CONTROL - 2025/6
Module code: ENG2123
Module Overview
Control and its application spans across all areas of engineering and beyond. Examples of control systems can be found in automotive, biomedical, aerospace and mechanical engineering. Furthermore, industrial automation leverages control systems to improve efficiency, quality, safety while reducing production costs. This control module introduces to students foundational concepts in control engineering and provide methods for analysing linear dynamic systems and linear control systems that can be applied to different engineering domains. This module gives to students also the foundation for the design of standard control solutions.
Module provider
Mechanical Engineering Sciences
Module Leader
MONTANARO Umberto (Mech Eng Sci)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 5
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 65
Lecture Hours: 33
Tutorial Hours: 11
Guided Learning: 8
Captured Content: 33
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None.
Module content
Indicative content includes:
Introduction: terminology, the concept of control, the feedback control mechanism, and examples of dynamic systems;
Laplace transform: definition, derivation of simple Laplace Transforms; properties of the Lapalce Transform; application to solution of systems of linear differential equations.
Process modelling: concept, the transfer function and its characteristics, system response from the transfer function, block diagrams and system simplification;
Linear system analysis in the time domain: system response and step response, system response versus pole location;
Design of control systems in time domain: closed loop vs. open loop systems, general requirements of control systems, standard controllers (e.g., P, PI, and PID controllers);;
Frequency domain analysis: concept, frequency response and Bode diagrams.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Online Scheduled Summative Class Test | Online Test (1 hour) | 20 |
| Examination | Closed Book Exam (2 hours) | 80 |
Alternative Assessment
None.
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of scientific principles, methodologies and mathematical methods associated with system analysis and control systems as well as the ability to analyse and design particular systems in the final examination. The inter-semester test amplifies awareness and ability to devise control concept and to analyse systems from their response.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
- In-semester test [Learning outcomes 2, 3]
- Examination [Learning outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5]
The Formative assessment consists in active discussion during the lectures and tutorials, either triggered by the module conveyer or directly by the student. Moreover, tutorials solutions are provided after tutorial sessions.
Feedback is given verbally via weekly supported tutorial work.
Module aims
- Expose students to a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the importance of control in engineering;
- Provide students with the knowledge of how to analyse linear dynamic systems;
- Provide students with the knowledge of techniques used to analyse linear and time-invariant control systems;
- Equip students with an understanding of transform methods for solving engineering problems.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Provide, identify and compose: the specification of the dynamics and control requirements of systems; the general concept, the types and the structure of control systems; | K |
| 002 | Effectively interpret and employ definitions of common terms including feed-forward, feedback, linear and non-linear models, and time and Laplace domain; | KP |
| 003 | Select and use appropriate Laplace Transform techniques and results in solving control problems and initial value engineering problems; | K |
| 004 | Formulate simple dynamic models rigorously, tune a controller using simple rules, employ Laplace transform and represent dynamics as block diagrams; | C |
| 005 | Recognise the importance and relevance of process dynamics and control, especially the behaviour of linear, time-invariant and single loop feedback systems. | PT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to familiarize students with the methods for the analysis of linear dynamic systems and linear control systems, as well as the design of basic standard controllers. This is attained by combining theoretical instruction and practical application by using worked examples. The primary methods of delivering this strategy involve lectures (supported by captured content) and tutorial sessions.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- Lectures (supported by captured content) aim to present and enable discussion on fundamental topics, methods and theories.
- Tutorials provide students with an opportunity to review and strengthen their grasp of concepts covered in lectures. By working collaboratively in groups, students can actively participate in discussions, inquire questions, and grow their comprehension of the subject.
- Guided Learning provide students with an opportunity to consolidate methods and theories.
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENG2123
Other information
The School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:
Employability:Nowadays, control systems and automation are becoming more and more important and are used in all areas of engineering and beyond. This module equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills for analysing linear control systems and designing basic controllers, which have broad applicability in numerous engineering fields. Acquiring these abilities is essential for achieving success in professional engineering careers.
Resourcefulness & Resilience: Throughout the module, students will foster their ability to effectively tackle problem-based questions by demonstrating resourcefulness. Through active participation in tutorials, they will actively contribute ideas and problem-solving techniques, thereby fostering confidence and collaborative skills. This collaborative approach will contribute to achieving successful outcomes.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Mechanical Engineering MEng | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biomedical Engineering BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biomedical Engineering MEng | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Aerospace Engineering MEng | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.