsmouth’s Partnership Programme work-based learning degrees.

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6.1 Changing Addresses

If you change your address please notify the Course Manger in writing. Also, please tell them of any changes in telephone numbers or e-mail addresses.

6.2 Changing Your Name

If you change any of your names, you must notify the Course Manager in writing and provide the appropriate documentary evidence:-

• Letter witnessed by your GP

• Deed poll

• Letter of declaration signed by a solicitor or a Justice of the Peace

• An affidavit sworn before a Notary

• Marriage Certificate

We have to be satisfied as to your true identity so that we can maintain the security of confidential information we hold within your records.

6.3 Personal Data

The Course Partners are committed to the principles of data protection and best practice in handling information.

All personal information is held on computer and manual files and will only be processed for the purposes you were informed about on your registration form.

6. YOUR DETAILS

7.1 How to Pay

Payment for the Diploma is accepted by any of the following three methods:-

• Credit card - MasterCard, Visa or American Express

• Cheques - in pounds sterling and drawn on a British bank

• Direct payment - into MPI Group bank account - details on the back to the registration form

7.2 Refunds and Discounts

Refunds will only be given if you have paid your fees in full. You must withdraw formally in writing with your reasons, to the Course Manager.

Discounts will only be given on block bookings after consideration by the Course Director.

7.3 Withdrawing

If you withdraw before you have accessed the online material or submitted a TMA your payment will be refunded in full (less an administration charge of £500.00). However, you must notify the Course Manager in writing.

If you withdraw after you have accessed the material or submitted a TMA you will be liable for the full fee.

7. PAYING FEES

8.1 Getting Your Result

Result letters are usually sent out within two months of the examination date. If you have not received your results by the end of the two months, please contact the Course Manager. No results will be given over the telephone (in any circumstance).

8.2 Queries

If you have evidence that an error has been made in determining your results, you can query it in writing to the Course Director. The letter must arrive within four weeks of the date of your result letter. Course result queries cannot be dealt with by telephone.

It is not possible:-

• To have your TMA or Final Exam paper marked again

• To have your TMA or Final Exam paper given back to you

• To have previously undisclosed special circumstances taken into consideration

• To obtain detailed information about your performance in the examination

8. COURSE RESULTS

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9.1 Plagiarism

If you submit an assignment that contains work that is not your own, without indicating this to the tutor (acknowledging your sources), you are committing ‘plagiarism’.

This might occur in an assignment when:-

• Copying word-for-word directly from a text (including the Modules)

• Paraphrasing the words from a text very closely

• Using text downloaded from the Internet

• Copying statistics or assembled facts from another person or source without permission

• Copying or downloading figures, photographs or diagrams without referencing your sources

• Copying from the notes or essays of another student

Plagiarism may occur inadvertently due to inexperience so please make yourself aware of how to reference sourced material.

Where plagiarised material is included in an assignment, tutors may notice a change in style and may even be aware of the source. The temptation to plagiarise may arise from a lack of self-confidence or from a lack of understanding of the assignment. If you are not sure of any aspects of the assignment, do not hesitate to contact the tutor.

Submitting work that has been completed by someone else and persistent borrowing of other people’s work without reference are obvious examples of plagiarism and are deemed as cheating.

9.2 Using Computers

Visual display unit (VDU), visual display terminal (VDT), monitor and display screen equipment (DSE) all mean the same thing - a display screen, usually forming part of a computer and showing text, numbers and graphics.

Getting comfortable

Adjust your chair and VDU to find the most comfortable position for your work. Your forearms should be approximately horizontal and your eyes the same height as the top of the VDU.

Make sure you have enough desk space for documents and other equipment.

Try different arrangements of keyboard, screen, mouse and documents to find the best arrangement for you. A document holder may help you avoid awkward neck and eye movements.

Arrange your desk and VDU to avoid glare, or bright reflections on screen. This will be easiest if either you or the screen is directly facing windows or bright lights.

Adjust curtains and blinds to prevent unwanted light.

Make sure there is space under your desk to move your legs freely. Move any obstacles such as boxes or equipment.

Avoid excess pressure from the edge of your seat on the backs of your legs and knees. A footrest may be helpful, particularly for smaller users.

Using the Keyboard

Adjust your keyboard to get a good keying position. A space in front of the keyboard is sometimes helpful for resting the hands and wrists when not keying.

Try to keep your wrists straight when keying. Keep a soft touch on the keys and don’t overstretch your fingers.

Good keyboard technique is important.

Using the Mouse

Position the mouse within easy reach, so it can be used with the wrist straight. Sit upright and close to the desk, so you don’t have to work with your mouse arm stretched. Move the keyboard out of the way if it is not being used.

Support your forearm on the desk, and don’t grip the mouse too tightly.

Rest your fingers lightly on the buttons and do not press them hard.

Reading the Screen

Adjust the brightness and contrast controls on the screen to suit the lighting conditions in the room.

Make sure the screen surface is clean.

In setting up software, choose options giving text that is large enough to read easily on your screen, when you are sitting in a normal, comfortable working position. Select colours that are easy on the eye (avoid red text on a blue background, or vice-versa).

Individual characters on the screen should be sharply focused and should not flicker or move. If they do, the VDU may need servicing or adjustment.

Posture and breaks

Do not sit in the same position for long periods. Make sure you change your posture as often as practicable.

Some movement is desirable, but avoid repeated stretching to reach things you need.

Take a break from the screen, e.g. make the tea or coffee. Frequent short breaks are better than fewer long ones.

This information is adapted from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) leaflet ‘Working with VDUs’. Please refer to this leaflet if more information is required.

9. FORMAL STATEMENTS

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RECOMMENDED READING LIST

CONTACT LIST

• Shreir’s Corrosion 2010 – ISBN: 9780444527875 Reference work on corrosion science and engineering in 4 volumes

• Corrosion Protection by Protective Coatings by Charles G. Munger – ISBN: 978015567041

• The Inspection of Coatings and Linings Edited by B.R. Appleman, R.W.Drisco, and J.M. Neeugebauer – ISBN: 1889060119

• Fundamentals of Cleaning and Coating Concrete by Randy Nixon – ISBN: 9781889060613

• Fitz’s Atlas 2 of coating defects by Brendan Fitzsimons – ISBN: 0 9513940 2 9

• Protective Coatings – Fundamentals of Chemistry and Composition by Clive H. Hare – ISBN: 0938477900

• Paint Film Degradation – Mechanisms and Control by Clive H. Hare – ISBN: 1889060666

• Failure Analysis of Paint Coatings by Dwight G. Weldon – ISBN: 9780470697535

• Cathodic Protection by Lucciano Lazzari and Pietro Pedeferri – ISBN 8873980201

• Generic Coating Types, Lloyd M.Smith.– ISBN 0-938477-98-6

MPI Group, Peel House, Upper South View, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7JNTel + 44(0) 1252 732220Fax + 44(0) 1252 732221corredere@mpigroup.co.ukwww.mpigroup.co.uk

Course Manager: Michelle West michelle.west@mpigroup.co.ukTel + 44(0) 1252 732227

Account Manager: Stephanie Froststephanie.frost@mpigroup.co.ukTel + 44(0) 1252 732220

Course Authors:Brendan Fitzsimons and Trevor Parrybrendan.fitzsimons@mpigroup.co.uk trevor.parry@mpigroup.co.uk