ACT3701-21-ALL/101/2/2021

Tutorial Letter 101/2/2021

Automatic Control

ACT370-21-ALL
Semester module

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please register on myUnisa, activate your myLife e-mail address and
make sure that you have regular access to the myUnisa module
website, ACT3701-21-S2, as well as your group website.

Note: This is a fully online module and therefore it is only available on myUnisa.

BARCODE
 CONTENTS
Page

1 INTRODUCTION TO THE MODULE.................................................................................................... 4

1.1 Getting started … ............................................................................................................................ 5
2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES .............................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 5
2.2 Outcomes ......................................................................................................................................... 5
3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS .......................................................................................... 6
3.1 Lecturer(s) ....................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Department ...................................................................................................................................... 6
3.3 University ......................................................................................................................................... 7
4 RESOURCES ....................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 Prescribed book(s) .......................................................................................................................... 7
4.1.1 Study Unit 1: Introduction to Control Systems .............................................................................. 8
4.1.2 Study Unit 2: Transfer Function of Physical System ..................................................................... 8
4.1.3 Study Unit 3: State Space Representation ...................................................................................... 9
4.1.4 Study Unit 4: Transient Response ................................................................................................... 9
4.1.5 Study Unit 5: Reduction of Multiple Systems ............................................................................... 10
4.1.6 Study Unit 6: System Stability ....................................................................................................... 10
4.1.7 Study Unit 7: Steady-State Errors .................................................................................................. 11
4.1.8 Study Unit 8: Root Locus Techniques .......................................................................................... 11
4.1.9 Study Unit 9: Frequency Response Techniques .......................................................................... 11
4.1.10 Study Unit 10: Elements of Gyroscopes ..................................................................................... 12
4.2 Recommended book(s) ................................................................................................................ 12
4.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves) .................................................................................................. 13
5 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE ...................................................................................................................... 13
5.1 What does it mean to study fully online? ................................................................................... 13
5.2 The myUnisa tools you will use. ....................................................................................................... 14
5.3 Student support services .................................................................................................................. 14
6 ASSESSMENTS AND GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES ........................................................................... 14
6.1 Assessment criteria ........................................................................................................................... 14
6.2 Assessment plan ................................................................................................................................ 15
6.2.1 The rules of the assessments ........................................................................................................ 15
6.3 Graduate Attributes ............................................................................................................................ 15
6.3.1 Graduate Attribute definition ......................................................................................................... 15
6.3.2 Description of Graduated Attribute 1 ............................................................................................ 16

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6.4 Assessments Weighting .................................................................................................................... 16

6.5 Assessments Dates and Unique Numbers ...................................................................................... 17
6.6 Submission of the Semester project ................................................................................................ 17
7 CONCLUSIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 18
8 ADDENDUM ............................................................................................................................................ 18
Addendum A ............................................................................................................................................. 18
Addendum B: ............................................................................................................................................ 19
Addendum C ............................................................................................................................................. 21

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1 INTRODUCTION TO THE MODULE
Dear Student
Welcome to Automatic Control (ACT3701) offered by the Department of Mechanical and
Industrial Engineering under the School of Engineering in the College of Science, Engineering
and Technology at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

As part of this tutorial letter, we wish to inform you that Unisa has implemented a transformation
charter based on five pillars and eight dimensions. In response to this charter, we have also placed
curriculum transformation high on the agenda. For your information, curriculum transformation
includes the following pillars: student-centred scholarship, the pedagogical renewal of teaching
and assessment practices, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and the infusion of African
epistemologies and philosophies. These pillars and their principles will be integrated at both the
programme and module levels, as a phased-in approach. You will notice the implementation
thereof in your modules, and we encourage you to fully embrace these changes during your
studies at Unisa.

