Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4F1: Control System Design, 2025-26
Module Leader
Lecturer
Lab Leader
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + coursework. Assessment: 75% exam/25% coursework
Prerequisites
3F1 and 3F2 useful
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- establish for the students a fundamental approach to the design of linear control systems.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- understand the role and importance of feedback for the control of uncertain dynamical systems.
- demonstrate the information conveyed via root locus diagrams for transient behaviour and basic frequency response analysis using Nyquist (polar) and Bode plots.
- following its basic derivation, illustrate the use of the Nyquist stability criterion with both open loop stable and open loop unstable systems;
- understand factors which limit achievable performance in feedback systems.
- use analytical tools to understand trade-offs (e.g. Bode gain/phase relations, sensitivity integrals).
- translate general requirements for robustness and performance into specifications on the open-loop frequency response.
- use computer software for simple control system design and system simulation
- design simple compensators to achieve such specifications.
Content
Control system design (11L)
- System dynamics, stability and instability, principles and use of root locus plots, derivation of Nyquist stability criterion, Bode theorems and plots.
- Design of simple P.I.D. controllers and phase compensators. Sensitivity, complementary sensitivity and SISO robustness. Non-minimum phase systems and limitations, bandwidth. Delays in systems.
- Two degree of freedom design.
Introduction to Coursework (1L)
Case studies and simulation.
Coursework
Case studies and design by simulation and computer software, e.g. use of Matlab. Four hours DPO time plus report (further four hours).
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
Coursework activity #1 Final Coursework 1 brief description Learning objective:
|
Individual Report anonymously marked |
Fri week 9 [15/60] |
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
D1
Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
D4
Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
E4
Understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach to engineering problems.
P1
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US2
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.
Last modified: 04/06/2025 13:30
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4F1: Control System Design, 2019-20
Module Leader
Lecturer
Lab Leader
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + coursework. Assessment: 75% exam/25% coursework
Prerequisites
3F1 and 3F2 useful
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- establish for the students a fundamental approach to the design of linear control systems.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- understand the role and importance of feedback for the control of uncertain dynamical systems.
- demonstrate the information conveyed via root locus diagrams for transient behaviour and basic frequency response analysis using Nyquist (polar) and Bode plots.
- following its basic derivation, illustrate the use of the Nyquist stability criterion with both open loop stable and open loop unstable systems;
- understand factors which limit achievable performance in feedback systems.
- use analytical tools to understand trade-offs (e.g. Bode gain/phase relations, sensitivity integrals).
- translate general requirements for robustness and performance into specifications on the open-loop frequency response.
- use computer software for simple control system design and system simulation
- design simple compensators to achieve such specifications.
Content
Control system design (11L)
- System dynamics, stability and instability, principles and use of root locus plots, derivation of Nyquist stability criterion, Bode theorems and plots.
- Design of simple P.I.D. controllers and phase compensators. Sensitivity, complementary sensitivity and SISO robustness. Non-minimum phase systems and limitations, bandwidth. Delays in systems.
- Two degree of freedom design.
Introduction to Coursework (1L)
Case studies and simulation.
Coursework
Case studies and design by simulation and computer software, e.g. use of Matlab. Four hours DPO time plus report (further four hours).
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
[Coursework activity #1 title / Interim] Coursework 1 brief description Learning objective: |
Individual/group Report / Presentation [non] anonymously marked |
day during term, ex: Thu week 3 [xx/60] |
|
[Coursework activity #2 title / Final] Coursework 2 brief description Learning objective: |
Individual Report anonymously marked |
Wed week 9 [xx/60] |
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group F Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
D1
Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
D4
Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
E4
Understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach to engineering problems.
P1
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US2
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.
Last modified: 28/05/2019 15:07
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4E6: Accounting & Finance, 2021-22
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr O Cole and Dr M Boisseau-Sierra
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% coursework
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide an introductory understanding of financial reporting and decision making by companies.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- construct the company financial statements from a jumble of raw data.
- interpret these statements.
- understand how to identify and finance the investments companies should undertake.
- understand why and how companies compensate their investors.
Content
The first part of the module examines fundamental accounting concepts, and shows how to construct and interpret company accounts, a critical source of information to outside investors. The second part of the module tackles the three key areas of company decision making: the capital budgeting decisions of how the company should invest; the financing decisions of how the company should raise the investment capital; and the payout decisions of how the company should compensate its shareholder
Financial Accounting
Detailed discussion of fundamental accounting concepts; construction of company financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement); an awareness of creative accounting
Finance
Nature and objectives of finance; time value of money and risk versus return; capital budgeting decisions (opportunity cost of capital, investment rules such as Net Present Value; financing decisions (debt versus equity); payout decisions (dividends and share repurchases).
