Course co-ordinator(s): Dr Fraser Daly (Edinburgh).
Aims:
• To introduce the use of algorithms to solve computational problems
• To equip students with fundamentals of computer programming; skills and techniques which may be applied in a wide variety of programming languages
• To have students create algorithms to solve computational problems in at least two programming languages used in modern data science (such as R and Python)
Detailed Information
Course Description: Link to Official Course Descriptor.
Pre-requisites: none.
Location: Dubai, Edinburgh, Malaysia.
Semester: 2.
Syllabus:
• Introduction to computational algorithms
• Conditional statements: if, else
• Loops: for, while
• Writing functions
• Recursion
• Vectors, arrays and matrices
• Graphics
Students will study the above using at least two programming languages (e.g. R and Python)
Learning Outcomes: Subject Mastery
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
• design and implement appropriate algorithms to solve computational problems
• understand the logical operation of computer programmes
• use appropriate control structures, loops and conditional statements within computer programmes
• use appropriate data structures within computer programmes
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
• systematically analyse the structure and operation of unfamiliar algorithms and computer programmes
• design algorithms and programmes to solve unfamiliar computational problems
Learning Outcomes: Personal Abilities
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
• use appropriate algorithms and computer programmes to solve problems relevant to modern data science and related industries
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
• apply their understanding of computer programming to independent study of unfamiliar programming languages
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
• design and implement appropriate algorithms to solve mathematical and statistical problems
• use appropriate software to write and execute computer programmes
• write computer code understandable to other users
Assessment Methods: Due to covid, assessment methods for Academic Year 2020-21 may vary from those noted on the official course descriptor. Please see the Computer Science Course Weightings and the Maths Course Weightings for 2020-21 Semester 1 assessment methods.
SCQF Level: 8.
Credits: 7.5.
Other Information
Help: If you have any problems or questions regarding the course, you are encouraged to contact the lecturer
VISION: further information and course materials are available on VISION