Module Details

Module Code: PHYS6006
Title: Intro. Industrial Automation
Long Title: Intro to Industrial Automation
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: To provide a first level module in Programmable Logic Control and associated automation including its applications in process industry. The learner requires no prior knowledge in this area.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 describe the operation of a PLC
LO2 explain the application of PLCs in Industrial settings
LO3 write, compile, debug and apply programs using ladder logic for industrial applications
LO4 state the operation and application of industrial relevant network concepts.
LO5 describe the operation and application of automation hierarchy
LO6 Describe the operation of and write basic programs using SCADA software
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
13467 PHYS6006 Intro. Industrial Automation
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
None
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
None
 
Indicative Content
PLC
What is a PLC? Construction of a PLC, Difference between a PLC and a PC, Different Types of PLC, PLC hardware, PLC modules, Why use PLCs for automation? PLC operating system and application programme software.
Automation Hierarchy
Distinguish between the different levels of industrial automation, including SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) and CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing). Introduction to the fundamental concepts of network communications and structures.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,6
Assessment Description
Lab programs
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Assessment Description
Testing theory knowledge
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,6
Assessment Description
Programming skills evaluation
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,6
Assessment Description
Programming skills evaluation
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures on introductory automation concepts Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Laboratory practicals on automation fundamentals Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study revision of automation concepts Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Learning Non Contact No Description Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent Learning Non Contact No Description Every Week 1.50 1.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Frank Lamb. (2016), PLC Hardware and Programming, AuthorHouse, [ISBN: 9781524648183].
  • Hans Berger. (2016), Automating with SIMATIC: Hardware and Software, Configuration and Programming, Data Communication, Operator Control and Monitoring, John Wiley & Sons, [ISBN: 9783895789434].
  • Richard Zurawski. (2017), Industrial Communication Technology Handbook, Second Edition. [ISBN: 9781482207330].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 3 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 3 Mandatory
CR_SINAU_8 Certificate in Advanced Industrial Automation 1 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 3 Mandatory