Overview
Automatic control systems are fundamental to our way of life, including electrical power, electronics, automation and robotics. In this unit, you will work individually and also in teams to model, analyse, and investigate design options for analogue and digital control systems. You will articulate typical control systems building blocks and select appropriate components and interfaces for specific applications. In addition, you will develop mathematical models to analyse the behaviour of selected dynamic systems and design their controllers. You will apply simulation software to analyse and simulate the control systems. This unit will provide you with the opportunities to practice your communication skills through developing technical documentation and reports. All students must have access to a computer, frequently use the Internet, and complete the compulsory practical activities. Furthermore, the unit also aims to promote the UN sustainable development Goal 9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation by developing an understanding of how to build resilient and sustainable automation and intelligence systems to support industrial innovation.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisites: (ENEE13020 Digital Electronics or ENEX12002 Introductory Electronics) and ENEE12016 Signals and Systems.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE
Provide clear unit requirements.
Unit requirements should be explained during week 1 lecture and further clarification should be given close to Assessment dates and lab session dates.
Feedback from SUTE
Introduce mechanisms to further improve student engagement with the unit learning content.
Mandatory mid-term checkpoint submission of the student project should be introduced to encourage student engagement with the project and learning content as the term progresses.
Feedback from SUTE
Improve mechanisms to provide feedback to student learning.
With the mandatory mid-term checkpoint submission of the student project, individual project meetings should also be introduced to provide personalised feedback and better guidance on engaging with the unit's learning content.
Feedback from SUTE
The relevance of the curriculum to the course and future careers could be improved.
More intense explanations should be provided to students for them to be able to understand the relevance between the fundamentals taught in this unit and their application on real-world problems when they become practicing engineers.
Feedback from SUTE
Increase the number of student responses in the survey.
Students should be further encouraged to respond to the survey.
- Apply the principles of automatic control systems including associated control system building blocks
- Examine the principles and applications of sensors, amplifiers, controllers, and associated elements in analogue and digital control systems
- Analyse behavioural models of dynamic systems and controllers using appropriate mathematical, graphical and computer-aided tools
- Investigate controller design for a dynamic system collaboratively and autonomously
- Document control system solutions, calculations using correct terminology, symbols and diagrams.
The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers in the areas of 1. Knowledge and Skill Base, 2. Engineering Application Ability and 3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:
Intermediate 1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 2I 3I ) 1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline. (LO: 1I 2I 3I ) 3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. (LO: 5I 6I ) 3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership. (LO: 5I )
Advanced 1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. (LO: 1A 2A 3A ) 1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. (LO: 1A 2A 3A ) 1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1A 2A 3A ) 1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 2A 3A ) 2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving. (LO: 1A 2A 3A )
Note: LO refers to the Learning Outcome number(s) which link to the competency and the levels: N – Introductory, I – Intermediate and A - Advanced.
Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for further information on the Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers and course level mapping informationhttps://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=1511
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30% | |||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||
| 3 - Laboratory/Practical - 30% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
Control Systems Engineering
Edition: 8th edn or later
Authors: Nise, N.S.
John Wiley & Sons
Hoboken Hoboken , NJ , USA
ISBN: 978-1-118-17051-9
Binding: Paperback
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
s.alahakoon@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Control Systems
Chapter
- Text Book Chapter 1
- Study Guide: Week 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Representation of control systems
Chapter
- Text Book Chapter 2 & 5
- Study Guide: Week 2 & 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Representation of control systems
Chapter
- Text Book Chapter 2 & 5
- Study Guide: Week 2 & 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Poles, zeros and the system response
Chapter
- Text Book Chapter 4 & 7
- Study Guide: Week 4 & 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Quiz Part 1 (Open from 04th August - 10th August 2025)
Module/Topic
Poles, zeros and the system response
Chapter
- Text Book Chapter 4 & 7
- Study Guide: Week 4 & 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Individual Pre-Lab Report Related to Laboratory Exercises Due: Week 5 Friday (15 Aug 2025) 6:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Stability
Chapter
- Text Book Chapter 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Quiz Part 2 (Open from 25th August - 31st August 2025)
Interim Report Submission of the Project-Based Learning Assessment Due: Week 6 Monday (25 Aug 2025) 6:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Overview of Digital Control
Chapter
- Text Book Chapter 13
- Study Guide: Week 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lab session for GLD & MKY from 01/09/2025 to 03/09/2025 Online/Mixed mode student may opt to join this session.
Module/Topic
PID Control and State Space Design Techniques
Chapter
- Study Guide: Week 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lab session for BDG,ROK,& CNS from 08/09/2025 to 10/09/2025. Online/Mixed mode student may opt to join this session.
Module/Topic
Root Locus Based Controller Design
Chapter
- Text Book Chapter 8 & 9
- Study Guide: Week 9 & 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Quiz Part 3 (Open from 15th September - 21st September 2025)
Module/Topic
Root Locus Based Controller Design
Chapter
- Text Book Chapter 8 & 9
- Study Guide: Week 9 & 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Frequency Response Based Controller Design
Chapter
- Text Book Chapter 10 & 11
- Study Guide: Week 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Industrial Control Systems - PLCs and SCADA and Unit Review
Chapter
- Study Guide: Week 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Quiz Part 4 (Open from 06th October - 12th October 2025)
Module/Topic
Topic Review: Students (No timetabled session)
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Students will require MATLAB/SIMULINK software for this unit. Full version of MATLAB/SIMULINK can be downloaded free of charge from Mathworks website (https://au.mathworks.com/) by creating a user account with CQUniversity email ID.
