Unit information: Introduction to Computational Physics in 2021/22

Unit name	Introduction to Computational Physics
Unit code	PHYS30009
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Hanna
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Physics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

The aim of this course is to develop students understanding of numerical techniques, and gain experience in programming in a computer language. Students will gain experience of using computers to solve physics problems and also develop report writing and analysis skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to

• Write simple computer code using the Python programming language
• Develop mathematical algorithms in Python
• Apply algorithms to solve Physical problems
• Concisely describe the purpose and function of computer code.

Teaching Information

The unit will be taught through a combination of

• asynchronous online materials, including narrated presentations and worked examples
• synchronous group problems classes, workshops, tutorials and/or office hours
• asynchronous directed individual formative exercises and other exercises
• guided, structured reading

Assessment Information

Formative assessment is available through the drop in sessions and through the graded summative exercises: short exercises, each consisting of the code plus a brief outline of the methodology and presentation of the results. Coursework (100%).

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYS30009).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.