Coursework
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
100% Coursework on Accounting and Finance The Accounting section carries 50% of the mark and the Finance section the remaining 50% Learning objective:
|
Individual Report anonymously marked |
Fri week 1 Lent Term [xx/60] |
|
|
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
S1
The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.
S2
Extensive knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations, and how these may be applied appropriately to strategic and tactical issues.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
Last modified: 20/05/2021 07:48
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4E6: Accounting & Finance, 2020-21
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr O Cole and Dr M Boisseau-Sierra
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% coursework
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide an introductory understanding of financial reporting and decision making by companies.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- construct the company financial statements from a jumble of raw data.
- interpret these statements.
- understand how to identify and finance the investments companies should undertake.
- understand why and how companies compensate their investors.
Content
The first part of the module examines fundamental accounting concepts, and shows how to construct and interpret company accounts, a critical source of information to outside investors. The second part of the module tackles the three key areas of company decision making: the capital budgeting decisions of how the company should invest; the financing decisions of how the company should raise the investment capital; and the payout decisions of how the company should compensate its shareholder
Financial Accounting
Detailed discussion of fundamental accounting concepts; construction of company financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement); an awareness of creative accounting
Finance
Nature and objectives of finance; time value of money and risk versus return; capital budgeting decisions (opportunity cost of capital, investment rules such as Net Present Value; financing decisions (debt versus equity); payout decisions (dividends and share repurchases).
Coursework
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
100% Coursework on Accounting and Finance The Accounting section carries 50% of the mark and the Finance section the remaining 50% Learning objective:
|
Individual Report anonymously marked |
Fri week 1 Lent Term [xx/60] |
|
|
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
S1
The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.
S2
Extensive knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations, and how these may be applied appropriately to strategic and tactical issues.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
Last modified: 01/09/2020 10:35
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4E6: Accounting & Finance, 2019-20
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr O Cole and Dr M Boisseau-Sierra
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% coursework
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide an introductory understanding of financial reporting and decision making by companies.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- construct the company financial statements from a jumble of raw data.
- interpret these statements.
- understand how to identify and finance the investments companies should undertake.
- understand why and how companies compensate their investors.
Content
The first part of the module examines fundamental accounting concepts, and shows how to construct and interpret company accounts, a critical source of information to outside investors. The second part of the module tackles the three key areas of company decision making: the capital budgeting decisions of how the company should invest; the financing decisions of how the company should raise the investment capital; and the payout decisions of how the company should compensate its shareholder
Financial Accounting
Detailed discussion of fundamental accounting concepts; construction of company financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement); an awareness of creative accounting
Finance
Nature and objectives of finance; time value of money and risk versus return; capital budgeting decisions (opportunity cost of capital, investment rules such as Net Present Value; financing decisions (debt versus equity); payout decisions (dividends and share repurchases).
Coursework
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
100% Coursework on Accounting and Finance The Accounting section carries 50% of the mark and the Finance section the remaining 50% Learning objective:
|
Individual Report anonymously marked |
Fri week 1 Lent Term [xx/60] |
|
|
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group E Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
S1
The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.
S2
Extensive knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations, and how these may be applied appropriately to strategic and tactical issues.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
Last modified: 09/10/2019 07:02
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4E6: Accounting & Finance, 2018-19
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr O Cole and Dr M Boisseau-Sierra
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% coursework
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide an introductory understanding of financial reporting and decision making by companies.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- construct the company financial statements from a jumble of raw data.
- interpret these statements using financial ratios.
- understand how to identify and finance the investments companies should undertake.
- understand why and how companies compensate their investors.
Content
The first part of the module examines fundamental accounting concepts, and shows how to construct and interpret company accounts, a critical source of information to outside investors. The second part of the module tackles the three key areas of company decision making: the capital budgeting decisions of how the company should invest; the financing decisions of how the company should raise the investment capital; and the payout decisions of how the company should compensate its shareholder
Financial Accounting
Detailed discussion of fundamental accounting concepts; construction of company financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement); an awareness of creative accounting
Finance
Nature and objectives of finance; time value of money and risk versus return; capital budgeting decisions (opportunity cost of capital, investment rules such as Net Present Value; financing decisions (debt versus equity); payout decisions (dividends and share repurchases).
Coursework
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
100% Coursework on Accounting and Finance The Accounting section carries 50% of the mark and the Finance section the remaining 50% Learning objective:
|
Individual Report anonymously marked |
Fri week 1 Lent Term [xx/60] |
|
|
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group E Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
S1
The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.
S2
Extensive knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations, and how these may be applied appropriately to strategic and tactical issues.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
Last modified: 18/09/2018 13:40
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4E6: Accounting & Finance, 2025-26
Module Leader
Lecturers
Lecturer
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide an introductory understanding of financial reporting and decision making by companies.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- construct the company financial statements from a jumble of raw data.
