Course Details in 2025/26 Session


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Module Title LM Railway Control and Digital Systems
SchoolSchool of Engineering
Department Civil Engineering
Module Code 04 38999
Module Lead Hongsin Kim
Level Masters Level
Credits 20
Semester Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions None
Contact Hours Lecture-34 hours
Tutorial-6 hours
Practical Classes and workshops-10 hours
Supervised time in studio/workshop-5 hours
External Visits-5 hours
Guided independent study-140 hours
Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description This module allows students to gain a detailed knowledge and understanding of signalling, control, and digital systems within railways. It covers fundamental principles and concepts for the design, implementation, reliability, and maintainability of signalling and railway control systems, as well as other digital systems within railways, taking into account the essential requirements of cost, capacity and customer comfort, while minimising carbon output. Technical and operation considerations for railway systems, such as safety and information security are addressed throughout the module. Digital system analysis and synthesis techniques are also included, for example modelling and simulation, to enable a thorough understanding and application of railway control functions and digital systems.

The module is delivered through case studies, interactive lectures, and team activities to develop the requisite knowledge, knowhow and skills, with support from guest lecturers from industry.
Learning Outcomes By the end of the module students should be able to:
  • Calculate railway capacity for different types of lineside and train-based signalling and railway control systems, including absolute moving block and the concepts of virtual coupling;
  • Analyse the safety and performance, in terms reliability and accuracy, of complex signalling, control, and digital systems in place across the world, both qualitatively and quantitatively;
  • Select the appropriate railway control and/or digital systems for different types of railway, including the choice of train location technology and track to train communication and v.v;
  • Create basic digital models of railway control systems and apply digital techniques to the analysis and design of systems of railway control and service management systems;
  • Identify and create appropriate carbon reduction approaches for railway control systems and other railway digital systems;
  • Select and apply the appropriate grade of automation for the operation and protection of a railway of any type, e.g., high-speed, mainline, metro, and tram.
Assessment 38999-05 : Module Mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions Assessment:

2-hour exam (50%);
Report (25%);
Digital model (25%).

Reassessment:

Re-complete failed component(s).
Other This is the Dubai equivalent of module 04 34517
Reading List