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PHYS52015: Core Ib: Introduction to Scientific and High-Performance Computing

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Tied
Level 5
Credits 15
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Physics

Prerequisites

  • A UK first or upper second class honours degree (BSc) or equivalent in Physics or a subject with basic physics courses OR in Computer Science OR in Mathematics OR in any natural sciences with a strong quantitative element. Programming knowledge in at least one programming language and commitment to learning C and Python independently if not known before.

Corequisites

  • PHYSPGNEW02

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • Provide basic knowledge and critical understanding of paradigms, fundamental ideas and trends in High Performance Computing (HPC)
  • Provide basic knowledge and critical understanding of paradigms, fundamental ideas, algorithms and methods of numerical simulation.

Content

  • Introduction to High-Performance Computing
  • Introduction to numerical methods, scientific computing and simulation

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • understanding and critical reflection of fundamental ideas and techniques in the application of HPC techniques
  • understanding and critical reflection of fundamental ideas and techniques in the application of numerical methods

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Competent and educated selection and application of programming languages, algorithms and computing tools for specific problems.

Key Skills:

  • familiarity with basic paradigms and modern concepts underlying scientific computing

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching will be by lectures and workshops.
  • The lectures provide the means to give a concise, focused presentation of the subject matter of the module.
  • When appropriate, the lectures will also be supported by the distribution of written material, or by information and relevant links on DUO.
  • Regular problem exercises and workshops will give students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem solving skills.
  • Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times.
  • Student performance will be summatively assessed through coursework.
  • The formative coursework provides opportunities for feedback, for students to gauge their progress and for staff to monitor progress throughout the duration of the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures in Introduction to Scientific Computing82 per week1 hour8 
Practical Classes in Introduction to Scientific Computing82 per week1 hour8 
Lectures in Introduction to HPC82 per week1 hour8 
Practical Classes in Introduction to HPC82 per week1 hour8 
Self-study118 
Total150 

Summative Assessment

Component: CourseworkComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Scientific Computing Coursework50 
HPC Coursework50 

Formative Assessment

Feedback on coursework

More information

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