55:160 Control Theory, Fall 2008


Course Information

Instructor: Professor Erwei Bai, Office:  4316SC, erwei@engineering.uiowa.edu

Lecture 10:30-11:20am MWF 3321SC

Office Hours: MWF11:30-12:30p.m.

TA: Kent Hutchinson, 2325SC, kahutchi@engineering.uiowa.edu

8:30-10:30am Tu, 1:30-2:30pm, Thur

Prerequisite:  55:060 or equivalent.

Textbook: C.T. Chen, Linear System Theory and Design , 3rd Ed. 1999.

Reference: T. Kailath,  Linear Systems, Prentice Hall, 1980.

Syllabus: (1) Introduction.
              (2) Mathematical techniques for control, chaps 2 & 3
              (3) Marix solution for state space equation, chap 4
              (4) Controllability and Observability, chap 6
              (5) Canonical forms and minimal realization, chaps 6 & 7
              (6) Stability, chap 5
              (7) Advanced Topics.

 Assessment: Homework 10%, Exam 1 (TBA ) 25% , Exam 2 (TBA) 25%, Final (9:45am, Wednesday, Dec. 17) 40% (Comprehensive)

 Homework: Will be due on Wednesdays.  Graded homework will be returned the following week.

 Cheating and Calculator Policy: See attached.

 Makeups:  If you need a makeup, you must either present a medical certificate or let  me know at least 3 days in advance of the exam. Generally, requests for  makeups for nonmedical reasons, will be denied.

Occasionally concepts and techniques will be discussed in class that are not mentioned in the textbook.  Nonattendance will not be accepted as an excuse for not knowing these concepts, if they come up in an exam.

Other Information
1. Calculator Policy:  In an exam, while you may use calculators, you are not allowed to:
 (i) use a calculator that enables you to communicate with any other person; (ii) use any programming features that your calculator may have; (iii) conceal any preprogrammed material in your calculator.  We may conduct spot checks during exams.  Anyone found in violation of any of the above, will summarily get a grade of F.  In addition some of the more severe actions stated in (8) below may also be recommended.
2. Before returning your graded exams, I may randomly photocopy a number of these, and keep them for my files.  This is to prevent doctoring of answers after the exam has been graded and returned.  People who do try doctoring exams, should beware, that there is a likelihood of their exam having been xeroxed.  In such an event, I will compare the exam answers brought back to me with what I have in my files.  Anyone found doctoring an exam will receive an F.  As with the calculator policy, more severe disciplinary action may also be recommended.
3. Cheating Policy:  If you cheat or indulge in any unethical practice, in either an assignment or an exam, and are found out, you will face one or more of the following actions:
(i) You get a 0 for the exam/assignment that the violation occurs for.
(ii) You get an F for the course.
The specific action I take will depend on the severity of the violation as judged by me.  You always have mechanisms for appealing any decision taken.  Should I take or recommend any of the above actions, I will fully apprise you of these mechanisms.

As far as assignments go, I will tolerate some amount of consultation among students.  However, if you are at all in doubt about whether the type of consultation you plan to undertake is acceptable, please come and ask me before you do so.  If you don't, and I feel that your action has been improper, I will take any one of the above disciplinary steps.



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