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Advanced Topics in Control
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:37:56
Abstract
Advanced Topics in Control (ATIC) covers advanced research topics in control theory. It is offered each Spring semester with the topic rotating from year to year. Repetition for credit is possible, with consent of the instructor. During the spring of 2020, the course will cover a range of topics in distributed systems control.
Objective
By the end of this course you will have developed a sound and versatile toolkit to tackle a range of problems in network systems and distributed systems control. In particular, we will develop the methodological foundations of algebraic graph theory, consensus algorithms, and multi-agent systems. Building on top of these foundations we cover a range of problems in epidemic spreading over networks, swarm robotics, sensor networks, opinion dynamics, distributed optimization, and electrical network theory.
Content
Distributed control systems include large-scale physical systems, engineered multi-agent systems, as well as their interconnection in cyber-physical systems. Representative examples are electric power grids, swarm robotics, sensor networks, and epidemic spreading over networks. The challenges associated with these systems arise due to their coupled, distributed, and large-scale nature, and due to limited sensing, communication, computing, and control capabilities. This course covers algebraic graph theory, consensus algorithms, stability of network systems, distributed optimization, and applications in various domains.
Resources
Lecture Notes
A complete set of lecture notes and slides will be provided.
Literature
The course will be largely based on the following set of lecture notes co-authored by one of the instructors: http://motion.me.ucsb.edu/book-lns/
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Advanced Topics in Control |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Advanced Topics in Control |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Robotics, Systems and Control (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor. .)
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Biomedical Engineering Master (Only courses offered under "GESS Science in Perspective" count in this category. See "Offered in" tab in course view. For more information, please refer to )
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioelectronics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
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Track: Systems and Control (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Systems and Control", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Systems and Control". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
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Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved form courses during the Master Program. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Core Subjects (These core subjects are particularly recommended for the field of "Systems and Control".)
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Doctorate Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (A minimum of 12 ECTS credit points must be obtained during doctoral studies (also see sub-categories for details) More Information at )
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Subject Specialisation (The courses on offer below are but a small selection out of a much larger available number of courses. Please discuss your course selection with your PhD supervisor.)
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