Module Descriptor

Academic Session [YY/YY] 23/24

Module Title INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL
MTC Module Code [MTCdLxyz] MTCS5005
MTC Short Module Code [optional]
MTC Owning Department Systems Engineering
MTC Module Coordinator DR FAISAL PEER MOHAMED
External Examiner Abdullah Al-Badi
UoP use only:
University of Portsmouth Owning School School of Civil Engineering and Surveying
University of Portsmouth Module Code M24812
University of Portsmouth Module Facilitator Mojtaba Ghodsi

Semester Taught 1
Credit Points 20
FHEQ Level 5
Notional Hours 200
Scheduled Hours 84
Placement Hours 0
Independent Hours 116
UoP use only:
HECoS Code

Overview

Control systems have widespread applications in many engineering and technical fields. A control
system consists of inputs, sensors, sub-systems and processes assembled for the purpose of
controlling the outputs of the process.
This module covers the fundamental concepts of automatic control and the standard
instrumentation used to measure the process variables. The techniques commonly used to
represent a process with a block diagram and a transfer function with feedback control loops using
transducers form an integral part of this module. The fundamental concepts of the industry
standards control systems will be covered.

Notes/Accreditation Information

Contribution to UK-SPEC Outcomes (AHEP-4): B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B12, B16, B18

Requisite Modules

Military Technological College Module Descriptor Last update: 31/05/2023

Identification Code: CGW- MD-VA-I- 020523
 Module Descriptor

Module Title MTC Code UoP Code

N/A N/A N/A

Aims (10 max)

1. To provide the fundamental concepts and the basic elements and structure of control
systems and their applications.
2. To introduce the working principles and operational characteristics of transducers and
measurement techniques in automatic control.
3. To develop an understanding of the control systems representation and analysis in
terms of block diagrams, transfer functions, time responses and feedback loops.
4. To develop an understanding of control design methods using time and frequency
domain characteristics.
5. To introduce industry standard automatic control systems and their performance in a
wide range of industrial applications.

Learning Outcomes (Recommended 6, max 6) – On successful completion of this module,

students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts of a control system and the
role of its components in typical industrial applications.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the types and operation principles of various sensors,

transducers and instruments in automatic control systems.

3. Analyse and design linear time invariant systems using classical control techniques
(Demonstrate knowledge of how automatic control systems can be represented with
block diagrams, Laplace transforms, transfer functions, signal flow graphs, time
responses, and stability ).

4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the properties of LTI systems by

analysing the frequency domain plots.

5. Design and analyse the performance characteristics of various controllers applied to

controller automatic control systems

6. Analyse, design and evaluate the performance of controllers using computer simulation
tools.

Military Technological College Module Descriptor Last update: 31/05/2023

Identification Code: CGW- MD-VA-I- 020523
 Module Descriptor

Syllabus (10 max.) - The topics covered in the unit will include:
1. Basic concepts of automatic control and areas of applications. Terminologies, symbols
and control systems diagrams. Components of a control system. Process variables and
set points. Analogue and digital controllers. Advantages/disadvantages of analogue and
digital control.
2. Transducers and instrumentation in automatic control systems. Transducers operation
principles. Transducer types (pressure, temperature, flow, level etc.). Transducer errors,
calibration and signal conditioning.
3. Concepts of Laplace transform, and derivation of control systems transfer function.

4. Open loop and closed loop control systems. Principle of operation of industrial control
systems. Block Diagrams. Simplification of block diagrams. Transfer function of a control
system. Time responses. Stability of control systems.
5. Frequency domain characteristics of LTI systems. Using different techniques such as
Bode, Nyquist, Nichols, root locus etc.
6. Introduction to control, requirement of controllers in a closed loop control system,
proportional, derivative and integral control, Ziegler Nichols method

