PHY8005 : Computational Research Skills in Physics (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2022/23
- Module Leader(s): Dr Thomas Billam
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
The overall aim of the Module is to furnish the student with the advanced skills in scientific computation and associated theoretical methods that will be broadly relevant to their research project. The students will learn how to simulate a range of physical systems and will carry out a model study.
Outline Of Syllabus
Use of Linux, Python, parallel programming, and other problem specific software
Example applications of computational research skills to solve mathematical or physical problems
Completion of mini-project
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Portfolio exercises preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Project report preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | Guided self-study on workshop material |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 40 | 1:00 | 40:00 | Carry out project using skills. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 8 | 2:00 | 16:00 | Workshops- present-in-person |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Workshops will introduce students to computational and theoretical skills in a selection of four research topics (the “mini-modules”), and provide immediate hands on application of the skills. For each workshop, guided reading will be provided for students to expand their understanding and knowledge of the topic, and exercise sheets will be provided to direct the students to engage with the material and practice their skills. An assessed exercise as part of the portfolio will be set for each research workshop to facilitate active learning of these skills, as well as critical thinking and reflection.
If necessary present-in-person activities and oral assessments may be moved to synchronous online. Students should consult their individual timetable and Canvas for up-to-date delivery information.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 1 | M | 40 | Mini-module exercises x 4 of equal weighting |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 60 | Report on the project. 5 pages, 2-4 figures, ~1500 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
For each mini-module workshop, a summative exercise sheet will develop the students' understanding of each topic. The exercises have a secondary formative purpose for feedback ahead of the project, as well as their primary summative purpose. A project, based on one of these topics, will test the students' understanding of the theory and computational skills and their ability to apply them to a topical problem.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY8005's Timetable