Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module COMP3361: INTEGRATIVE MODULE - E-SCIENCE AND PHYSICS

Department: Computer Science

COMP3361: INTEGRATIVE MODULE - E-SCIENCE AND PHYSICS

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • COMP2071 , COMP2161 , MATH2051 , MATH2041 , PHYS2511 , ( PHYS2521 or MATH2031 ).

Corequisites

  • PHYS3522 .

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • PHYS2551 , PHYS3571,PHYS3561 .

Aims

  • To introduce students to the fundamental concepts of e-Science and its relationship to one Scientific discipline.
  • This module is being offered in the third year for a number of reasons: students need to cover the basic concepts involved in Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics in the first two years in order to fully appreciate the subject material; students need to be familiar with scientific programming techniques used in Physics in order to be able to appreciate the applications of e-Science within Physics in year 4 material; to teach a scientific computing language; to develop computer skills.

Content

  • Exercises to learn a scientific computer language and apply it to simple computational tasks.
  • Use of a computer to solve problems using a variety of modern computing techniques.
  • What is e-Science? The nature, purpose and history of e-Science. The necessity of applying Computer Science techniques and principles to large-scale scientific problems. Grid architecture and supporting software protocols and middleware. Other relevant technologies. Examples of e-Science projects.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Demonstrated the application of Computer Science concepts to the general field of e-Science.
  • A working knowledge of a scientific computing language and have gained experience of solving physical problems using modern computing techniques.
  • Gained an appreciation of the relevance of modern techniques and technologies within e-Science.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • The lectures on e-Science will convey the basic material on e-Science.
      • Teaching in scientific computational methods will be by lectures, exercises and computer classes.
      • The lectures give an introduction into the basic principles of scientific computing and the exercises give practice in applying these principles.
      • The computer classes are designed to allow each student to develop skills in solving problems using modern computing techniques. Students will be able to obtain help and guidance through discussions with computing demonstrators. The computing classes and summatively assessed exercises provide opportunity for feedback, for students to gauge their progress and for Board of Studies to monitor progress throughout the duration of the module.
      • Further summative assessment is made through a formal report for the computing project.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures 16 Approximately 1 per fortnight 1 hour 16
      Practicals 9 1 per week 3 hours 27
      Preparation and Reading 157
      Total 200

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Examination Component Weighting: 35%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      examination 100%
      Component: Computing Exercises Component Weighting: 40%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      computing exercises 100%
      Component: Essay Component Weighting: 25%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      essay 100%

      Formative Assessment:

      Oral presentation. No Collections are required.


      Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University