CE1PNM: Numerical Modelling and Programming

Module code: CE1PNM

Module provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Stefan Smith, email: s.t.smith@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 12 September 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Much of the study, design, problem solving, management, and control of engineered and physical systems in the built environment are conducted through the use of computers. In all these cases, computer programmes have been developed that enable the necessary efficient processing of data and/or modelling of physical processes in engineered systems. Modelling of these processes can be achieved by solving the underlying equations that are used to describe the behaviour of these systems and processes. However, analytical solutions are rarely achievable in the context of the non-linear, often complex, processes that matter to the built environment unless simplified (i.e., restricting the problem somehow). These simplifications can lead to loss of vital information and so have motivated the study and development of alternative (particularly for this course - numerical) techniques. Whilst numerical techniques are themselves approximations, they have been shown to provide acceptable approximations. This is not to say that numerical methods are infallible; in fact, the study of numerical analysis and development of different techniques is in part motivated by the ‘appropriateness’ of method to a given problem. It is on these ideas that this module is motivated. 

Much of this course is dedicated to the introduction and development of programming skills. Using the Python programming language, you will be introduced to setting up a computer to carry out basic programming tasks as well as learning how to carry out some ‘simple’ numerical modelling methods. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Apply key components of computer programming using Python 3
2. handle data and carry out data visualisation and analysis with Python 3
3. evaluate the performance of the numerical models
4. Design and write some basic numerical methods

Module content

Week 1 - Introduction to numerical methods and Python Programming 

Week 2 - Python programming exploration and practice

Week 3 - Design of programmes and programming techniques

Week 4 - Reading Week

Week 5 – 7 - Python Programming: exploration and practice

** Easter break **

Week 8 - Python Programming: exploration and practice

Week 9-10 - Root Finding Algorithms

Week 11 - Solving Systems of Equations (Introduction to simple methods)

Week 12 - Continuous vs. Discrete methods and review session

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Material will be delivered through a mix of online videos, course note handouts and in-person lab sessions. Much of the theory and basics of programming will be delivered through videos and/or course handouts. This is to provide students with material that they can refer to as and when needed and multiple times. The ethos of this module is that ‘learning comes from doing’ so the presentation of basic programming and numerical methods will be reinforced through weekly homework sheets to be completed as part of self-study and through guided computer lab sessions.    

Study hours

At least 20 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Each week, homework sheets will form the basis of student work. Questions that do not form part of the summative assessment will be discussed and supported both in scheduled computer laboratory sessions and via an online support forum. 

Reassessment

Additional costs