Undergraduate Course: Computer Modelling (PHYS09057)
Course Outline
School | School of Physics and Astronomy |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 9 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 10 |
Home subject area | Undergraduate (School of Physics and Astronomy) |
Other subject area | None |
Course website |
https://www.learn.ed.ac.uk |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
Course description | The course is a practical introduction to computational simulation techniques in physics, using the Java programming language. The rationale behind computer simulation will be introduced and the relationship between simulation, theory and experiment discussed. The course introduces good software development techniques, the algorithm/code design process and how to analyse/understand the results of simulations. Students are expected to work both individually and as part of a group. Assessment is by a series of exercises (completed with a partner/in a group) that lead to a mini-project to write a full simulation code - with an individual marked write-up. The material is available through Learn. The first three exercises must be marked by a demonstrator during a timetabled CP Lab session. |
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisites | None |
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | No |
Course Delivery Information
|
Delivery period: 2013/14 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1)
|
Learn enabled: Yes |
Quota: None |
|
Web Timetable |
Web Timetable |
Class Delivery Information |
Online lectures and weekly practical session (each student selects one of two weekly practical times). |
Course Start Date |
23/09/2013 |
Breakdown of Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 7,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 33,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
58 )
|
Additional Notes |
|
Breakdown of Assessment Methods (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
No Exam Information |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
- Explain why it is appropriate to solve certain physical problems, such as integration and modelling interacting particles using computer modelling.
- Understand the position of computer modelling in the scientific method.
- Be able to design algorithms and software to implement physical models.
- Write simple, object-oriented programs in Java.
- Recognise the importance of good software development practice and employ this in your programs.
- Exploit third-party packages, such as xmgrace and vmd, for the visualisation of results.
- Resolve conceptual and technical difficulties by locating and integrating relevant information from a diverse range of sources.
- Work as part of a software development team and collaborate effectively to produce good software. |
Assessment Information
100% Coursework: In-class marked checkpoints, submitted source code and written reports.
Checkpoints 30% (marked in class, as a group):
- Checkpoint 1 (0%)
- Checkpoint 2 (15%)
- Checkpoint 3 (15%)
Mini-project 70% (submitted online):
- Code and Algorithm Design (20%, as a group)
- Source Code (10%, as a group)
- Project Report (40%, individual)
|
Special Arrangements
None |
Additional Information
Academic description |
Not entered |
Syllabus |
- Computer simulation and modelling as part of science
- Basic code and algorithm design
- Software engineering good practice
- Simple object oriented programming in Java
- Use of external tools (VMD) for analysing modelling results |
Transferable skills |
Not entered |
Reading list |
Not entered |
Study Abroad |
Not entered |
Study Pattern |
Not entered |
Keywords | CMod |
Contacts
Course organiser | Dr Andrew Turner
Tel: (0131 6)51 3578
Email: andrew.turner@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Jillian Bainbridge
Tel: (0131 6)50 7218
Email: J.Bainbridge@ed.ac.uk |
|
© Copyright 2013 The University of Edinburgh - 13 January 2014 4:59 am
|