Module: Fundamentals of Control

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Fundamentals of Control
Module Code	MEC1026 (ITS: MM353)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module provides the student with an introduction to basic principles of linear control systems in order to understand the purpose of feedback control, to understand the concept of stability and the methods used to determine stability level in closed loop systems.

Learning Outcomes

1. Model simple linear control systems.
2. Differentiate between open and closed loop control.
3. Explain the benefits and drawbacks associated with feedback.
4. Determine whether a system is stable, marginally stable or unstable.
5. Predict the response of second order systems based on the location of the roots of the characteristic equation on the s-plane.
6. Construct and interpret root locus diagrams for control systems.
7. Construct and interpret Nyquist and Bode plots for control systems.
8. Determine the gain and phase margins of simple control systems.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Tutorial	12	No Description
Laboratory	6	No Description
Independent Study	83	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20165	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	20%	Examination Weight	80%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	David Kinahan	Module Teacher	Harry Esmonde

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Laboratory Portfolio	n/a	20%	Week 1
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Dorf and Bishop: 0, Modern Control Systems, 13th Edition, Prentice-Hall,
Ogata: 0, Modern Control Engineering, 5th, Pearson,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None