- interpret these statements.
- understand how to identify and finance the investments companies should undertake.
- understand why and how companies compensate their investors.
Content
The first part of the module examines fundamental accounting concepts, and shows how to construct and interpret company accounts, a critical source of information to outside investors. The second part of the module tackles the three key areas of company decision making: the capital budgeting decisions of how the company should invest; the financing decisions of how the company should raise the investment capital; and the payout decisions of how the company should compensate its shareholder
Financial Accounting
Detailed discussion of fundamental accounting concepts; construction of company financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement); an awareness of creative accounting
Finance
Nature and objectives of finance; time value of money and risk versus return; capital budgeting decisions (opportunity cost of capital, investment rules such as Net Present Value; financing decisions (debt versus equity); payout decisions (dividends and share repurchases).
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
S1
The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.
S2
Extensive knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations, and how these may be applied appropriately to strategic and tactical issues.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
Last modified: 04/06/2025 13:28
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4E6: Accounting & Finance, 2023-24
Module Leader
Lecturers
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide an introductory understanding of financial reporting and decision making by companies.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- construct the company financial statements from a jumble of raw data.
- interpret these statements.
- understand how to identify and finance the investments companies should undertake.
- understand why and how companies compensate their investors.
Content
The first part of the module examines fundamental accounting concepts, and shows how to construct and interpret company accounts, a critical source of information to outside investors. The second part of the module tackles the three key areas of company decision making: the capital budgeting decisions of how the company should invest; the financing decisions of how the company should raise the investment capital; and the payout decisions of how the company should compensate its shareholder
Financial Accounting
Detailed discussion of fundamental accounting concepts; construction of company financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement); an awareness of creative accounting
Finance
Nature and objectives of finance; time value of money and risk versus return; capital budgeting decisions (opportunity cost of capital, investment rules such as Net Present Value; financing decisions (debt versus equity); payout decisions (dividends and share repurchases).
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
S1
The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.
S2
Extensive knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations, and how these may be applied appropriately to strategic and tactical issues.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
Last modified: 27/09/2023 15:15
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4E6: Accounting & Finance, 2017-18
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr O Cole and Prof A Jagolinzer
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% coursework
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide an introductory understanding of financial reporting and decision making by companies.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- construct the company financial statements from a jumble of raw data.
- interpret these statements using financial ratios.
- understand how to identify and finance the investments companies should undertake.
- understand why and how companies compensate their investors.
Content
The first part of the module examines fundamental accounting concepts, and shows how to construct and interpret company accounts, a critical source of information to outside investors. The second part of the module tackles the three key areas of company decision making: the capital budgeting decisions of how the company should invest; the financing decisions of how the company should raise the investment capital; and the payout decisions of how the company should compensate its shareholder
Financial Accounting
Detailed discussion of fundamental accounting concepts; construction of company financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement); interpretation of company financial statements (ratio analysis); an awareness of creative accounting
Finance
Nature and objectives of finance; time value of money and risk versus return; capital budgeting decisions (opportunity cost of capital, investment rules such as Net Present Value; financing decisions (debt versus equity); payout decisions (dividends and share repurchases).
Coursework
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
100% Coursework on Accounting and Finance The Accounting section carries 50% of the mark and the Finance section the remaining 50% Learning objective:
|
Individual Report anonymously marked |
Fri week 1 Lent Term [xx/60] |
|
|
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group E Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
S1
The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.
S2
Extensive knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations, and how these may be applied appropriately to strategic and tactical issues.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
Last modified: 18/09/2017 07:34
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4E6: Accounting & Finance, 2024-25
Module Leader
Lecturers
Lecturer
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide an introductory understanding of financial reporting and decision making by companies.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- construct the company financial statements from a jumble of raw data.
- interpret these statements.
- understand how to identify and finance the investments companies should undertake.
- understand why and how companies compensate their investors.
Content
The first part of the module examines fundamental accounting concepts, and shows how to construct and interpret company accounts, a critical source of information to outside investors. The second part of the module tackles the three key areas of company decision making: the capital budgeting decisions of how the company should invest; the financing decisions of how the company should raise the investment capital; and the payout decisions of how the company should compensate its shareholder
Financial Accounting
Detailed discussion of fundamental accounting concepts; construction of company financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement); an awareness of creative accounting
Finance
Nature and objectives of finance; time value of money and risk versus return; capital budgeting decisions (opportunity cost of capital, investment rules such as Net Present Value; financing decisions (debt versus equity); payout decisions (dividends and share repurchases).
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
S1
The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.
S2
Extensive knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations, and how these may be applied appropriately to strategic and tactical issues.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
Last modified: 31/05/2024 10:06
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