Study information

Scientific Computing 2 - 2020 entry

MODULE TITLEScientific Computing 2 CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECM2913 MODULE CONVENERUnknown
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 10
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module builds on your groundwork in scientific programming and introduces you to using computational methods to solve mathematical problems. You will apply your programming skills to implement various methods in numerical mathematics, including root finding and solving linear systems and differential equations. You will learn how to implement numerical methods into efficient computer code, as well as how to import and make use of Python’s powerful libraries.

AIMS - intentions of the module

Contemporary mathematics and statistics are increasingly turning to the use of computationally intensive methodologies. High-level skills in programming and scientific computing are crucial for the implementation and development of modern computational tools and are necessary for the analysis and understanding of complex mathematical models and data alike.

This module will introduce you to fundamental concepts in computational mathematics using open-source software (Python). This module will run alongside other relevant first year subjects and will teach you how to use modern computing techniques to solve real-life problems.

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 Develop an understanding of a broad range of numerical methods to solve mathematical problems; 2 Develop and implement computer algorithms based on numerical procedures;
3 Enhance your understanding of basic programming to write more complex programs;
4 Demonstrate competency in the use of scripts and functions;
5 Develop good programming practice as is standard in science, business and industry;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
6 Develop fundamental skills necessary to implement core and advanced techniques introduced in other modules across the programme;
7 Understand the importance of reproducibility in science and industry;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
8 Use programming to formulate and solve mathematical problems;
9 Demonstrate appropriate use of learning resources;
10 Demonstrate self-management and time management skills.
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
  • Root finding (bisection, fixed-point iteration, Newton-Raphson)
  • Solving linear systems (direct and iterative methods, incl. Gaussian elimination, LU decomposition, Jacobi and Gauss-Seidel methods)
  • Numerical differentiation (finite difference schemes)
  • Initial value problems (Euler, Runge-Kutta)
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 44 Guided Independent Study 106 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 11 Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities  33 Computer practicals and tutorials
Guided Independent Study 106 Assessment preparation, computing, wider reading

 

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
Weekly Exercises 3 hours 1-10  
       
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
In-class tests based on formative question sheets and lecture material 30 Students will be set a small number of programming tasks based on material and exercise sheets from previous weeks to be attempted in class in a set time (approx. 40 mins). 1-6, 8-10 Marked by Tutor
In-class programming assignment 70 More extensive, multi-part programming task to be completed in class 1-6,8-10 Marked by Tutor
         
         
         

 

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
All Above Coursework (100%) All August Ref/Def Period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.

If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

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:

ELE - http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Gerald C.F. & Wheatley P.O. Applied Numerical Analysis 7th Anderson-Wesley 2004 978-8131717400
Set Zelle, J. Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science 2nd Edition Franklin, Beedle & Associates 2010 978-1590282410
Set Stoyan, G. and Baran, A. Elementary Numerical Mathematics for Programmers and Engineers Birkhäuser 2016 978-3319446592
Set Grasselli, M. Numerical Mathematics Jones and Bartlett Publishers 2006 978-0763737672
Set Hammerlin, G. and Hoffmann, K.H. Numerical Mathematics (Readings in Mathematics) Springer 1991 978-0387974941
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 25th June 2019 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 21st August 2020
KEY WORDS SEARCH Computing; Programming; Python; Algorithms

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