Semester 2.
Rough Guide to Topics covered in year 1 ACSE modules (subject to change as the semester progresses) :
ACS108 Professional and
Laboratory Skills
Weeks 1-2 MATLAB :
Getting started with Simulink,
introduction to computational
simulation of continuous-time
dynamics: Euler method,
Runge-Kutta, introduction to
modelling dynamical systems
with Simulink.
Professional skills:
Employability: Competencies
session
ACS123 Systems
Engineering Maths
Vectors, Matrices, and
Linearity:
basic concepts and
definitions,
scalar and vector products,
lines and planes, inverse
matrices, solution of linear
equations (by inverse
matrices and by Gaussian
elimination),
ACS124 Modelling,
Analysis and Control
Recap Semester 1
Review: Introduction to
control. Examples.
Open-loop and closed-
loop control; summary of
features.
Review of complex
variables.
Review of first-order
systems
Introduction to Laplace
Transforms.
Laplace Transforms:
Differentiation and
integration. Inverting a
Laplace Transform
Solving linear differential
equations
Transfer functions and
block diagram algebra.
ACS125 Systems ACS126 Computing and EEE123 Introduction to
Modelling and Systems Design Electric Circuits
Simulation
Module overview, review C programming: Arrays, Basic Diode Behaviour :
of Autumn Semester strings large signal diode models.
concepts, introduction to Diode Applications :
Spring Semester rectifiers, capacitor input
example systems smoothing, ripple, zener diode
regulators. Clipping,
Case study: HIV disease clamping, voltage doublers,
modelling (LTI, voltage multipliers.
deterministic, discrete) Transistors : BJT, JFET and
MOSFET characteristics,
similarities and differences.
Switching Applications : on-
state and off-state behaviour,
drive considerations for BJT
and MOSFET, inductive loads
and back emf, switching AC
power, bridge topologies for
motor control. Amplifier
Applications : amplification,
biasing, designing dc
conditions, thermal stability.
Small signal ideas, generation
of simple model (gm based),
equivalent circuits, coupling
and decoupling, mid-
frequency examples.
Operational Amplifiers :
advantages of - ideal
performance. Basic circuit
shapes, idea of feedback,
Weeks 3-4 MATLAB:
Introduction to GUIDE:
Creating Graphical User
Interfaces (GUIs) with
MATLAB
Professional Skills:
Guest speaker from industry
(Luke Creasey, Iconsys).
Practical Labs
Weeks 5-6 MATLAB:
Introduction to image
processing with MATLAB
Professional skills:
Guest speaker from industry
(Marion Carrabin, TFL)
Employability – applying for
placements (inc. introduction
to psychometrics);
application forms
Practical Lab
Performance criteria. Introduction to discrete- C programming: Pointers. follower circuits, virtual earth
Integration: definitions, Time-domain state and discrete-time Modular program design, circuits, effect of finite gains.
methods and properties of performance criteria. systems: state-transition functions, passing Use of superposition to
(trigonometric) integrals Second-order systems diagrams, cohort parameters handle multiple source
simulation, stability amplifiers.
Introduction to stochastic
modelling: randomness,
distributions, descriptive
statistics, hypothesis
testing
Parametric and implicit Review: Systems Introduction to stochastic C programming: arrays
differentiation concepts: Classification. modelling: random and pointers, multi-
Properties of linear number generation, dimensional arrays,
systems Monte Carlo simulation passing parameters.
Dynamic memory
Laplace transforms. allocation. Structures –
Even and odd functions. Control strategies. Case study: parameter
Sequential control and variation in a race car defining.
PLCs. suspension (LTI,
Regulation, trajectory stochastic, continuous)
following; introduction to
continuous control
systems and PID
controllers
Weeks 7-8 MATLAB: Partial fractions, Ordinary Frequency response. Case study: hydraulic C programming:
Mini-project differential equations Frequency-domain extrusion press (non- Structures: using, passing
(ODEs) and inverse performance criteria. linear TI, deterministic, as parameters and using
Professional Skills: Laplace. Solving ODEs hybrid) – (1) continuous- in functions. Arrays of
Peer marking of employability without constant time dynamics- (2) structures. Switch…case
reports coefficients. incorporation of digital Example problem solving
Presentations for Design and valve control and C programs.
Simulate

Practical labs

Weeks 9-10 MATLAB: Sequences and series: Introduction to Fourier
Mini-project continued Taylor and graphical/ series; trigonometric form,
iterative methods. exponential form.
Practical lab Properties of Fourier
series,
Fourier integral and
Fourier Transform.
Relationship to Laplace
Transform
Introduction to discrete- C programming: Module
event systems: basic review
concept and examples .
Introduction to discrete-
event systems:
simulation of simple
cellular automata
Weeks 11-12 MATLAB: Overview and revision Overview and revision Introduction to discrete- Module review.
Mini-project event systems: Exam preparation.
Matlab Q&A simulation of Moore
machines playing the
Professional Skills: repeated prisoners’
General Q&A dilemma; module review

Practical lab