2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS1220 Computing 1 - Fundamentals of Programming

10 creditsClass Size: 250

Module manager: Dr Ben Hanson
Email: b.s.hanson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

'A' Level Physics and Maths or equivalent

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

To introduce the student to the Python computer programming language which is important in both academic research and industry.

Learning outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:

1. The syntax of the Python programming language
2. The native data types and containers available in Python and associated scientific computing packages.
3. The logical operators and code structures available in Python
4. Loops
5. Functions
6. Debugging Python code
7. Data visualisation using Python and and associated scientific computing packages.

Skills outcomes
How to use the Python programming language.

Syllabus

Students will be introduced to computer programming as a general concept, the concepts of scalar numeric, Boolean and string data types, and the use of variables to store data. The Python collection data types – lists, dictionaries and arrays for storing sequences of data will be introduced. The use of common programming statements and constructions – conditional statements, loops and the calling of pre-defined functions will be taught. A very basic introduction to exception handling in Python will be covered. Input and output statements to both console and file will be introduced. Students will be given an introduction to writing functions and storing functions in modules for reuse. The commonly used NumPy, SciPy and Matplotlib libraries will be briefly introduced and students will be shown how to generate simple x-y plots.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	11	2.00	22.00
Lecture	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			56.00
Total Contact hours			44.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Private study consists of: Watching video tutorials and reading slides, working on practical exercises and project work.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Regular homeworks

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Written Work	Regular Homeworks	10.00
Online Assessment	Mid-Term Assessment	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

Resits of the mid-term and final exam components will be by a single computer based examination. Resits of other components will use a similar methodology to the original assignment.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S2)	3 hr 00 mins	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Students must submit a serious attempt at all assessments, in order to pass the module. Students will have to complete an online assessment at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:55:12

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