Please read this tutorial letter carefully because it contains some of the most important
information.
We will do our best to make your study of this module successful. You will be well on your way
to success if you start studying early in the year and do the assignments properly.
A tutorial letter is our way of communicating with you about teaching, learning and assessment.
This tutorial letter contains important information about the scheme of work, resources and
assignments for this module. We urge you to read it carefully and to keep it at hand when working
through the study material, preparing the assignment(s) and addressing questions to your
lecturers.
Please read Tutorial Letter 301 in combination with this tutorial letter as it gives you an idea of
generally important information when studying at a distance and within a particular College.
In this tutorial letter (101), you will find the assignments and assessment criteria as well as
instructions on the preparation and submission of the assignments. It also provides all the
information you need concerning the prescribed study material and other resources and how to
obtain them. Please study this information carefully and make sure that you obtain the prescribed
material as soon as possible.
We have also included certain general and administrative information about this module.
Please study this section of the tutorial letter carefully. This can be included in Tutorial Letter301,
which is specific to each college.
Right from the start, we would like to point out that you must read all the documentation you
receive during the year immediately and carefully, as they always contain important and,
sometimes, urgent information.

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Some of this tutorial matter may not be available when you register. The tutorial matter that is not
available when you register will be sent to you as soon as possible, but it will also available on
myUnisa.

Please ensure that you are registered on myUnisa. This is an internet facility that helps you
to submit assignments, to have access to the Library functions, download study material,
“chat” to your lecturers or fellow students and participate in online discussion forums and
get access to all sorts of learning resources.
1.1 Getting started …
Owing to the nature of this module, you can read about the module and find your study material
online. Go to the website at https://my.unisa.ac.za and log in using your student number and
password. You will see [ACT3701-21-S2] in the row of modules displayed in the orange blocks at
the top of the webpage. Select the More tab if you cannot find the module you require in the
orange blocks. Then click on the module you want to open.
We hope that you will enjoy this module and wish you all the best!

2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES

2.1 Purpose
This module is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in Control Systems
and Engineering. The purpose of this module is to introduce mechanical engineering students to
aspects of control systems and engineering. After completing this module, students will have a
clear understanding of the basic concepts of control systems, open-loop systems, closed-loop
systems, block diagrams, Laplace transforms, solution of a differential equation, transient
response, steady-state response, stability analysis, and principles of Gyroscope

2.2 Outcomes
After completing this module, basic control systems, the transfer function of mechanical systems,
transient response and forced response, block diagrams, stability in the S plane, Steady-state
error, gyroscope.
Elements of Control Systems
• Description of a control system;
• Definition of open-loop control systems with examples;
• Definition of closed-loop control systems with examples;
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of open-loop and closed-loop control
systems;
• Understand the term “feedback”;
• Apply block-diagram algebra to solve problems in control systems Reduce a block
diagram into a canonical form.

• Determine the Laplace Transform of functions;

• Determine inverse Laplace Transforms of functions;
• Derivation of the frequency domain reproduction of signals in the time domain;
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 • Solve linear differential equations;
• Understand the term “transfer function”;
• Description of the different types of system transfer functions;
• Reduction of multi-loop systems to open-loop systems
• Definition of transient response;
• Definition of steady-state response;
• Definition of the transient response characteristics; Definition of stability.

Elements of Gyroscopes
• Description of a gyroscopic couple;
• Derivation of the formula for the gyroscopic couple;
• Calculation of the maximum gyroscopic couple caused on a system;
• Determination of the limiting speed of a vehicle around a curve;
• Determination of the angle of banking necessary for a motorcycle to ride normal to the
track, allowing for gyroscopic effects
• Determination of the total reaction on the wheels, taking gyroscopic effects into account.

3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

3.1 Lecturer(s)

The primary lecturer for this module is: Mr R.T. Tebeta

Department: Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Telephone: (+27) 11 670 9528

Cell: (+27) 79 480 4394

E-mail: tebetrt@unisa.ac.za
Contact times: Mondays to Fridays from 10h00 to 16h00. Any emails received after this time will
be attended on the next working day. Please adhere to these hours.
You may contact your lecturers by email, telephone or on myUnisa.

3.2 Department
You may contact the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering by post, email,
telephone, or online through myUnisa.

Departmental Address:
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Unisa (Florida Campus) Private Bag X6
Florida 1710

Departmental Phone: 011 471 2963

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Departmental general e-mail address: nkambule@unisa.ac.za Departmental

online internet address:
http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=19251

Always state your STUDENT NUMBER and your Module Code ACT3701-21-S2 in all
correspondence and enquiries.

