| Unit name | Computing for Earth Scientists |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EASC10007 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Wookey |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit presents an overview of the use of computing in modern geosciences. It covers aspects of understanding modern computers, presentation and communication, data storage, visualisation and analysis, and an introduction to programming. The practical uses of these in a Geoscience context will be emphasised. MATLAB will be used for the implementation of practicals in the course.
Students will be equipped with a familiarity with computers early on. They will have an appreciation of the tools available (and appropriate) to solve specific problems relating to communication, data analysis and presentation. This will support practicals and projects in other units in subsequent years. They will be familiar with MATLAB, which provides a flexible environment for future work.
Practical aspects of computing are best taught in a practical way, though the principles are also required for which lecture format is most useful. The unit will therefore comprise three types of contact session:
The lectures will be predominantly in the first half of the course, and the problem clinics in the second half. The practicals will run throughout.
A variety of online resources will be made available through Blackboard. A useful textbook to support the practical aspects of the course is MATLAB: A Practical Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving by Stormy Attaway.