Learning and Teaching Strategy

Lectures and tutorials will explain the concepts and underlying theory to gain understanding and
knowledge for the subject combined with classroom problems solving and group discussion.
Students complement the lecture material through active participation in problem solving during
the tutorial sessions and engage in independent learning to investigate a wide range of automatic
control problems and related instrumentation using a variety of resources ( e.g., library, internet).
A series of lab sessions will be conducted as hands-on practice on typical control systems and
related transducers to reinforce the concepts and gain confidence in automatic control techniques.
Students will also perform simulation using software programmes, e.g., MATLAB, OCTAVE.
Students will undertake guided self-study including the use of the Moodle VLE, and directed to
resources such as online tutorials, notes and simulations, they will also be required to write the lab
reports and complete their homework/assignments using the resources at their disposal during this
time. Formative tests, with feedback, will be given throughout the module to help the student to
prepare for the summative assessment at the end of the module.

Scheduled Activities (10 max.)

Term # Activity Type QAA Description No. of Duration Hours
Delivered Activity sessions (Hrs)
#
1 1. Lecture Lecture Lectures 16 2 32
covering
theoretical
concepts (2
hours per week
x 16)

Military Technological College Module Descriptor Last update: 31/05/2023

Identification Code: CGW- MD-VA-I- 020523
 Module Descriptor

1 2. Tutorial Tutorial Tutorials 16 1 16

covering
theoretical
concepts (1
hours per week
x 16)
1 3. Individual/Group Practical Practical 12 3 36
Work classes and supervised
workshops group work in
laboratory (3
hours per week
x 12)

Assessment Strategy and Schedule

The module will be assessed through an individual problem centred assignment a summative end-
of module examination.
The problem centred assignment is based on design, model and analysis of a control system using
simulation software followed by experimental verification involving a series of experiments. This
artefact covers learning outcomes (LOs) 5, 6 , application part of (LOs) 2, 3 and 4 and AHEP-4
LOs( B1, B2, B4,B5,B6, B12 and B18 ).
This assignment is assessed using individual logbook submission with student performance during
the activity.
Regular formative tests will be used to provide guidance and feedback to the students on
progress. The marked formative tests will be returned to students and feedback will be given to
enable personal improvement.

The final (summative) examination will take place at the end of the module and will comprise 90
minutes hours written paper covering learning outcome LO1, conceptual and analytical
knowledge part of learning outcomes (LOs) 2, 3 and 4 and AHEP-4 LOs(B1, B2, B3 and B6).

Deferred First Attempt Assessment that requires coursework; students will be allowed an
extended submission period, as described in the Examination and Assessment Regulations.
Students with valid ECs with respect to the examination will be able to take a new examination
paper which will cover the same LOs and be of the same duration as the first attempt.

Second Attempt Assessment will be by re-assessment in the failed artefact(s) covering the
relevant Learning Outcomes.

Term Item Assessment Weighting Assessment Final Description

Delivered Type Artefact
#
1 1. Report 40% Set Exercise N Students are
(CW) (Practical) required to attend
three continuous
assessments
comprising of two

Military Technological College Module Descriptor Last update: 31/05/2023

Identification Code: CGW- MD-VA-I- 020523
 Module Descriptor

laboratory
assessments and one
classroom
assessment. .
Student participation
during the lab session
will be assessed by
conducting viva-voce.
1 2. Exam (EX) 60% Written Y 90 Minutes
Exam Summative
Examination.

Indicative Reading
Title/Edition/Author ISBN
Atherton, D., Control Engineering - An Introduction with the use of Available in Public
MATLAB, www.BookBoon.com domain
Bartelt, T., 2011, Industrial Automated Systems: Instrumentation and ISBN 1285224884,
Motion Control, CENGAGE Learning 9781285224886

Nise, N. S., 2019, Control Systems Engineering (7th ed), John Wiley & Sons ISBN 9781119590132
RC Dorf & RH Bishop, 2017, Modern Control Systems (13 th edition), ISBN 978-
Prentice Hall 0134407623
Control systems Engineering I J Nagrath and M Gopal, 2010, New Age 8122420087
International (P) Ltd.
Control Engineering, Jacqueline Wilkie , Michael Johnson , Reza Katebi, On-line access via
Springer link institution

Military Technological College Module Descriptor Last update: 31/05/2023

Identification Code: CGW- MD-VA-I- 020523