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EX4013: PROCESS CONTROL (2025-2026)

Last modified: 11 Jul 2025 14:16


Course Overview

This course focuses on the fundamental principles of control theory and the practice of automatic process control. The basic concepts involved in process control are then introduced, including the elements of control systems, feedback/forward control, block diagrams, and transfer functions. The mathematical techniques required for the analysis of process control are covered, focussing on Laplace Transform analysis. Development to more general situations is made through the study of second order systems and the application of compensation including PID control. The control theory developed is applied to a range of chemical engineering problems using simulation tools.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Panagiotis Kechagiopoulos

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course focuses on the fundamental principles of control theory and the practice of automatic process control. The dynamic behaviour of process equipment is reviewed and the need for control established. The basic concepts involved in process control are then introduced, including the elements of control systems, feedback/forward control, block diagrams and transfer functions. The mathematical techniques required for the analysis of process control are covered, focussing on Laplace Transform analysis, before students begin to develop simple control loops for first order systems.

Development to more general situations is made through the study of second and higher order systems and the application of compensation including PID control. The control theory developed is applied to a range of chemical engineering problems using simulation tools. Students complete a case study which is marked as part of the continuous assessment element of the course.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2025 for 1st Term courses and 19 December 2025 for 2nd Term courses.

Summative Assessments

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 75
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
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Continious Assessment

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 25
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
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Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Resit failed element in same format

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
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Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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