CSC3634 : Fault Tolerant and Cyber-Physical Systems
CSC3634 : Fault Tolerant and Cyber-Physical Systems
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Stephen Riddle
- Lecturer: Dr Amy Nejati
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The module aims to provide an overview of the concepts of reliability, and fault tolerance, with a particular focus on cyber-physical systems (CPSs). We provide a systems approach to the design, evaluation and implementation fault tolerance in CPSs and other computer systems, exemplified by case studies of present-day systems.
This module will introduce the student to the principles of system dependability, fault tolerance, and CPSs. It motivates the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to the design of CPS, the need for a systems approach to fault tolerance, and the use of modelling and simulation to support these.
Outline Of Syllabus
• An overview of system dependability and cyber-physical system concepts. The need for reliability techniques
for achieving reliability.
• The need for a multi-disciplinary systems approach to the design of modern systems. Fault tolerance
principles, implementations and limitations.
• Error detection and error recovery techniques. Software and hardware fault tolerance.
• An introduction to real-time control and controller tuning.
• Usage of model-based design for cyber-physical systems.
• Real-world case studies on fault tolerance and CPSs.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
To be able to:
• Discuss the principles of fault tolerance and cyber-physical systems.
• Identify various dependability requirements.
• Explain system structure and behaviour.
• Identify the four common phases of fault tolerance.
• Distinguish fault, error, and failure, and forward and backward error recovery.
• Analyse and apply the principles of real-time loop control.
• Select appropriate modelling techniques for different system elements.
Intended Skill Outcomes
To be able to:
• Analyse systems and define their requirements for fault tolerance.
• Assess techniques for implementing fault tolerance and select appropriate solutions in applications.
• Implement the required software and systems design to ensure optimal fault tolerance and reliability across
all four phases of fault tolerance.
• Use modelling and analysis for controllers for a CPSs.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Lectures (in person). |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Coursework write-up. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 15:00 | 15:00 | Revision for final exam and exam duration. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 8 | 2:00 | 16:00 | Practicals (in person) for CPS. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Guided tool exercises to introduce technologies for coursework. |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Formative exercises in Fault Tolerance. |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Practical coursework. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Workshop (in person) for Fault Tolerance. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 73 | 1:00 | 73:00 | Background reading. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Lecture follow-up. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Techniques and theory are presented in lectures. Supervised practicals on a PC cluster room. Workshops in a seminar space provide experience of applying techniques with help available. Further practical work takes place during the private study hours.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 50 | Examination (in person). |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 50 | Co-modelling exercise and report (2000 words). |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | Short non-assessed exercises in fault tolerance and modelling techniques. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The examination emphasizes assessment of the Fault Tolerance parts of the course and assesses understanding and application of techniques.
The coursework focuses on the CPS aspects but incorporates faults and fault tolerance aspects to provide a coherent approach to assessment.
Formative (non-assessed) exercises in fault tolerance provide experience in applying the techniques, and formative exercises in CPS introduce tools and techniques required to complete the coursework.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC3634's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CSC3634's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.