Skip to main content
 

ENGI4577: Optimisation and Control for Artificial Intelligence 4

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 10
Availability Available in 2025/2026
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Engineering

Prerequisites

  • ENGI2211

Corequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combinations 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

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures10Weekly (over one term)2 hours20 
Surgeries10Weekly (over one term)1 hour5 
Preparation and Reading75 
Total100 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Online Examination2 hours100No

Formative Assessment

N/A

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.