GEOGG122 Scientific Computing

OPTION GEOGG122 - SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING
(15 credits)

Term 1 (2013)

Staff:

Prof. P. Lewis
Prof. J. French

Aims:

This module aims:

to impart an understanding of scientific computing
to give students a grounding in the basic principles of algorithm development and program construction
to introduce principles of computer-based image analysis and model development
to demonstrate the potential and practical implementation of parallel processing for computationally intensive modelling tasks

Content:

The module will cover:

Introduction to programming (algorithms, data structures, control structures, I/O, languages and pseudocode)
Introduction to linux environment (login, shell, file systems) and hardware
Python
Computing for image analysis
Computing for modelling
Data visualisation for scientific applications

Assessment:

1 piece of coursework, 100% of the assessment

Format:

The course is based upon lectures, many with a strong practical component, and practical classes.

The module will be delivered through:

Computer laboratory work (extended practical sessions progressing technical aspects of understanding and providing hands-on experience of relevant software and computational problems).
Moodle/Web resources (hosting reading lists, lecture handouts, datasets, guides and practical support materials) also: http://www2.geog.ucl.ac.uk/~plewis/geogg122/

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the module, students should:

have a working knowledge of linux / unix operating systems and have the knowledge and confidence to obtain, compile and install commonly available scientific software packages
have an understanding of algorithm development and be able to use widely used scientific computing software to manipulate datasets and accomplish analytical tasks
have an understanding of the technical issues specific to image-based analysis, model implementation and scientific visualisation