Study information

Digital Twins and Simulation - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEDigital Twins and Simulation CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECOMM515 MODULE CONVENERProf Jacqueline Christmas (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 40
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Digital twins and simulations are closely related concepts in that they both seek to represent real world systems with synthetic versions, but they are not the same things.  A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical system, a process or an organisation.  This might be placed within a simulation in order to test or develop its operating characteristics, but a simulation is a wider concept.  In this module we will explorer digital twins and simulations, what they are and what they are for, how to design and plan them to represent real world problems, and how to evaluate their qualities and characteristics.

As well as design and planning, you will also implement solutions, so will need to be fully comfortable with programming and software engineering.

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module will develop your analytical skills in evaluating real world problems, designing digital twins and simulations to represent them, and critically evaluating their qualities and outcomes.  We will cover a variety of case studies with different design considerations.  This will advance your systems analysis and system design capabilities, and enable you to propose solutions to new problems.  These skills are highly sought-after in many areas of application, including science, business and government.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Formulate a solution to a given problem using simulation and/or digital twin
2. Design and implement a digital twin/simulation for a given real-world problem

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

3. Critically evaluate the quality and outcomes of a simulation and/or digital twin approach
4. Organise problem domain concepts using relevant system analysis and design approaches

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

5. Critique existing relevant literature
6. Author a technical report for an appropriate audience

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

In relation to simulation and digital twins:

  • Introduction to simulation, digital twins and digital shadows
  • Types: physics-based, data-driven and hybrid
  • Architectures and approaches
  • Data integration and management
  • Optimisation and analytics
  • Deployment and scalability
  • Human interaction and collaboration
  • Case studies and applications

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 33 Guided Independent Study 117 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities  22 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 11 Workshops/tutorials 
Guided Independent Study 32 Individual assessed work
Guided Independent Study 85 Lecture and assessment preparation 

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Workshop exercises 1 hour per week All Model answers and verbal feedback 

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 30 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Exam 70 2 hours 1-5 Written
Coursework 30 30 hours All Written

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Exam Exam (70%) 2 hours 1-5 Referral/deferral period
Coursework Coursework (30%) 30 hours  All Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the failed or deferred element only. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 50%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

  • Parkin, Simon, A Game of Birds and Wolves: The Secret Game that Won the War, 2019

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Wednesday 22nd May 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 11th September 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Digital twins, simulation, modelling

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.