Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to:

Promote sustainable marine systems through mathematical modelling, digitalisation and case studies;

Introduce techniques to understand and model marine systems;

Apply control engineering methods to model marine systems.

Outline Of Syllabus

Marine machinery systems are rapidly adapting in form and function as the global maritime industry moves to decarbonisation whilst also harnessing the power of digitalisation to control and monitor systems in real-time and in simulation environments. The underlying theory of control systems engineering will be a crucial part of future digitalisation of maritime assets including autonomy, artificial intelligence and digital twins.

The syllabus comprises:
Introduction to control system engineering;
Features and configurations of control systems;
Laplace Transforms;
Methods for the design and analysis of control systems;
Application of simulation techniques for marine systems.

Teaching is classroom based but with an emphasis on practical and future systems within the maritime industry, the knowledge of which is assessed via an exam Tutorials and coursework are focused on digital simulation which comprises the practical part of the assessment.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module, a student will

IKO1. Apply control system design principles for marine systems (M1, M2, M12).

IKO2. Define the limiting criteria affecting design and implementation of control system designs (M3, M4).

IKO3. Characterise the performance and stability of closed loop systems (M9).

IKO4. Apply systems analysis and synthesis to marine machinery systems (M2).

IKO5. Evaluate the interaction of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems through control processes (M2, M6, M13, M18).

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of this module, it is expected that a student will be able to :

ISO1. Assess the performance of marine systems (M2, M3).

ISO2. Select appropriate control systems for a wide range of marine machinery types(M2, M13).

ISO3. Define, calculate and analyse the effects of nonlinearities in control system design and marine system operations(M6, M13).

ISO4. Integrate the effects of various operational conditions into marine machinery performance measurements and use the Internet of Things in Maritime Engineering (M18).

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The use of lectures as the principal teaching method is justified by the need to assist students in the acquisition of a knowledge base that will facilitate understanding of a sizeable and detailed body of materials.
Tutorials provide a forum in which students are given opportunity to develop subject-specific skills, negotiate their problems with tutors and their peers in a less formal approach. (IKO1-5)

Coursework which is based on development of a simulation and analysis program will provide a platform for active participation to exercise cognitive skills, planning, problem-solving, numeracy skills and computer literacy.
Independent study affords an opportunity to bring together relevant knowledge, subject specific and assessed key skills (ISO1-4).

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination affords students an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and possession of subject specific and key skills. The medium also allows students to demonstrate intended learning outcomes across a wide range of topics within a syllabus under time-limited conditions, this being a valuable metric for any subsequent employer (M1-4, M6, M9, M12, M13, M18).

The computer-based simulation laboratory work (the coursework) assess their ability to perform dynamic modelling simulation, interpretation and presentation, without a tight time limit (M1-4, M6, M9, M12, M13, M18).

Formative assessment - time limited Canvas quiz to prepare students for summative assessments.

General Notes

N/A