Description

A knowledge of a computing language and how to write programs to solve physics related problems is a valuable transferable skill. It is taught though a series of practical sessions in which the student will initially learn to understand the logic of the source code and are required to modify the code for a number of prepared projects. This module yeaches the C programming language, but the principles involved are applicable to almost every procedural programming language.

Module Aims

This module aims to give students the ability to write clearly structured, debuggable and maintainable computer programs in ANSI C and to be able to understand such programs written by others.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. construct flow charts for computer code;
  2. write and modify simple programs in ANSI-C;
  3. find errors and debug code;
  4. use files, keywords, structured programs and the elements which constitute good robust programs;
  5. apply the principles of designing and writing debuggable and maintainable computer programs;
  6. design and code data structures that reflect the problems;
  7. write appropriately structured code based on short routines with a clear purpose and interfaces that are simple and unambiguous;
  8. explain and use standard features of the C programming language including structures, pointers and simple memory management;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  9. apply logic to the solution of problems;
  10. keep proper records of work;
  11. apply the C programming language to simple physical problems;
  12. present a portfolio of work;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  13. deal with the practicalities of writing a computer program;
  14. think and plan in a logical manner;
  15. apply a structured approach to problem solving;
  16. make straightforward use of a professional programming IDE.

Syllabus Plan

1. Introduction
   Brief historical survey.
2. ANSI C
3. The Xcode Integrated Development Environment and C-compiler
4. Local and global variables (integers, real, character)
5. Arithmetic expressions, relational, logical, increment and decrement operators
6. Input/output (formats, data files, etc.)
7. Functions and program structure (standard functions, user-defined functions)
8. Header files
9. Arrays (strings, multidimensional arrays)
10. Rounding errors and accuracy considerations
11. Good programming practice
12. Program design
13. Data design
14. Functions
    1. Variables and scope.
    2. Initialisation.
    3. Function Prototypes.
15. Memory
    1. Pointers
    2. Arrays
    3. Memory allocation
16. Structures
    1. Pointers to structures
    2. Using structures to pass data between functions
    3. Linked lists
17. 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.

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• McGrath M. (2002), C Programming in Easy Steps (3^rd edition), Computer Step, ISBN 1-840-78203-X

Supplementary texts:

• Kernighan B.W. and Richie D.M. (1988), The C Programming Language (2^nd edition), Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-110362-8
• Oualline S. (1997), Practical C Programming (3^rd edition), O'Reilly, ISBN 1-565-92306-5

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy2027

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous