EEE8151 : Distributed Control Systems
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Mohammed Elgendy
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
Advancing Information Technology knowledge concerning Industrial Automation and its utilization within manufacturing applications.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module introduces Distributed Control Systems (DCSs) and their distinctions from centralized control systems and SCADA Systems. It covers the core components, network structures, MAC methods, and Network Protocols of DCSs. As a case study of DCSs, the Controller Area Network (CAN) will then be discussed in detail. Additionally, advanced versions of DCSs will be explored.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Final exam. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 15 | 2:00 | 30:00 | Lectures. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 24:00 | 24:00 | Revision for final exam. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Preparation for coursework assessment. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 15 | 2:00 | 30:00 | Reading activity to supplement knowledge of material taught. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 1 | 32:00 | 32:00 | Completion of the summatively assessed coursework |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | One timetabled optional virtual session for students to attend if they have any queries. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 66:00 | 66:00 | Reviewing lecture notes; general reading, |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures provide core material and guidance for further reading.
Problem-solving practice is integrated into the lecture structure.
Coursework provides examples of knowledge implementation.
The topic is supported by case studies.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 75 | Closed book written examination |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | 25 | Summatively assessed individual piece of coursework 2000 words. Student presentations to be held to present their coursework. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | This is a single formative assessment set later in the semester comprising questions on topics covered up to that point to help students’ understanding and also prepare them for the exam. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The examination allows students to demonstrate their ability to solve engineering problems focused on distributed control systems, assessing knowledge outcomes 1, 3 and 4 and skill outcomes 1 and 3.
The summatively assessed piece of coursework assesses knowledge outcome 2 and skill outcome 2. Oral feedback to be provided to students when they present their coursework.
The single formative assessment set later in the semester comprising questions on topics covered up to that point to help students’ understanding and also prepare them for the exam.
Students will be assessed on their ability to tackle problems through the formative assessment and summative examination.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- EEE8151's Timetable