Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aims of the module are:-

1. To introduce a basic understanding of statistical methods and data analysis in the context of Civil Engineering.

2. To introduce the statistical analysis program Minitab.

3. To extend students' knowledge, understanding and use of differential equations.

4. To impart a basic working knowledge of a range of widely used numerical techniques with some of the underpinning theoretical ideas.

Outline Of Syllabus

Probability, Sampling, descriptive statistics, discrete and continuous probability, distributions (binomial, Poisson, uniform, normal, exponential), linear combination of variables, central limit theorem, confidence intervals for mean hypothesis testing and goodness of fit, regression, introduction to Minitab.
Basic decision theory (statistical games, decision criteria, the theory in practice).

Numerical methods for large systems of linear equations; decomposition and iterative techniques.

Numerical methods for first-order ordinary differential equations:
Single and multi-step schemes. Error and stability analysis using Taylor series. Numerical treatment of higher-order differential equations and first-
order systems.

Numerical methods for linear partial differential equations:
Finite difference methods, explicit and implicit schemes and stability.

Engineering applications of numerical techniques; including structural vibrations, heat and flow dynamics and dispersion.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module students will understand:

1.       The importance of statistical analysis in engineering and other fields.

2.       The nature of uncertainty and the concept of probability.

3.       Numerical techniques for solving ordinary and partial differential equations and large systems of linear algebraic equations

4.       The student should recognize and understand the methodologies of various numerical techniques and associated error estimation analyses.

5.       A range of engineering applications of the methods introduced

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to indentify and apply appropriate numerical and statistical techniques to support critical analysis of engineering problems. They should be able to assess and comment constructively on the limitations and implications of the results obtained from their analyses.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will complement the prepared lectured notes and problem sheets, reinforcing and expanding on the essential points introduced each week.

The problem sheets provide practice material and the tutorial sessions will be used to discuss both these problems and others raised by the students, as well as to provide feedback to students on assessed work.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment provides an appropriate way to assess both theoretical understanding and practical problem solving skills. The in-course assessment enables more detailed engineering problems to be considered in greater depth and software use skills to be employed.

General Notes

N/A