Overview
In this unit, you will learn the fundamentals of control systems and essential mathematical skills to analyse and design a standard control system. The mathematical knowledge you will gain through this unit includes differentiation, integration, Laplace and Fourier transformations needed to model a control system. You will study linear time-invariant (LTI) systems and mathematical representation of periodic signals, time and S-domain representation of control systems. You will use industry-standard simulation software to model LTI systems, simple control systems and will gain skills in simulating various control schemes using this simulating software.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: MATH11218 Applied Mathematics AND Electrical Fundamentals for Aircraft Maintenance
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 1 - 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.
- Interpret the derivative as a rate of change to apply the rules of differentiation in investigating rates of change of functions
- Apply standard rules and techniques of differentiation and integration to construct and analyse simple mathematical models involving rates of change and elementary differential equations
- Perform Fourier transforms to find frequency domain representations of time domain functions
- Explain the principles of automatic control systems and typical associated control system building blocks
- Apply forward and inverse Laplace transforms and analyse control systems in the s-domain using simulation software
- Work collaboratively and autonomously and communicate professionally in presenting your solutions.
Learning Outcomes are linked to Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies and also discipline capabilities. You can find the mapping for this on the Engineering Undergraduate Course website.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
1 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||
2 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||
3 - Practical and Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||
4 - Take Home Exam - 40% |
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
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 |
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
1 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||||||
2 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||||||
3 - Practical and Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||||||
4 - Take Home Exam - 40% |
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
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.
d.moratuwage@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Control Systems.
Chapter
Suggested reading: Chapter 1, Control Systems Engineering, by Norman S. Nice, Seventh Edition.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Differentiation and Integration.
Chapter
Suggested reading: Chapters 8-10, Modern Engineering Mathematics, by Glyn James and Phil Dyke, Sixth Edition.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Linear Time Invariant (LTI) Systems.
Chapter
Suggested reading: Chapter 2, Signals and Systems, by Alan V Oppenheim, Alan S. Willsky, and S. Hamid Nawab.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Laplace Transform.
Chapter
Suggested reading: Chapter 11, Modern Engineering Mathematics, by Glyn James and Phil Dyke, Sixth Edition.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment on the application of differentiation and integration in practice is due.
Assessment 1 Due: Week 4 Friday (4 Apr 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Inverse Laplace Transform.
Chapter
Suggested reading: Chapter 11, Modern Engineering Mathematics, by Glyn James and Phil Dyke, Sixth Edition.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Time-Domain and S-Domain.
Chapter
Suggested reading: Chapter 2-4, Control Systems Engineering, by Norman S. Nice, Seventh Edition.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment on Fourier transform, Laplace transform, and system analysis using simulation software is due.
Assessment 2 Due: Week 6 Friday (25 Apr 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Periodic Signals and Fourier Series.
Chapter
Suggested reading: Chapter 12, Modern Engineering Mathematics, by Glyn James and Phil Dyke, Sixth Edition.
Suggested reading: Chapter 3, Signals and Systems, by Alan V Oppenheim, Alan S. Willsky, and S. Hamid Nawab.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Fourier Transform.
Chapter
Suggested reading: Chapter 4-5, Signals and Systems, by Alan V Oppenheim, Alan S. Willsky, and S. Hamid Nawab.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Feedback Control Systems.
Chapter
Suggested reading: Chapter 11, Signals and Systems, by Alan V Oppenheim, Alan S. Willsky, and S. Hamid Nawab.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment on the application of Fourier and Laplace transforms, and simulating control systems in simulation software is due.
Assessment 3 Due: Week 9 Friday (16 May 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
PID Control and Controller Design.
Chapter
Suggested reading: Chapter 8-9, Control Systems Engineering, by Norman S. Nice, Seventh Edition.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Assessment progress review.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Assessment help.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Take home assessment designed to reinforce all topics learned during the class is due.
Assessment 4 Due: Review/Exam Week Friday (13 June 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
This assessment requires students to apply differentiation and integration techniques to analyse real-world mathematical models. It involves interpreting the derivative as a rate of change of a physical phenomenon, applying differentiation rules, and solving elementary differential equations relevant to a simplified mathematical model. Additionally, students will also apply integration techniques to determine accumulated quantities, and analyse systems governed by integral equations in practical contexts.
Week 4 Friday (4 Apr 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 6 Friday (25 Apr 2025)
Marked assignment with feedback will be returned to students. However, no model answers wii be provided.
- Interpret derivative as rate of change: Accurately applying differentiation rules to analyse and interpret derivatives in real-world contexts.
- Develop and analyse mathematical models: Constructing well-defined mathematical models involving rates of change and elementary differential equations, demonstrating correct application of differentiation and integration techniques.
- Achieving task objectives: Successfully solving the given problems, meeting the expected learning outcomes with precise and accurate solutions.
