PHY3134 Computational Physics

2011-2012

Code: PHY3134
Level: 3
Title: Computational Physics
Instructors: Dr J.M. Rowe
CATS Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credit Value: 5
Pre-requisites: Scientific Programming in C (PHY2004)
Co-requisites: N/A
Duration: T2:01-11
Availability: unrestricted
Background Assumed: N/A
Directed Study Time: 22 hours
Private Study Time: 21 hours
Assessment Tasks Time: 57 hours

Aims

The ability to write computer programs is an important skill for careers both inside and outside of physics. PHY2004 introduced the C programming language. This module concentrates on the principles of writing effective, debuggable and maintainable computer programs and applies these principles to physics problems

The module is designed both for students who wish to become professional computer programmers and for those to whom it is just another module in the course. The course is taught in C but the principles are applicable to any procedural programming language.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• to understand and apply the principles of designing and writing debuggable and maintainable computer programs;
• design and code data structures that reflect the problems;
• write appropriately structured code based on short routines of clear purpose, with simple and unambiguous interfaces;
• explain and use those features of the C programming language not previosuly covered in PHY2004, in particular: structures, pointers and simple memory management;
• draw on experience of writing more-substantial programs which apply their skills in the C programming language to simple physical problems.

Transferable Skills

Design and implementation of computer programs, C programming. Numerical solution of problems.

Learning / Teaching Methods

6×1 hour lectures (involving discourse, dialogue and small-group exercises); 6×1 hour computer sessions and 5×2 hour computer sessions; practical assignments, project work; e-learing resources.

Assignments

Assignments in the first part of this module last one to two weeks and allow students to put into practice the concepts introduced in the seminars. These require independent study by the student but are supported in the scheduled classes with help from the staff.

The second half of the module consists of a number of physics-based projects designed to build upon the principles learnt in the first section and to give the students experience in solving physical problems.

Assessment

Coursework (60%), test (40%) in final week.

Syllabus Plan and Content

1. C programming
   1. Revision of PHY2004 (Scientific Programming in C)
   2. Program design
   3. Data design
   4. Functions
      1. Variables and scope.
      2. Initialisation.
      3. Function Prototypes.
   5. Memory
      1. Pointers
      2. Arrays
      3. Memory allocation
   6. Structures
      1. Pointers to structures
      2. Using structures to pass data between functions
      3. Linked lists
2. Projects
   A number of projects based upon the Stage 2 physics course. The background physics required for each project is provided for the student in the project description.

Core Text

Not applicable

Supplementary Text(s)

Kernighan B.W. and Richie D.M. (1988), The C Programming Language (2^nd edition), Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-110362-8 (UL: 001.6424/C KER)

Formative Mechanisms

Feedback and guidance is provided via the assignments, both in their marking and in the help given during the classes.

Evaluation Mechanisms

The module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment.