Systems and Control – (M.Sc.)

This exciting course focuses on the topical areas in the world of systems and control. The programme is suitable for engineers and applied scientists who wish to develop a specialised knowledge in the areas of Systems and Control. The syllabus covers the fundamentals in systems, modeling, control, optimization and optimal control, linear and non-linear systems, control systems design and complex systems and demonstrates their relevance to challenging technological developments.

Teaching and Assessment

The programme consists of 9 compulsory taught modules, plus a dissertation. Four modules are taught in the first term Mondays and Fridays (10 weeks) and five modules are taught in the second term Mondays and Fridays (10 weeks). Exams take place at the end of first and second term and the dissertation work is completed during the summer term. The course format allows Full Time and Part Time study. Much support is given to students, part time and full time, with their preparation for the modules and in their project work.

Full-time students complete the programme in 12 months and are expected to devote a significant part of their non-taught hours to laboratory work, project work as well as private study.

The course format makes the programme attractive to those who wish to study part time while retaining full-time jobs. In the first year, Part Time students attend the courses of the first and second term offered on Mondays, whereas second year Part Time students attend the Friday lectures. The duration of a part-time programme is two years (this may be extended to three years in order to cater for individual circumstances).

Aims of the Programme

The overall aims of the programme are the advanced education of engineers and applied scientists intending to develop a rich knowledge of Systems & Control and the development of expertise which will enable to handle problems in complex systems engineering.

Teaching and Learning Strategy

The teaching and learning strategy is based on lectures, supported wherever appropriate by coursework. Assessment for the taught elements of the programme is based on coursework and written examinations.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will gain knowledge of the fundamentals including mathematical techniques, modelling, linear and non-linear systems, optimisation and optimal control and advanced control techniques and an exposure to challenging problems of emerging complex systems engineering applications.

Summary of Content

* Physical and Systems Modeling
* Mathematical Methods for Systems Signals, Control and Information
* Advanced Control Systems Design
* Systems Theory: Linear, Non-Linear Systems
* Optimization and Optimal Control
* Signals and Information Theory
* Industrial Automation and Applications.

Career Prospects

Systems and Control Engineering are fundamental disciplines in all advanced technology areas including processes engineering, manufacturing, aerospace and transport, energy, biomedical, environmental engineering, as well as in fields such as national utilities, finance, management and the emerging fields of complex systems. Career opportunities exist for graduates in all these areas. There are opportunities for further studies by research leading to PhD after the MSc studies.