Study information

Scientific Programming in C - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEScientific Programming in C CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY2027 MODULE CONVENERProf Robert J Hicken (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 60
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
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.
 
AIMS - intentions of the module
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) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
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 - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
 
I. Introduction
Brief historical survey.
II. ANSI C
III. The Xcode Integrated Development Environment and C-compiler
IV. Local and global variables (integers, real, character)
V. Arithmetic expressions, relational, logical, increment and decrement operators
VI. Input/output (formats, data files, etc.)
VII. Functions and program structure (standard functions, user-defined functions)
VIII. Header files
IX. Arrays (strings, multidimensional arrays)
X. Rounding errors and accuracy considerations
XI. Good programming practice
XII. Program design
XIII. Data design
XIV. Functions
  1. Variables and scope.
  2. Initialisation.
  3. Function Prototypes.
XV. Memory
  1. Pointers
  2. Arrays
  3. Memory allocation
XVI. Structures
  1. Pointers to structures
  2. Using structures to pass data between functions
  3. Linked lists
XVII. 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 (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 33 Guided Independent Study 117 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 11 hours 11×1-hour lectures
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 22 hours 11×2-hour supervised computer labs
Guided independent study
 56 hours Directed self-study and project work
Guided independent study
 61 hours Reading to support own learning requirements

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 70 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 30
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Homework assignment 20% 10 hours (Deadline Monday, Term 1, Week 4) 1-16
Written and verbal
Homework assignment 20% 10 hours (Deadline Monday, Term 1, Week 8) 1-16
Written and verbal
Programming Project 60% 40 hours (Deadline Friday, Term 1, Week 13) 1-16
Written and verbal

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Programming Project and Homework Assignments Programming Project (60 hours) 100% wt 1-16 August/September assessment period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
ELE:
 
 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set McGrath, M. C Programming in Easy Steps 3rd Computer Step 2002 1-840-78203-X
Extended Kernighan, B.W. and D. M. Richie The C Programming Language 2nd edition Prentice Hall 1988 0-13-110362-8
Extended Oualline, S. Practical C Programming 3rd edition O'Reilly 1997 1-565-92306-5
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES PHY1025
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 15th December 2011 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 27th September 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Program; Structures; Function; Codes; Project; Data; Computing; Ansi; Arrays; Designing.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.