| Unit name | Introduction to Scientific Computing |
|---|---|
| Unit code | GEOGM0054 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Zhang |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None. |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None. |
| School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
The unit will enable students to effectively utilise widely used tools in Data Science by introducing them to the fundamentals of scientific computing. Such tools include, but are not limited to, GitHub and version control, NumPy, SciPy, basic programming with Python for spatial applications, use and creation of metadata, parallelising code. This is a technical unit and the emphasis will be on how to use these tools using a variety of applications across physical and human geography domains.
The unit aims to:-
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will:
Computer practical classes and lectures.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
(i) Write Python code in Jupyter Notebook using scientific computing tools and techniques to analyse geospatial datasets.
(ii) Open a Pull Request on GitHub to contribute to a project with version control.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Report (100%). The assessment tests all ILOs.
Using different scientific computing tools (e.g. GitHub and version control, SciPy and basic programming with Python, debugging, parallelising code) in geospatial applications. The report will be written in a reproducible manner and will include scientific graphs and tables with the necessary code.
When assessment does not go to plan
Students will be offered an alternative assessment for completion in the summer reassessment period, of a similar format to that of the original submission.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. GEOGM0054).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