- Providing well-structured and justified solutions: Presenting solutions in a clear, logical, and organised manner, supported by appropriate mathematical reasoning and step-by-step calculations.
- Demonstrating a systematic problem-solving approach: Breaking down complex problems into manageable steps, applying suitable mathematical techniques, while clearly explaining the reasoning behind each step.
- Explains key assumptions and interpretations: Clearly articulates assumptions made in the problem-solving process and provides insightful interpretations of the mathematical results in context.
- Interpret the derivative as a rate of change to apply the rules of differentiation in investigating rates of change of functions
- Apply standard rules and techniques of differentiation and integration to construct and analyse simple mathematical models involving rates of change and elementary differential equations
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
2 Written Assessment
This assessment evaluates students’ ability to analyse signals and control systems using Fourier and Laplace transforms. It focuses on transforming time-domain functions into the frequency domain, understanding control system components, and applying Laplace transform techniques for system analysis using simulation software.
Week 6 Friday (25 Apr 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 8 Friday (9 May 2025)
Marked assignment with feedback will be returned to students. However, no model answers will be provided.
- Correctly applying Fourier transforms to convert time-domain functions into their frequency-domain representations.
- Accurately analysing signal characteristics, such as frequency components, bandwidth, and dominant frequencies.
- Explaining the fundamental principles of automatic control systems, including open-loop and closed-loop configurations.
- Identifying and describing typical control system building blocks (e.g., sensors, controllers, actuators) and their roles.
- Correctly applying forward and inverse Laplace transforms to analyse dynamic systems.
- Implementing and simulating a simple control system effectively using industry-standard software.
- Using appropriate mathematical notation, diagrams, and structured explanations.
- Presenting simulation results with clear annotations and interpretation.
- Perform Fourier transforms to find frequency domain representations of time domain functions
- Explain the principles of automatic control systems and typical associated control system building blocks
- Apply forward and inverse Laplace transforms and analyse control systems in the s-domain using simulation software
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
3 Practical and Written Assessment
In this assessment, students will apply Fourier and Laplace transforms to analyse control systems. They will:
- Perform Fourier transforms to obtain frequency-domain representations of time-domain signals.
- Apply forward and inverse Laplace transforms to analyse control systems in the s-domain and simulate results using software.
- Work collaboratively or independently and communicate your solutions professionally through a structured report or presentation.
Submission should include calculations, simulation results, and explanations demonstrating their understanding.
Week 9 Friday (16 May 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 11 Friday (30 May 2025)
Marked assignment with feedback will be returned to students. However, no model answers will be provided.
- Correct application of Fourier transforms to given time-domain signals.
- Accurate interpretation of frequency-domain representations.
- Correct application of forward and inverse Laplace transforms.
- Analysis of control system behaviour in the s-domain.
- Use of simulation software to simulate and analyse simple control systems.
- Clarity and professionalism in presenting solutions.
- Proper use of figures, graphs, and simulation outputs.
- Effective distribution of tasks and evidence of teamwork.
- Perform Fourier transforms to find frequency domain representations of time domain functions
- Apply forward and inverse Laplace transforms and analyse control systems in the s-domain using simulation software
- Work collaboratively and autonomously and communicate professionally in presenting your solutions.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
4 Take Home Exam
This is a take-home assessment designed to reinforce students' overall understanding of the unit and their ability to apply mathematical concepts in practice. It assesses students' ability to:
- Interpret the derivative as a rate of change of a physical quantity and apply differentiation rules to investigate rates of change in real-world scenarios.
- Use differentiation and integration techniques to construct and analyse simple mathematical models involving rates of change and elementary differential equations.
- Explain the principles of automatic control systems and identify typical control system building blocks.
- Apply forward and inverse Laplace transforms to analyse control systems in the s-domain, using simulation software to validate results.
Students are required to provide detailed calculations, justifications, and interpretations of their results. The submission should be structured professionally, incorporating mathematical reasoning, graphical representations, and simulation outputs where applicable.
Review/Exam Week Friday (13 June 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Marked assignment with feedback will be returned with feedback after the release of grades.
- Correct interpretation of derivatives as rates of change in real-world scenarios.
- Correct application of differentiation and integration techniques in constructing mathematical models.
- Clear explanation of control system principles.
- Correct application of forward and inverse Laplace transforms.
- Analysis of control systems in the s-domain with appropriate justifications.
- Use of simulation software to implement a simpler control system and interpretation of results.
- Effective use of equations, graphs, and simulation outputs.
- Justified assumptions and interpretations of results.
- Interpret the derivative as a rate of change to apply the rules of differentiation in investigating rates of change of functions
- Apply standard rules and techniques of differentiation and integration to construct and analyse simple mathematical models involving rates of change and elementary differential equations
- Explain the principles of automatic control systems and typical associated control system building blocks
- Apply forward and inverse Laplace transforms and analyse control systems in the s-domain using simulation software
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
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?
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