Catalogue of Modules, University of Nottingham

G14PSC Programming for Scientific Computation
(Last Updated:08 April 2013)

Year  11/12

Total Credits: 20

Level: Level 4

Target Students:  This module forms part of the 60 credit core for MSc in Numerical Techniques for Finance, MSc in Scientific Computation, MSc in Scientific Computation with Industrial Mathematics, and MSc in Scientific Computation with Mathematical Medicine and Biology. Available to students from the Integrated Masters programmes offered by the School of Mathematical Sciences. Available to JYA/Erasmus students.  Available to JYA/Erasmus students.

Taught Semesters:

SemesterAssessment
Autumn Assessed by end of Autumn Semester 

Prerequisites: Prior knowledge of Mathematics and Programming equivalent to entry requirements for the Masters degree in Scientific Computation or the Masters degree in Advanced Computing Science. Knowledge of variational maths as covered in G14VMS.

Corequisites:  

MnemTitle
G14VMS Variational Methods 

Summary of Content:  Programming is a central topic in scientific computing and related applications. This module presents an introduction to the two key programming languages Fortran 2003 and Python, and to the application programming interface MPI. A detailed list of key topics covered by this module is given below.

  • Fortran 2003. Basic types and control structures, program design and implementation, program comprehension and modification, program testing and documentation.
  • MPI. Parallel architectures, environment management routines, point to point communication, collective communication, derived data types, group and communicator management, virtual topologies.
  • Python. Using the python interpreter, control flow tools, data structures, modules, input and output, classes.
    In addition, a training session covering the oral presentation assessment criteria and some elements of good practice will be included as part of the module.

    Method and Frequency of Class:

    ActivityNumber Of WeeksNumber of sessionsDuration of a session
    Lecture 11 weeks1 per week1 hour
    Computing 11 weeks2 per week1 hour

    Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester

    Further Activity Details:
    One one-hour lecture and two one-hour computer classes per week timetabled centrally, some of which may be used for examples classes and/or problem classes.

    Method of Assessment: 

    Assessment TypeWeightRequirements
    Coursework 1 20 Coursework will involve the formulation, implementation and application of numerical algorithms using the specified programming languages considered in the module. Students will hand in their computer programmes as part of the coursework assessment. 
    Coursework 2 30 Coursework will involve the formulation, implementation and application of numerical algorithms using the specified programming languages considered in the module. Students will hand in their computer programmes as part of the coursework assessment. 
    Coursework 3 50 Coursework will involve the formulation, implementation and application of numerical algorithms using the specified programming languages considered in the module. Students to give a 10-minute oral presentation and hand in their computer programmes. 

    Convenor: 

    Education Aims:  The purpose of this module is to introduce concepts of scientific programming using both a compiled language in serial and parallel, as well as a scripting language, for applications arising in the mathematical modeling of physical processes.

    Learning Outcomes:  A student who completes this module successfully should be able to:

    Knowledge and understanding
    Demonstrate the basic principles of program design, implementation, and testing;
    select appropriate programming environments for different applications;
    translate mathematical and computational algorithms into an appropriate format for implementation.

    Skills
    reason logically, work analytically and justify conclusions using mathematical arguments with appropriate rigour;
    transfer expertise between different topics in mathematics;
    communicate results with clarity using appropriate styles, conventions and terminology;
    make effective use of IT and software packages;
    use high level of numeracy and accuracy to solve complex problems;
    select and apply complex concepts, appropriate methods and techniques to familiar and novel situations;
    work effectively, independently and under direction;
    adopt effective strategies for study.

    Offering School:  Mathematical Sciences

    Use the Back facility of your browser to return to the previous page.

    Module Catalogue Search for another module

    [UoN Welcome Page] Return to The University of Nottingham Welcome Page