Go to Courses and units

Control Systems 1 unit (ENG722)

2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information

Location: Hobart

Introduction

This unit introduces the fundamental principles in the modelling and control of linear time-invariant systems. On completion of this unit you will be able to design a feedback controller. The unit begins with an introduction to feedback control systems with analogy to mechanical and electronic systems. These dynamic systems are described by deriving mathematical models in both the frequency domain and time domain. This leads to deriving characteristic equations for high-order systems which are illustrated using both system diagrams and signal flow graphs. Transformation techniques will be explored to convert system representations to controller design domains. System stability and steady state errors will be derived for various order inputs, while considering the effects of disturbances. This is followed by exploring parameter sensitivity to identify critical parts in the system. Once completed, the effects of adding feedback will be investigated using a root locus. The unit concludes with designing an active and passive PID controller using a root locus to meet specified output responses. These are fundamental control theory topics required for advanced automation and control systems, and embedded systems, which are studied later in the degree.

Summary

Unit name Control Systems 1
Unit code ENG722
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
School of Engineering
Discipline Engineering
Coordinator Doctor Andrew Marshall
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Postgraduate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Model electrical, mechanical, and electro-mechanical systems using differential equations and state-space representations.
  • Determine the transfer functions of complex linear systems from block diagram representations and signal flow graphs.
  • Optimise design specifications in terms of the transient and steady-state performance of linear control systems.
  • Design a feedback control system using time and frequency domain methods.
  • Communicate the outcomes of an advanced control system's design.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
039999 $1,192.00 $1,192.00 not applicable $3,401.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KME771

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

ENG331

Teaching

AssessmentAssessed tutorials (20%)|Design report (20%)|Practical laboratory (20%)|Final exam (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

Recommended

Nise N (2019) Control Systems Engineering, 8th edn, Wiley

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.