Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

To understand and design control systems, it is necessary for the students to take the Engineering Mathematics
module during their first year. In addition, fundamental knowledge of electrical and electronic engineering covered in ENG1502, ENG1503 and ENG1504 is essential to apply control systems and automation techniques.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To provide students with the knowledge to apply fundamental control theory techniques to engineering problems and introduce the basic concepts of controller design. This will be achieved through lectures, tutorials, and independent study. The skills obtained in this module are prerequisite for many other modules taught later in the degree programme and valuable for engineering careers in areas such as electric drives, power systems and advanced control systems.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module introduces the important subject of Control Systems and Automatic Control that can be
used to solve a variety of different engineering problems. The focus will be on the well-known Laplace Transform to model dynamical systems, the study of systems in the Laplace domain and the design of simple controllers to achieve a satisfactory performance

The delivery of the module will be a series of lectures in a lecture room and supported by additional online material on Matlab.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes to each intended skill outcome is indicated in
each point. By the end of the module, it is expected students will be able to:

• Use the Laplace transform to model dynamical systems in the Laplace domain. (C1 and C2)
• Describe the properties of a system based on their transfer function. (C2)
• Design simple controllers based on given desired systems properties. (C2 and C3))

Intended Skill Outcomes

The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes to each intended skill outcome is indicated in
each point. By the end of the module, it is expected students will be able to:

Use the Laplace transform to model dynamical systems. (C1)

Describe and design the different blocks that comprise a block diagram representation of a system.
(C6)

Use various techniques, like root locus, to design simple controllers like PID (C2 and C3)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide the core materials as well as guidance for further reading. Aspects of the course are further re-enforced through computer-based learning exercises. The computer exercises also develop simulation and analysis skills. Tutorials offer the opportunity for practice in the analysis of a system's models and a system's behaviour.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The closed book written exam will assess the students' ability to demonstrate control system knowledge and analysis (C1,C2,C3). The open book Matlab/Simulink-based exam will assess the students' ability to apply the course material to a more practical situation, in simulating and obtaining results from various control scenarios (C2,C3,C6).

General Notes

N/A