Study information

Computer Modelling and Simulation - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEComputer Modelling and Simulation CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECMM424 MODULE CONVENERProf Jia Hu (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 3
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module is designed to equip you with foundational knowledge and useful skills in computer modelling and simulation. Numerous architectures, protocols and algorithms have been proposed for contemporary computer and communication systems. Analytical modelling and simulation play an increasingly important role in computer science and modern engineering, particularly in the design, performance prediction, evaluation, and optimisation of computer and communication systems. In this module, you will acquire useful knowledge of developing cost-effective analytical performance models and gain important skills in design and implementation of computer simulators. A range of case studies are examined, both in the lectures and workshops (laboratory exercises).

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES ECM1410, ECM2414

AIMS - intentions of the module

By the end of the module, you will be well placed to develop and make use of an extensive range of computer modelling and simulation tools. You should be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of analytical modelling and discrete-event simulation as well as their applications to system design, performance prediction and improvement. In addition, you will be able to design and implement an efficient discrete-event simulator through computer programming. You should be able to propose solutions to the problems associated with simulating computers and networks. Furthermore, this module will introduce you to state-of-the-art research results and the latest development in the subject area.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental ideas and major methods of computer modelling and simulation;
2. undertake analytical modelling and qualitative performance evaluation of computer and communication systems;
3. explain the principle and design of a computer simulator, validation and analysis of simulation results;
4. implement a discrete-event simulator using computer programming;
5. use computer modelling and simulation tools to improve the system design.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

6. suggest solutions for the design of systems based on simulation experiments and results.
7. interpret an informal requirement specification;
8. systematically analyse information and make appropriate design choices.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

9. relate reading materials to lecture content and analyse a problem;.
10. use technical manuals and books to interpret technical errors.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- methods and skills for evaluation and analysis of computer and communication systems: experiments, analysis, simulation; 

- fundamentals and knowledge of computer modelling: probability, statistics, stochastic process, queueing theory, skills in system modelling;

- design, construction and implementation of a computer simulator: discrete-event simulation, time advancing mechanisms, event list management, and programming design;

- random-number generation and test, warm-up period of simulation, statistical analysis of simulation output, test and validation of simulation results;

- skills in applications of computer modelling and simulation: performance evaluation and improvement of computer and communication systems.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 32 Guided Independent Study 118 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching 22 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching 10 Workshops
Guided independent study 34 Coursework (individual assessed work)
Guided independent study 84 Guided independent study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Practical programming and Implementation of analytical model 2 hours 2 Verbal feedback
Practical programming and implementation of simulator 2 hours 3,4,5 Verbal feedback
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 30 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework 30 30 hours All Written feedback
Written exam – Closed book 70 2 hours - Summer Exam Period All Model answers supplied on request
         
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Written exam Written Examination (2 hours) All Ref/Def Examination Period
Coursework Coursework All August Ref/Def Period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by coursework and/or written exam in the failed or deferred element only. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 50%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

 

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Mitrani, I. Probabilistic Modelling 2nd Cambridge University Press 1998 0521585112
Set J. Banks, J.S. Carson, B.L. Nelson, and D.M. Nicol Discrete-Event System Simulation 5th Prentice Hall 2010 0138150370
Set A.M. Law, and W.D. Kelton Simulation Modeling and Analysis 4th McGraw-Hill 2007 9780071255196
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES ECM1410, ECM2414
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 14th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 14th March 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH computer modelling, computer simulation, performance evaluation

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.