ES3010 Coding & Modelling in Earth Sciences

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be confirmed

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr M P Byrne

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr M Byrne, Dr E Stueeken, Dr G MacGilchrist

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module covers principles & skills in coding and modelling for the Earth Sciences. The first half of the module focuses on building understanding of fundamental concepts in scientific coding, and gaining practical coding experience using the popular Python language. Topics covered include: data types, control statements, loops, functions, data input/output, common numerical analysis techniques, plotting, and introduction to a range of specialised packages for scientific computing. The second half of the module focuses on modelling, i.e. the application of computer models to gain insight into topics across the Earth Sciences. Students will apply numerical models to a range of problems including the oceanic phosphorus cycle, stability of Earth’s climate & aqueous geochemistry. Here also thermodynamic equilibrium modelling of fluid-mineral-gas mixtures (using PhREEQC) will be introduced. This module reinforces Earth Sciences honours teaching, and equips students with practical skills

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

UNDERGRADUATE: BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS ES3002 AND PASS ES3008

Assessment pattern

100% Coursework

Re-assessment

100% Oral Exam

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 x 2 hour combined lecture - practical sessions (x 9 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

40

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

110

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • understand key concepts in scientific coding and modelling
  • demonstrate skills in fundamental aspects of coding, including control statements, loops, functions, common numerical analysis techniques, and data plotting tools
  • understand how numerical models are applied to investigate problems
  • apply coding & modelling in the wider context of Earth Sciences research