Whenever you contact the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, ensure that the
first thing you mention after the greeting is your subject code! It does not help to say you are a
student in Mechanical Engineering, lecturers deal with different modules.

3.3 University
You may contact your lecturers by post, email, telephone or on MyUnisa

Physical address: University of South Africa

C/O Christiaan de Wet and Pioneer Avenues
Florida
Roodepoort
City of Johannesburg
Postal Address: University of South Africa
Private Bag X6
Florida
1710

Fax Number: 012 429 4150 / +27 12 429 4150

Email: study-info@unisa.ac.za
Online address: http://my.unisa.ac.za

Always use your student number when you contact the university.

4 RESOURCES
4.1 Prescribed book(s)
1. Title: Control Systems Engineering Author: Nise, N.S.
Edition: Global Edition or 7th Edition
Publisher: Wiley
ISBN: 978-1-119-38297-3

2. Title: Mechanics of Machines: Advanced Theory and Examples

Author: Hannah J and Stephens RC
Edition: 2nd to 4th
Publisher: Edward Arnold

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 You will use textbook No. 1 for Control Systems (chapter 1 up to chapter 10), and
textbook No. 2 for Gyroscope (chapter 10 only)

This module is divided into ten study units with each outlining the learning outcomes required.
Please use the prescribed books and the learning outcomes stated in section 2.2 which are
reinforced by the following study units to prepare for this module:

4.1.1 Study Unit 1: Introduction to Control Systems

Learning Outcomes:

• Definition of Control Systems.

• Advantages of Control Systems.
• Difference between open-loop and closed-loop systems.
• Advantages of closed-loop systems.
• Analysis and design objectives of Control Systems.
• The design process of Control Systems
This unit is based on chapter 1 in the prescribed textbook. Read the whole chapter 1 in the
textbook. Then study sections 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5. For sections that are not for study, you must
read them because they are needed in the next Study Units. When you study pay more attention
to the Learning Outcomes above.

Go through all the Review Questions. Do Problems 1, 2, 8, 10 and 23.

4.1.2 Study Unit 2: Transfer Function of Physical System

Learning Outcomes:

• Review of Laplace Transforms

• Solving Differential Equations using Laplace Transforms.
• Define a mathematical model called Transfer Function.
• Learn how to find the Transfer Functions of Translational Mechanical Systems.
• Learn how to find the Transfer Functions of Rotational Mechanical Systems.
• Learn how to find the Transfer Functions of Systems with Gears.
• Learn how to find the Transfer Function of Electromechanical Systems.
• Nonlinear Systems Linearization
This unit is based on chapter 2 in the prescribed textbook. Read the whole chapter 2 in the
textbook. Then study sections 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.10, and 2.11. For sections that are not for
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study, you must read them because they are needed in the next Study Units. For example, we
need electrical power for motors which will drive gears and other mechanical systems. When you
study pay more attention to the Learning Outcomes above.

Go through the Examples 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.16, 2.17, 2.18, 2.19, 2.20, 2.21, and 2.22, and
understand them very well. Do Skills Assessments 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.8, 2.9 and 2.10. Go
through the Review Questions 1 up to 9. Do as many problems as you can.

4.1.3 Study Unit 3: State Space Representation

Learning Outcomes:

• Define a mathematical model called State Space Representation

• Learn how to find State Space Representation of Mechanical Systems.
This unit is based on chapter 3 in the prescribed textbook. Read the whole chapter 3 in the
textbook. Then study sections 3.3, and 3.4. For sections that are not for study, you must read
them because they are needed in the next Study Units. For example, you need section 3.2 to get
the introduction to State Space Representation. When you study pay more attention to the
Learning Outcomes above.

Go through Example 3.3 and understand it very well. Do Skills Assessment 3.2. Go through the
Review Questions 1 up to 11. Do as many problems as you can.

