MA1701: Computing for Mathematics

School Cardiff School of Mathematics
Department Code MATHS
Module Code MA1701
External Subject Code 101029
Number of Credits 10
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Vincent Knight
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2022/3

Outline Description of Module

In the modern world it is imperative for a mathematician to know how to program. This module will give students an introduction to general concepts of programming that should empower them through their degree and beyond.

This module will introduce Students to programming through Python. The module will also teach particularities of programming applied to mathematics.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • Understand and be able to write in Python the following programming ideas: Conditional Statements; Flow Control; Data Structures; Recurrence, Basic ideas of Object Orientated Programming.

  • Use the above and a number of Python libraries to tackle mathematical problems.

How the module will be delivered

Modules will be delivered through blended learning. You will be guided through learning activities appropriate to your module, which may include:

  • Weekly face to face classes (e.g. labs, lectures, exercise classes)
  • Electronic resources that you work through at your own pace (e.g. videos, exercise sheets, lecture notes, e-books, quizzes)

Students are also expected to undertake self-guided study throughout the duration of the module.

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • Programming;

  • Mathematical writing

How the module will be assessed

The module will be assessed through an individual coursework: asking students to write on a mathematical subject of their choice using programming to illustrate/investigate the chosen topic.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 100 Coursework N/A

Syllabus content

  • Basic programming
  • Conditional statements
  • Flow control
  • Data structures
  • Recurrence
  • Basic Objects Orientated Programming
  • Symbolic computations
  • Linear algebra
  • Visualisation

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