Undergraduate Course: Computer Modelling (PHYS09057)
Course Outline
| School | School of Physics and Astronomy |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 9 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | 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. |
| Course description |
- 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
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2015/16, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| 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 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
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)
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| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
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.
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Additional Information
| Course URL |
https://www.learn.ed.ac.uk |
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
Online lectures and weekly practical session (each student selects one of two weekly practical times). |
| Keywords | CMod |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Andreas Hermann
Tel: (0131 6)50 5824
Email: |
Course secretary | Miss Paula Wilkie
Tel: (0131) 668 8403
Email: |
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