4.1.4 Study Unit 4: Transient Response

Learning Outcomes:

• Know the pole and zeros of the Transfer Function in the System Response.
• Describe quantitatively the transient response of first and second-order systems.
• Find the damping ratio and natural frequency of a second-order system.
• Find the parameters (such as peak time and others) of an underdamped second-order
system.
This unit is based on chapter 4 in the prescribed textbook. Read sections 4.1 up to 4.8 in chapter
4 in the textbook. Then study sections 4.2 up to 4.6. For sections that are not for study, you must
read them because they are needed in the next Study Units. When you study pay more attention
to the Learning Outcomes above.

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Go through Examples 4.1 up to 4.7 and understand them very well. Do Skills Assessments 4.1 up
to 4.5. Go through the Review Questions 1 up to 14. Do as many problems as you can.

4.1.5 Study Unit 5: Reduction of Multiple Systems

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the Block Diagrams

• Reduce the Block Diagram of multi subsystems to a single Block of Transfer Function.
• Understand the Signal-Flow Diagrams
• Convert Block Diagrams to Signal-Flow Diagrams
• Find the Transfer Function of multiple subsystems using Mason’s Rule.
This unit is based on chapter 5 in the prescribed textbook. Read sections 5.1 up to 5.5 in chapter
5 in the textbook. Then study sections 5.2, 5.4 and 5.5. For sections that are not for study, you
must read them because they are needed in the next Study Units. When you study pay more
attention to the Learning Outcomes above.

Go through Examples 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 5.6 and 5.7, and understand them very well. Do Skills
Assessments 5.1, 3.2, and 5.4. Go through the Review Questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9. Do as
many problems as you can.

4.1.6 Study Unit 6: System Stability

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the concept of System’s Stability.

• Know how to find out if a System is Stable or NOT using Routh-Hurwitz Criterion.
• Find the range of the gain, K, for a System to be Stable.
This unit is based on chapter 6 in the prescribed textbook. Read sections 6.1 up to 6.4 in chapter
6 in the textbook. Then study sections 6.1 up to 6.4. When you study pay more attention to the
Learning Outcomes above.

Go through Examples 6.1 up to 6.10 and understand them very well. Do Skills Assessments 6.1
up to 6.3. Go through the Review Questions 1 up to 14. Do as many problems as you can.

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4.1.7 Study Unit 7: Steady-State Errors

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the concept of Steady-State Error for a System and Sources of Steady-State
Errors.
• Steady-State Error for Unity Feedback Systems
• Static Error Constants and Systems Type.
• Steady-State Error Specifications.
• Steady-State Error for Disturbances.
This unit is based on chapter 7 in the prescribed textbook. Read sections 7.1 up to 7.7 in chapter
7 in the textbook. Then study sections 7.1 up to 7.6. For sections that are not for study, you must
read them because they are needed in the next Study Units. When you study pay more attention
to the Learning Outcomes above.

Go through Examples 7.1 up to 7.7 and understand them very well. Do Skills Assessments 7.1 and
7.4. Go through the Review Questions 1 up to 12. Do as many problems as you can.

4.1.8 Study Unit 8: Root Locus Techniques

Learning Outcomes:

• Define a Root Locus

• State the properties of a Root Locus.
• Sketch a Root Locus
This unit is based on chapter 8 in the prescribed textbook. Read sections 8.1 up to 8.6 in chapter
8 in the textbook. Then study sections 8.1 up to 8.6. When you study pay more attention to the
Learning Outcomes above.

Go through Examples 8.1 up to 8.7 and understand them very well. Do Skills Assessments 8.1 up
to 8.5. Go through the Review Questions 1 up to 10. Do as many problems as you can.

4.1.9 Study Unit 9: Frequency Response Techniques

Learning Outcomes:

• Define Frequency Response

• Draw the Frequency Response diagrams.
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 • Use Frequency Response techniques to analyse the Stability of Systems.
This unit is based on chapter 10 in the prescribed textbook. Read sections 10.1 up to 108 in chapter
10 in the textbook. Then study sections 10.1, 10.2, 10.7 and 10.8. For sections that are not for
study, you must read them because they are needed in the next sections. For example, it has bees
stated that Bode plots are subsets of complete Nyquist diagram but in another form and they are
easy to draw. When you study pay more attention to the Learning Outcomes above.

