PHY2027 | 2024 | University of Exeter

MODULE TITLE	Scientific Programming in C	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	PHY2027	MODULE CONVENER	Dr David Richards (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	11

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	60

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Knowledge of a computer programming language and how to write programs to solve physics-related problems is a valuable transferable skill. This module is taught though a series of lectures and practical sessions in which the student must initially understand the logic of source code before being required to write their own code in order to complete a number of projects. This module teaches the C programming language, but the principles involved are applicable to almost every procedural programming language.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to give students the ability to write clearly structured, debuggable and maintainable computer programs in ANSI C and to be able to understand such programs written by others.

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. construct flow charts for computer code;
2. write and modify simple programs in ANSI-C;

3. find errors and debug code;

4. use files, keywords, structured programs and the elements which constitute good robust programs;

5. apply the principles of designing and writing debuggable and maintainable computer programs;

6. design and code data structures that reflect the problems;

7. write appropriately structured code based on short routines with a clear purpose and interfaces that are simple and unambiguous;

8. explain and use standard features of the C programming language including structures, pointers and simple memory management;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

9. apply logic to the solution of problems;
10. keep proper records of work;

11. apply the C programming language to simple physical problems;

12. present a portfolio of work;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

13. deal with the practicalities of writing a computer program;
14. think and plan in a logical manner;

15. apply a structured approach to problem solving;

16. make straightforward use of a professional programming IDE.

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

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

I. Introduction

Brief historical survey.

II. ANSI C

III. The Xcode Integrated Development Environment and C-compiler

IV. Local and global variables (integers, real, character)

V. Arithmetic expressions, relational, logical, increment and decrement operators

VI. Input/output (formats, data files, etc.)

VII. Functions and program structure (standard functions, user-defined functions)

VIII. Header files

IX. Arrays (strings, multidimensional arrays)

X. Rounding errors and accuracy considerations

XI. Good programming practice

XII. Program design

XIII. Data design

XIV. Functions

Variables and scope.

Initialisation.

Function Prototypes.

XV. Memory

Pointers

Arrays

Memory allocation

XVI. Structures

Pointers to structures

Using structures to pass data between functions

Linked lists

XVII. Projects

A number of projects based upon the Stage 2 physics course. The background physics required for each project is provided for the student in the project description.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	33	Guided Independent Study	117	Placement / Study Abroad	0

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities	11	11×1-hour lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities	22	11×2-hour supervised computer labs
Guided independent study	56	Directed self-study and project work
Guided independent study	61	Reading to support own learning requirements

ASSESSMENT

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	100	Written Exams	0	Practical Exams	0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Homework assignment 1	20	10 hours	1-16	Written and verbal
Homework assignment 2	20	10 hours	1-16	Written and verbal
Programming Project	60	40 hours	1-16	Written and verbal

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
Programming Project and Homework Assignments	Programming Project (60 hours) 100%	1-16	Referral/deferral period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

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

Core text:

McGrath M. (2002), C Programming in Easy Steps (3rd edition), Computer Step, ISBN 1-840-78203-X (UL: 005.133 MCG)

Supplementary texts:

Kernighan B.W. and Richie D.M. (1988), The C Programming Language (2nd edition), Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-110362-8 (UL: 001.6424/C KER)

Oualline S. (1997), Practical C Programming (3rd edition), O'Reilly, ISBN 1-565-92306-5 (UL: 005.133 OUA)

ELE

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE	15	ECTS VALUE	7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	PHY1025
CO-REQUISITE MODULES

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	5	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Tuesday 12th March 2024	LAST REVISION DATE	Monday 29th April 2024

KEY WORDS SEARCH	Physics; Program; Structures; Function; Codes; Project; Data; Computing; Ansi; Arrays; Designing

Scientific Programming in C - 2024 entry