Unit information: Computing for Earth Scientists in 2011/12

Unit name	Computing for Earth Scientists
Unit code	EASC10007
Credit points	10
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Professor. Wookey
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This unit presents an overview of the use of computing in modern geosciences. It covers aspects of understanding modern computers, presentation and communication, data storage, visualisation and analysis, and an introduction to programming. The practical uses of these in a Geoscience context will be emphasised. MATLAB will be used for the implementation of practicals in the course.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be equipped with a familiarity with computers early on. They will have an appreciation of the tools available (and appropriate) to solve specific problems relating to communication, data analysis and presentation. This will support practicals and projects in other units in subsequent years. They will be familiar with MATLAB, which provides a flexible environment for future work.

Teaching Information

Practical aspects of computing are best taught in a practical way, though the principles are also required which is best delivered in a lecture format. The unit will comprise 3 (contact) parts per week:

• 2 hrs lecture
• 2hrs (group) practical (2 of these will need to be run to accommodate the size of the group)
• 2 hrs self directed work with availability of unit director for problems.

Assessment Information

• 1 short assessed practical (20%)
• 1 longer assessed practical (40%)
• 3 hour written exam (40%)

Reading and References

Textbook: Matlab: A Practical Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving Other online materials will be made available as required.