Go through Examples 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.9, 10.10, and understand them very well. Do Skills
Assessments 10.1, 10.2, 10.6 and 10.7. Go through the Review Questions 1 up to 5. Do as many
problems as you can.

4.1.10 Study Unit 10: Elements of Gyroscopes

Learning Outcomes:

• Description of a gyroscopic couple.

• Derivation of the formula for the gyroscopic couple.
• Calculation of the maximum gyroscopic couple caused on a system.
• Determination of the limiting speed of a vehicle around a curve.
• Determination of the angle of banking necessary for a motorcycle to ride normal to the
track, allowing for gyroscopic effects.
• Determination of the total reaction on the wheels, taking gyroscopic effects into account.
This unit is based on chapter 10 in the prescribed textbook No 2 for Gyroscope. Read and
understand the whole chapter. When you study pay more attention to the Learning Outcomes
above.

Go through Worked Examples 1 - 8, workbook and understand them very well. Do as many
problems as you can.

4.2 Recommended book(s)

1. Title: Modern Control Engineering Author: Ogate, Katsuhiko.
Edition: 5th
Publisher: Prentice-Hall
a
Or any textbook with relevant sections can be used.
Recommended books can be requested online, via the library catalogue.

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4.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)

Type here
E-reserves can be downloaded from the library catalogue. More information is available at
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/request

4.4 Library services and resources information

The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources:

• for brief information go to https://www.unisa.ac.za/library/libatglance

• for more detailed Library information, go to
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library
• for research support and services (e.g. Personal Librarians and literature search
services), go to
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Libraryservices/Research
-support

The Library has created numerous Library guides: http://libguides.unisa.ac.za

Recommended guides:

• request and find library material/download recommended material:

http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/request
postgraduate information services:
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/postgrad
• finding and using library resources and tools:
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/Research_skills
• Frequently asked questions about the Library: http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask
Services to students living with disabilities:
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/disability

Important contact information:

• https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask - Ask a Librarian

• Lib-help@unisa.ac.za - technical problems accessing library online services
• Library-enquiries@unisa.ac.za - general library related queries
• Library-fines@unisa.ac.za - for queries related to library fines and payments

5 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE

5.1 What does it mean to study fully online?
Studying fully online modules differs completely from studying some of your other modules at
Unisa.

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 • All your study material and learning activities for online modules are designed to be
delivered online on myUnisa.

• All of your assignments must be submitted online. This means that you do all your
activities and submit all your assignments on myUnisa. In other words, you may NOT post
your assignments to Unisa using the South African Post Office.

• All of the communication between you and the University happens online. Lecturers
will communicate to you by e-mail, SMS and using the Announcements, the Discussion
Forums and the Questions and Answers tools. You can also use all these ways to ask
questions and contact your lecturers.
5.2 The myUnisa tools you will use.
The main tool that we will use is the Lessons tool. The content and assessments of your module
will be provided in this tool. At times you will be directed to join discussions with fellow students
and complete activities and assessments before you can continue with the content of the module.
It is very important that you log in to myUnisa regularly. We recommend that you log in at least
once a week to do the following:

• Check for new announcements. You can also set your myLife e-mail account to receive
the announcement e-mails on your cell phone.

• Do Discussion Forum activities? When you do the activities for each learning unit, we
want you to share your answers with the other students in your group. You can read the
instructions and even prepare your answers offline, but you will need to go online to post
your messages. We have also provided the Social Cafe where you can socialise with the
other students in the module.

• Do other online activities. For some of the learning unit activities, you might need to post
something on the Blog tool, take a quiz or complete a survey under the Self-Assessment
tool. Do not skip these activities because they will help you complete the assignments and
the activities for the module.
We hope that by giving you extra ways to study the material and practise all of the activities, this
system will help you succeed in the online module. To get the most out of the online module you
MUST go online regularly to complete the activities and assignments on time.
5.3 Student support services
The Study@Unisa brochure is available on myUnisa: www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies
This brochure has all the tips and information you need to succeed at distance learning and,
specifically, at Unisa.

6 ASSESSMENTS AND GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES

6.1 Assessment criteria
The assessments for this year are continuous, meaning no examinations. The assessments will
be done through online minor tests, online major tests, and a semester project. There is no
practical work for this module.

