PH2401: Programming Skills

Module Provider:

Physics

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

I (Intermediate)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn

Module Convenor:

Dr D Dunn

Pre-requisites:

PH1102 and MA111

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

PH2005

Module version for:

2007/8

Aims:
To introduce students to some of the techniques of computational physics through a series of programming projects using FORTRAN 95 on PCs: to demonstrate, through examples, that simulation studies can provide additional insight into physical processes and to teach students good programming practices

Assessable learning outcomes:
After the module each student should have learned how to:

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
In each week of the module there is a 4-hour supervised session in a PC laboratory and a further 4-hour unsupervised session in which these laboratories are available to students for program development. The module is divided into 4 projects. The projects are:

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The course is entirely PC-laboratory based. Each student works individually at a PC in the computer laboratory. Each week there is a 4-hour supervised session with a member of staff and a post-graduate assistant in attendance. There is a further weekly scheduled (but unsupervised) 4-hour session in which students have guaranteed access to PCs in the laboratory.
The laboratory manual and associated program elements are provided on the physics intranet. Each project includes a statement of the objectives and there is generally a section covering the background theory to the physical problem being tackled. By attempting a sequence of problems, the student is led through steps in the development of the project whilst having the relevant background knowledge reinforced.
Elements of the FORTRAN 95 language are introduced gradually within provided working programs. Students identify new features as they arise and find out what is achieved by them by practical applications. Information on the commands is readily available in the Salford FTN95 Help (Language Overview) program and links to other useful Web Sites are provided on the department's web-server.
The module is assessed completely by continuous assessment based on the logbook record submitted after the completion of each project. The mark takes into account (a) the completeness of the record, including justifications for actions, derivations of results used, etc; (b) a statement which summarizes the achievements and (c) a bonus for any extra work or for evidence of initiative or originality. To ensure uniformity of marking, one demonstrator marks all the reports on a particular project.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework:
Logbook records
Relative percentage of coursework : 100
Examinations:
None
Requirements for a pass:
40%
Reassessment arrangements:
A 2-hour computational assignment carried out under examination conditions in September.