1 Online Quiz(zes)
There are 4 online quizzes which gives 30% of the unit total. Marks for the three quizzes will be averaged and scaled to a mark out of 30%. This collection of online quizzes will be published in the unit Moodle site. Online quizzes are designed to check the essential student understanding of each of the topics covered in the unit. The quizzes will be available in Week 4, 6, 9, and 12. Each quiz will test the knowledge gained by the students during the weeks immediately before the particular quiz. Each quiz will allow 3 attempts and the highest mark obtained will be counted for finalising the gradebook.
Guidelines on AI Tool Usage
AI Assessment Scale: No AI
This assessment must be completed without the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or other generative technologies, even if completed outside a controlled environment. However, students may use basic grammar and spelling aids (e.g., Grammarly) to refine written expressions, provided these tools do not assist with solving the numerical problems or generating content.
Please ensure your submission reflects your own understanding and problem-solving process.
4
Completed online through unit Moodle site. Please refer to unit schedule and Assessment tile in Moodle for more details.
Students will have access to the results immediately after the quizzes
Students can have up to three attempts. Highest mark/s will be counted. Each correct response will receive one mark. Marks for the four quizzes will be averaged and scaled to a mark out of 30%.
No submission method provided.
- Apply the principles of automatic control systems including associated control system building blocks
- Examine the principles and applications of sensors, amplifiers, controllers, and associated elements in analogue and digital control systems
- Analyse behavioural models of dynamic systems and controllers using appropriate mathematical, graphical and computer-aided tools
2 Written Assessment
This Project-Based Learning Assessment will keep the students engaged with all the theoretical knowledge they gain throughout the 12-week term by applying the knowledge to solve various sub-problems related to the project. Projects will be assigned in the initial part of the term (eg. Week 3 or 4). The students will keep working out different exercises within the project as they gain knowledge on various analytical skills they are supposed to learn/gain on control system analysis and design as they progress through the learning content. More details on the Project-Based Learning Assessment will be provided in the unit Moodle site.
NOTE: The students will need to make an interim submission in Week 06 as indicated in the unit schedule. Progress Review Individual Online Meetings of the Project-Based Learning Assessment will also be scheduled during Week 6 after interim report submission (Scheduling will be done in consultation with students). Students must meet both these requirements to be successful in this assessment.
Guidelines on AI Tool Usage
AI Assessment Scale: No AI
This assessment must be completed without the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or other generative technologies, even if completed outside a controlled environment. However, students may use basic grammar and spelling aids (e.g., Grammarly) to refine written expressions, provided these tools do not assist with solving the numerical problems or generating content.
Please ensure your submission reflects your own understanding and problem-solving process.
Review/Exam Week Friday (17 Oct 2025) 6:00 pm AEST
Submit to the link in the unit website in Moodle as a .doc format or PDF file.
Exam Week Friday (24 Oct 2025)
Feedback given through unit website in Moodle
Marking of the Project-Based Learning Assessment will be done according to the following criteria.
Application of knowledge
Correct theoretical derivations.
The accuracy and relevance of information
Language and grammar used in answering questions
Proper referencing of sources of information
Inclusion of all relevant Equations, images, data and tables, and the quality of presentation and layout.
Referencing
No submission method provided.
- Apply the principles of automatic control systems including associated control system building blocks
- Examine the principles and applications of sensors, amplifiers, controllers, and associated elements in analogue and digital control systems
- Analyse behavioural models of dynamic systems and controllers using appropriate mathematical, graphical and computer-aided tools
- Investigate controller design for a dynamic system collaboratively and autonomously
- Document control system solutions, calculations using correct terminology, symbols and diagrams.
3 Laboratory/Practical
Dates for the compulsory residential school will be notified to students through residential school calendar and the unit Website (NOTE: 72-hour grace period does not apply for attending the residential school). Students are expected to submit an individual pre-lab preparation report prior to attending the residential school. Requirements for this pre-lab report will be notified through the unit Moodle site.
Students will be formed into teams for all residential school activities and each team must submit professional technical laboratory reports compiled into one Zipped file covering each laboratory experiment they will carry out during the residential school. One submission per team is sufficient. The details of the experiments will be notified to students through the unit Website. Please also refer to assessment criteria for more details. 30% allocated for Laboratory Exercises Based Report will be a combination of the marks obtained for the individual pre-lab preparation report (10%) and team lab report (20%).
Guidelines on AI Tool Usage
AI Assessment Scale: No AI
This assessment must be completed without the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or other generative technologies, even if completed outside a controlled environment. However, students may use basic grammar and spelling aids (e.g., Grammarly) to refine written expressions, provided these tools do not assist with solving the numerical problems or generating content.
Please ensure your submission reflects your own understanding and problem-solving process.
Week 11 Friday (3 Oct 2025) 6:00 pm AEST
Submit to the link in the unit website in Moodle as a .doc format or PDF file.
Review/Exam Week Friday (17 Oct 2025)
Feedback given through unit website in Moodle
This is a combination of an individual assessment and a team assessment.
Individual Assessment: pre-lab preparation report (10%)
Marking of the individual pre-lab reports will be done according to the following criteria.
- Application of knowledge
- Correct theoretical derivations.
- The accuracy and relevance of information
- Language and grammar used in answering questions
Team Assessment: Team lab report (20%)
Marking of the team reports will be done according to the following criteria.
- The accuracy and relevance of information
- Application of knowledge
- Language and grammar used in answering questions
- Proper referencing of sources of information
- Inclusion of all relevant Equations, images, data and tables, and the quality of presentation and layout.
- Referencing
No submission method provided.
- Investigate controller design for a dynamic system collaboratively and autonomously
- Document control system solutions, calculations using correct terminology, symbols and diagrams.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