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6.2 Assessment plan

There will be a total number of three (3) minor online tests, three (3) major online tests, and one
(1) Semester project.
6.2.1 The rules of the assessments

• Three major online tests will be written, of which the best two will be used to calculate the
final mark.
• Three minor online tests will be written, of which the best two will be used to calculate the
final mark.
• There will not be any additional marks given to the students who wrote all three major and
all three minor online tests However, they will be on the advantage side of doing better
since two of the best in each online major and minor test will be considered. Please refer
to Addendum C.
• There will be no additional sick or special online test or assessments provided in
this case.
• The semester project will be provided, and it will be assessed based on the ECSA
Graduate Attributes 1 (GA). Students must submit and meet all the requirements of the
provided semester project to qualify for the final mark addition. Failure to meet the semester
project deliverables, the student will be granted the re-submission (second chance to meet
the requirements) where the mark will be kept at 50%. Failure to meet the semester project
deliverables, in the re-submission. The student will not qualify for final mark addition
therefore automatically fail the course regardless of overall performance in both major and
minor online tests.
• Each student is required to write a minimum of two major online tests, two minor
online tests, submit and meet all the requirements of the semester project to qualify
for final mark addition.
• Repeat students will not be given credit for any prior year assignments or projects.

6.3 Graduate Attributes

6.3.1 Graduate Attribute definition
A statement of the learning outcomes that a student must demonstrate at exit-level to qualify for
an award of a qualification; these actions indicate the student’s capability to fulfil the educational
objectives
There are a total of eleven (11) Graduate attributes that can be tested for BTech NQF Level 8
qualification and Advanced Diploma in Engineering NQF Level 7. Since the Automatic Control

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(ACT3701) is an Advanced Diploma module therefore Graduate attributes 1 will be assessed
through a semester project as stated.
6.3.2 Description of Graduated Attribute 1
Graduate Attribute 1: Problem-solving
The semester project graduated attributes will be assessed according to the rubric in Addendum
B.
For more information regarding the Graduate Attributed please visit the link below:
https://www.ecsa.co.za/education/EducationDocs/E-08-PN.pdf
6.4 Assessments Weighting
The course mark is based on all the assignment marks obtained and their contribution towards
the final mark is as shown in the Tables below:

Breakdown of the Assessments Marks

Major Online test 1 30%

Major Online test 2 30%

Major Online test 3 30%

Subtotal 60% (2 best of 3 major tests)

Minor Online test 1 10%

Minor Online test 2 10%

Minor Online test 3 10%

Subtotal 20% (2 best of 3 minor tests)

Semester Project 20%

Total Semester Assessments Mark 100%

SUMMARY: The Final Mark will consist of the following weightings

Total Semester Assessments Mark Will be converted to final mark if the student
meets all the module requirements

Final Mark 100%

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Requirements to pass the module

Semester Project Pass by meeting GA 1 requirements

Final Mark Must Exceed 50%

6.5 Assessments Dates and Unique Numbers

The assessments dates and their unique numbers are presents in the Table below. Assignments
are numbered consecutively per module. For detailed information and requirements as far as
assignments are concerned, see My studies @ Unisa, which you received with your study
package.

Major Online Tests Dates Unique Number

Major Online test 1 02 July 2021 640664

Major Online test 2 27 August 2021 542758

Major Online test 3 29 October 2021 634341

Minor Online Tests Dates

Minor Online test 1 21 May 2021 733145

Minor Online test 2 23 July 2021 541587

Minor Online test 3 08 October 2021 890375

Semester Project Submission Dates

Semester Project (Compulsory) 02 August 2021 646218

Re-Submission of the year Project 16 August 2021 564291

Marks to be kept at 50%

Note: The assessment dates provided may change regarding the Departmental 2021 year
plan

6.6 Submission of the Semester project

THE SUBMISSION OF AN EMPTY PROJECT COVER IS UNACCEPTABLE.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING POINTS:

• No Late Project Submissions Will Be Accepted.

• Keep A Clear Copy of The Project for Your Own Reference. This Is Important, as projects do
get lost.

