(24-08-2010, 04:44 AM)losler Wrote: I started getting confused with whether I answer with a signalling hat on or whether that edges too much on the principles module and I should stick to purely 'safety' as per module 1 study guide tends towards??
Laura
Definitely a bit of both. Display your signal engineering knowledge most certainly, but keep it high level and do not get drawn into great detail. You are suppposed to be demonstrating your knowledge and experience in applying the "pure safety concepts" in the real world of signal engineering. Yes perhaps the study guide may seem to over concentrate on the safety element but that is because it is attempting to introduce that element to the more traditional signal engineer expected to be familiar with the core subject.
There are "conversion courses" for people joining the railway industry in mid career who can be expected to know of general engineering principles and practices so they concentrate on railway signalling specifics; this is the reverse!
Don't compartmentalise; all the modules are looking at the same subject from different angles to illustrate certain facets- a bit like a series of 2D engineering drawings of the same 3D object; in the exam do think of the object itself, but concentrate on describing it primarily from the particular viewpoint of that module whilst making the examiner aware that you recognise that this is only one perspective.
Although you say that you have not looked back since emigrating, I am sure that there was no great discontinuity and whereas you have evolved I am sure that you remain largely British. You may perhaps present a slightly different face and attitude in different places to reflect that environment and culture but are actually the same person with the same views and attitudes underneath; try to think of this as an analogy when working oout how to address the different modules within the exam. A matter of how you say something, what you emphasise and what you avoid.
PJW