Engineering Control Systems and Instrumentation MSc

Core modules

You will study the principal types of process plant and the associated measurement and control equipment used in the process industries. You will develop models of process plant systems for optimising control system performance and you will study both analogue and digital control systems. You will study instrumentation systems used for the measurement of key process parameters such as temperature, pressure, level and composition. Emphasis is placed on the measurement of single phase and multiphase flows relevant to the oil & gas industries, in which the University of Huddersfield has specific research expertise. Real-time imaging systems for monitoring multiphase flows in pipes (e.g. oil-water or solids-water flows) are studied. During the practical work undertaken in the module you will design, build and test an electronic instrument e.g. an instrument for measuring the level of liquid in a tank. The module is assessed by examination (75%) and practical work (25%).

The aim of this module is to give you an appreciation of the technical possibilities and commercial implications of automating manufacturing processes with a strong emphasis on high-value, high-precision manufacturing. You will explore the principles behind the programming and use of machine tools, industrial robots and their control systems, such as PLCs. A significant portion of the taught material is in the form of case studies from industrially-based research work. The module is assessed by two pieces of problem-solving coursework (25% each) and an examination (50%) to ensure the key concepts have been learned.

In this module you will study signal processing techniques for characterising the transfer functions of different classes of process and system (process identification). You will also study Fourier Analysis techniques (including the Discrete Fourier Transform) for analysing the frequencies present in signals, enabling appropriate filters to be designed to isolate specific frequencies within those signals. You will study the design of high order analogue filters using MATLAB and SIMULINK software and you will also study digital filters and their design using z-transforms. The Cross Correlation signal processing technique, as applied to modern flow metering applications, is also studied. The module is assessed by examination (75%) and practical assignment (25%).

This module aims to raise your understanding of the strategic, leadership and technical aspects of project management and their role in adding competitive advantage to any enterprise. Concepts and techniques for programme and project management are introduced, developed and applied, with the aid of industrially relevant case material. Focus is placed upon the need for competence of project planning and control, together with contemporary methodologies such as Prince2 and Agile techniques. Through the module you will gain a firm grounding in the principles, processes, tools and techniques that underpin project management, but also be encouraged to challenge traditional thinking in the field. Team-working and communication skills are developed by means of group activity. Extensive use is made of software for project management with assessment undertaken through an equally weighted group project and examination.

The project provides the opportunity to undertake a major programme of advanced independent work. It requires you to investigate a chosen topic and achieve specified technical goals through good planning and the application of analytical, problem-solving and design skills. The project is developed in collaboration with either an industrial company or within one of the research groups in the School. Your supervising tutor will monitor progress and provide guidance in various aspects of the project including preparation of the final report.

This is an innovative module which delegates will find not only challenging but also very rewarding as it will extend the way they think about management excellence and research application. Through interactive module content, based upon the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence, you will be guided through the theory and practice of professional development and research. Through the use of a number of diagnostic instruments and application tools, you will be able to benchmark your leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills, thereby providing a firm foundation for reflective career planning through portfolio development. On completion, you will be equipped to manage your career through to professional registration and have the ability to lead complex research projects. This activity will be supported by seminars led by experts in the field of research and development from academia and industry, prior to the delivery of equally weighted group and individual project assessments.

Optional modules

This module has been designed to build on your skills in modelling, designing, processing and simulating a range of analogue and digital systems. To support you in this the module reviews the hardware and software aspects of virtual instrumentation (VI). You’ll have the opportunity to use graphical and C/C++ programming languages using PC’s and interface cards as the hardware platform. Industry standard software tools (such as LabVIEW) will also be explored to help design and simulate real systems.

The module combines the theory and practical application of metrology for dimensional measurement of manufactured components. The module reviews the basic principles of metrology including calibration, traceability and inter-changeability. You'll be supported in performing measurements and in analysing data during laboratory work and study contemporary instruments including laser interferometers and co-ordinate measurement machines (CMMs). The application of international standards and the propagation of uncertainty associated with practical measurement, in particular the effects of temperature, will be reviewed and the use of temperature measurement techniques such as thermal imaging will be covered.

The module aims to equip you with the qualities and transferable skills necessary to design, model and simulate electromechanical systems and their control via power electronic converters, for example, servo motion control applications in machine tools, robotics and automated production equipment. Mechanical loads, types, modelling and interaction with an electromagnetic machines will be discussed along with thermal design and management. Measurement, data acquisition and system control / management platforms and protocols. Energy efficiency and the move to “more electrified” systems across the industrial, automotive, aerospace and marine sectors will be studied.

Every effort is made to obtain an industrial based project, but all projects are real and relevant.

The course is taught principally through lectures, tutorials, studio-based assignment work and lab-based research activities.18.7% of the study time on this course is spent in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc.

Projects are supported by University research groups and by many industrial organisations working in the field of engineering control systems and instrumentation. Students sometimes complete part or all of the major project work on-site in industry. These industry-based projects provide dedicated resources to tackle problems in areas of strategic interest to the companies involved.

Assessment methods reflect the emphasis of the course on the ability to apply knowledge and skills, and are diversely linked to examination, assignment, project work, research and laboratory activities.

19% of the study time on this course is spent in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc.

Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results.