SE1CA5: Cybernetics and its Application

Module Provider:

School of Systems Engineering

Number of credits:

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:

C (Certificate)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn, Spring and Summer

Module Convenor:

Dr RJ Mitchell

Pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Module version for:

2006/7

Aims:
This module aims to demonstrate the principles of Cybernetics and show some applications.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module the students should be able to analyse simple feedback systems, analyse simple control systems, and describe suitable applications of cybernetics, namely artificial intelligence, robotics and biomedical engineering

Additional outcomes:
Students should also appreciate the breadth of the subject of Cybernetics.

Outline content:
This, the basic Cybernetics module, discusses fundamental principles of Cybernetics and their application in a wide variety of systems. Cybernetics is the study of systems, usually employing feedback. The module therefore includes feedback theory, which covers examples of technological, environmental and human feedback systems, analysis of feedback systems, positive and negative feedback, limits and dynamics in feedback systems, and simulation, including environmental systems. A simple application of feedback is for control, so the module also includes lectures on the modelling of simple systems, both first order and second order, and demonstrates the effect of single feedback loops when used with such systems.
Another application of Cybernetics is artificial intelligence: here various methods are looked at which are used to produce intelligent machines and where it is shown how some of these methods, such as neural networks, have arisen from considerations of human intelligence. The robotics section discusses the application of cybernetic principles in the control of robotic systems: types of robot are described. The final applications section gives an overview of the application of cybernetics to biomedical engineering.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module comprises 2 lectures per week, associated laboratory practicals and some revision tutorials. Laboratory practicals are used to reinforce the relevant lectures.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
The module is assessed by four three hour laboratory practicals during Part 1.
Relative percentage of coursework : 25%
Examinations
One 3 hour paper, comprising two examination questions on feedback, two on control, two on intelligence, and one each on robotics and biomedical cybernetics.
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in September.