2014/15 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE1160 Computers and Programming in Geosciences

10 Credits Class Size: 35

Module manager: Dr Stephen Stackhouse
Email: S.Stackhouse@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2014/15

Pre-requisite qualifications

A-level Maths, or equivalent (SOEE1480).

Mutually Exclusive

SOEE2240 Computer Systems & Programming

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is designed to introduce you to the School of Earth and Environment computer system, mapping software and basic computer programming. It begins in the first semester with an overview of the ArcGIS mapping software. This is followed in the second semester by a brief look at the UNIX operating system, and a basic introduction to programming in MATLAB. It is intended that the module should provide a starting point for enabling you to write custom computer programs to solve problems in your own research.

Objectives

On completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Produce electronics map using the ArcGIS mapping software
2. Navigate a UNIX environment
3. Use a UNIX based text editor
4. Design and implement shell scripts to process data
5. Design and implement simple computer programs in MATLAB
6. Make a critical assessment of a computer program

Skills outcomes

Computer literacy on Linux operating systems, shell scripting, programming expertise in MATLAB.

Syllabus

1. ArcGIS
- creating a map base
- point data, geological data, processing 3D point data

2. UNIX
- file system navigation and management
- tools and shell scripts

3. MATLAB
- matrix manipulation and plotting
- writing scripts and functions
- reading from and writing to files
- conditional statements and loops
- formatting output
- structured programming and debugging

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 11 1 11
Practical 15 2 30
Private study hours 59
Total Contact hours 41
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 100

Private study

Students should spend time revising course material, practicing programming and completing coursework.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Progress will be monitored in the practical classes, where students will receive help debugging their codes and through marked computer programming assessments.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
In-course Assessment mapping project: electronic map and interpretation 30
In-course Assessment programming assessments 70
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 8/17/2016

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team