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• Submissions of Project Must Be in Accordance With “My Studies @ Unisa

7 CONCLUSIONS
Do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail if you are experiencing problems with the content of this
tutorial letter or with any academic aspect of the module.

We wish you a captivating and satisfying journey through the learning material and trust that you
will complete the module successfully.

Enjoy the journey!

Mr Ronny Thapelo Tebeta – lecturer for Automatic Control (ACT3701)

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

8 ADDENDUM
Addendum A: The module is broken down into Study units and the assessments schedule per
covered study Units are presented below:

Week 1 Study Unit 1

Week 2 Study Unit 2

Week 3 Study Unit 3

Week 4 Online Minor Test 1

Week 5 Online Major Test 1

Week 6 Study Unit 4

Week 7 Study Unit 5

Week 8 Study Unit 6

Week 9 Study Unit 7

Week 10 Online Minor Test 2

Week 11 Online Major Test 2

Week 12 Study Unit 8

Week 13 Study Unit 9

Week 14 - 15 Study Unit 10

Week 16 Online Minor Test 3

Week 17 Online Major Test 3

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Addendum B: Semester Project assessment rubric

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Automatic Control (ACT3701)
Version 1
SEMESTER PROJECT ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

A. GENERAL
Student Number:

Student Name

B. ASSESSMENT
Max Mark Allocated Mark
Item Deliverable
(%) (%)
Problem Identification:
• Is the problem defined and
1 analysed?
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• Were relevant criteria identified for
an acceptable solution?

Literature review:
• Is the relevant information of
literature conducted to solve the
problem? 10
2
• Is the applicable engineering
knowledge, skills used for solving
the related problem?

Problem-solving techniques:
• Were various approaches that
3 would lead to workable solutions 20
considered and formulated that?

Modelling of the solution:

• Are the solutions modelled and
analyzed?
4 • Were solutions evaluated and best 20
selected?
• Was the solution formulated and
presented in an appropriate form?
Model Testing and the Results:
5 • Are the results obtained relevant to
15
the applied methods?
• Are the results obtained well
19
 discussed?
Conclusions and Recommendations:
• Does the conclusion made
6 correlate with the project aim and
10
objectives?
• Are the stated recommendations
useful?
Language and style:
• Is there consistency in the
structure (font, spacing,
paragraphs in justified text, etc)
7 10
• Were the grammatical and syntax
errors checked?
• Was In-text referencing and
bibliography used?
Total 100

C. OVERALL COMMENTS:

UNISA Examiner:

General Comments:

Specific Comments:

External Examiner:

General Comments:

Specific Comments:

D. Graduate Attributes 1 Components:

• The problem is analysed and defined and criteria are identified for an acceptable
solution.
• Relevant information and engineering knowledge and skills are identified and
used for solving the problem.
• Various approaches are considered and formulated that would lead to workable
solutions.
• Solutions are modelled and analysed.
20
 AUC401M/101/0/2020

• Solutions are evaluated and the best solution is selected.

• The solution is formulated and presented in an appropriate form.

Is Graduate attribute 1 Additional Comments

as contemplated above
achieved (Y/N)
UNISA Examiner
External Examiner

Addendum C: Major and Minor online tests requirement for examination entrance

Sign Implication
1 Mean the student took the online test
0 This means the student did not take the
online test
Q Qualify for final Mark Addition
DQ Do not Qualify for Final Mark Addition

Major Online Tests Status

Major Online Major Online Major Online Total Major online Major online tests
test 1 test 2 test 3 tests taken standing
1 1 1 3 Q
1 1 0 2 Q
1 0 1 2 Q
0 1 1 2 Q
0 0 1 1 DQ
0 1 0 1 DQ
1 0 0 1 DQ
0 0 0 0 DQ

Minor Online Tests Status

Minor Online Minor Online Minor Online Total Minor Minor online tests
test 1 test 2 test 3 online tests taken standing
1 1 1 3 Q
1 1 0 2 Q
1 0 1 2 Q
0 1 1 2 Q
0 0 1 1 DQ
0 1 0 1 DQ
1 0 0 1 DQ
0 0 0 0 DQ

21