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 teaches the Python programming language, but the principles involved are applicable to almost every procedural programming language.

Module Aims

This module aims to build on the introduction to programming in Python given in the IT Skills training in Stage 1 (e.g. PHY1027) in order to develop students' ability to write clear, structured, debuggable and maintainable computer programs in Python and 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. explain and use standard features of the Python programming language including assignments, statements, iterators and objects;
  2. write and modify simple programs in Python;
  3. find errors and debug code;
  4. write structured code based on short routines with a clear purpose and interfaces that are simple and unambiguous;
  5. write self-documenting code using docstrings and comments;
  6. select and apply existing tools for scientific programming from modules including NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib and Astropy, based on the documentation;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  7. apply logic to the solution of problems;
  8. keep proper records of work;
  9. apply the Python programming language to simple physical problems including calculations, modelling and data analysis;
  10. produce publication-quality plots;
  11. present a portfolio of work;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  12. deal with the practicalities of writing a computer program;
  13. think and plan in a logical manner;
  14. apply a structured approach to problem solving.

Syllabus Plan

1. Introduction to Python 3 and Revision
   1. Running Python and Jupyter notebook
   2. Loading modules and packages
   3. Using Python as a graphical calculator; simple calculations, maths, functions and plotting
2. Core Python.
   1. Objects, assignments and variables, dynamic typing
   2. Numbers, comparisons and logic
   3. Strings and print statements
   4. Lists and tuples
   5. Sets and dictionaries
   6. Control flow: loops and if-statements
   7. File I/O
   8. Functions
3. Program Design and Practice
   1. Python scripts
   2. Self-documenting code with comments, docstrings and markdown cells
   3. Testing and debugging
   4. Handling errors and exceptions
4. Modules/Packages and Applications
   1. NumPy
   2. Matplotlib
   3. SciPy
   4. Astropy
5. Advanced Python
   1. Creating a Python module
   2. Introduction to classes and Object Oriented Programming
6. 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:

• Hill C. (2020), Learning Scientific Programming with Python (2^nd edition), Cambridge, ISBN 978-1-108-74591-8

Supplementary texts:

• Not applicable

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy2035

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

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

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous