Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2025-2026

Module ENGI4577: Optimisation and Control for Artificial Intelligence 4

Department: Engineering

ENGI4577: Optimisation and Control for Artificial Intelligence 4

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2025/2026 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to H100
Tied to H211
Tied to H212
Tied to H213
Tied to H311
Tied to H312
Tied to H313
Tied to H411
Tied to H412
Tied to H413
Tied to H511
Tied to H512
Tied to H513
Tied to H711
Tied to H712
Tied to H713
Tied to H811
Tied to H812
Tied to H813
Tied to H911
Tied to H912
Tied to H913

Prerequisites

  • ENGI2211

Corequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • To understand optimisation and control techniques that can be used to improve AI-driven engineering systems.
  • To give students the tools and training to recognize and formulate optimisation and control problems that arise in AI applications.
  • To present the basic theory of such problems, concentrating on results that are useful in AI-driven applications and computation.
  • To give students a thorough understanding of how such problems are solved in AI contexts, and practical experience in solving them.
  • To provide students with the background required to use optimisation and control methods in their own AI research work or applications.

Content

  • Optimisation theory and techniques for AI applications.
  • Model Predictive Control (MPC) theory and implementation.
  • Applications of optimisation and MPC in AI-driven engineering systems.
  • Integration of machine learning techniques with optimisation and control.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • A knowledge and understanding of optimisation and control theory and techniques as applied to AI-driven systems.
  • AHEP4 Learning Outcomes: In order to satisfy Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) accreditation requirements the following Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes are assessed within this module:
  • M1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (assessed by an In-Class Test).
Subject-specific Skills:
  • An awareness of current analysis methods in AI optimisation and control along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
  • An in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialised and advanced technical skills in AI-driven optimisation and control, an ability to perform critical assessment and review, and an ability to communicate the results of their own work effectively.
Key Skills:
  • Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice in AI and engineering.
  • Highly specialised numerical and computational skills appropriate to an AI engineer.
  • Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced AI concepts in engineering optimisation and control.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The Optimisation module is covered in lectures, and reinforced by problem sheets, leading to the required problem solving capability.
  • Two hour lectures delivered in a single term, structured as one lecture of methods followed by one lecture of exercises. The methodology taught in the first hour would be immediately followed by a second hour of exercises to consolidate student knowledge and understanding of optimisation theory and techniques.
  • Students are encouraged to make use of "Surgeries" to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign up sessions available for up to one hour per week per lecture course.
  • The module will be assessed by an In-Class Test which will take place in the Easter term. An In-Class Test is appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently as well as that they have deeply engaged with the material.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 Weekly (over one term) 2 hours 20
Surgeries 10 Weekly (over one term) 1 hour 5
Preparation and Reading 75
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Online Examination 2 hours 100% No

Formative Assessment:

N/A


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University