Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2026-2027
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 2026/2027 | 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 engage with staff Office Hours for one‑to‑one or small‑group discussion of any aspect of the module. These sessions are offered weekly during teaching, timings are published on Learn Ultra.
- Coursework is appropriate because it allows students to work on realistic engineering problems.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 | Weekly (over one term) | 2 hours | 20 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 80 | ||||
| Total | 100 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Coursework | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Assignment | 2 hours | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
N/A
■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.