2005/06 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS1120 Computing Techniques in Physics

10 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr J Lloyd-Evans
Email: J.Lloyd-Evans@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2005/06

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

By the end of the course students should be able to:
use MAPLE to:
- do numerical calculations and define functions and expressions;
- plot functions of 1 and 2 variables in a variety of ways;
- solve algebraic and transcendental equations;
- solve differential equations ( analytic solutions);
- numerically solve differential equations and plot the solutions;
- construct arrays and do matrix algebra.

use EXCEL to:
- input data into an Excel spreadsheet and modify the format to improve the presentation of the data;
- create graphs and charts relating to that data and fit curves;
- use the Solver facility to compare experimental and theoretical data;
- use the inbuilt Macro language to automate repeated operational sequences.

Skills outcomes
Ability to use standard software packages to present and analyse data and to solve scientific and mathematical problems.Ability to use standard software packages to present and analyse data and to solve scientific and mathematical problems.

Syllabus

The structure of the Excel spreadsheet, cell referencing, operators, formatting, worksheet functions.
Plotting data, chart types, adding data, optimal form of the presentation of graphical information
Curve fitting, linear and polynomial regression calculations, using the Solver function
Using Visual Basic macros to automate Worksheets

Teaching methods

MAPLE:

Lectures: 5 x 1 hour;

Demonstrated time in a PC cluster: 10 hours.

EXCEL:

Lectures: 3 x 1 hour;

Demonstrated time in a PC cluster: 12 hours.

Private study

Project work and completion of exercises: 70 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Weekly practical classes;
Projects.

Methods of assessment

The module is continuously assessed.

Half of the total mark is derived from the MAPLE part of the module. For the MAPLE part of the module:
60% of the marks from the exercises done in the demonstrated time;
40% from project work.

Half of the total mark is derived from the Excel part of the module. For the Excel part of the module:
50% of the assessment comes from the progress made in the demonstrated PC sessions;
50% from a project based on a Physics problem.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 19/04/2005

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