Control Fundamentals and Modelling:
• Review of transfer function techniques
• The feedback control paradigm
• Digital Control Systems and the Z-Transform

Robust Control
• Linear control paradigms for uncertain engineering systems
• Robust stability
• Robust Performance

Nonlinear Control Systems
• Characteristics of nonlinear system behaviour
• Phase-plane methods
• Variable-structure systems and sliding-mode control

Process Control Systems
Control Systems Analysis and Design in State Space

A portfolio of work of approximately 3,000 words weighted at 100% assessing all learning outcomes.
The portfolio will have two elements: a report on a substantial control design challenge using MATLAB, Simulink and the Control Toolbox and an industrial case study assignment which will be a real life, open-ended control problem.
The assessments will include theory, technical knowledge, engineering skills and workplace applications.

The module will run over 12 weeks in Semester 3.
Summative Assessment:
This will normally include 4 weeks for you to complete the assessments to be marked.

Formative Assessment:
Over this period, you will work through weekly self-instructional material (a mixture of text and video based materials and web resources) provided via the Blackboard VLE platform. These materials will provide a structured programme of specific activities and tasks which you will be asked to complete. This will involve reading and critically engaging with key texts, papers and other information sources. This work will mainly be undertaken on an individual basis, but at regular points throughout the module you will be expected to interact and share material, ideas and thoughts with the Module Tutors and other students studying this module.

Online Learning Activities will include a combination of the following:
Lectures/Tutorials
Practical work in Company’s facilities or Practical work in University’s Lab (if required)
Computer-based work using industry-standard packages
Group tutorials (Feedback)

Independent Learning Activities will include the following:
Independent Study
Reading and research

It is expected that you allocate a minimum of 15 hours to engage and interact with your Module Tutors and peers on the module and 135 hours on independent learning activities.

Nise, N.S. (2013) Control Systems Engineering, 7th Edn., John Wiley & Sons

Dorf, R.C & Bishop, R.H., (2014) Modern Control Systems, 12th Edn. (New International Edition), Pearson Education Ltd

Golnaraghi, F. & Kuo, B.C. (2009) Automatic Control Systems, 9th Edn., John Wiley & Sons

Access to the Blackboard VLE platform used for delivering the module,
Access to e-library resources provided by the University,
Access to University’s software packages such as: MATLAB, Simulink and Control toolbox,
Access to University laboratories if required,
Access to Company own facilities.

Module can only be studied as part of the MSc Engineering conversion course.

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of theoretical tools required for control system design and critical evaluation of these tools for solving control problems.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY)

2. Demonstrate the independent learning ability required to analyse and design control systems using appropriate design techniques.
(LEARNING, ANALYSIS)

3. Critically evaluate and apply advanced control techniques for system analysis and employ appropriate decision making to design and quantify the robustness and performance expected from a given complex practical advanced control system.
(APPLICATION, PROBLEM SOLVING)