MTMA33-Introduction to Computing

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: MTMG01 Introduction to Weather Systems
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof John Methven
Email: j.methven@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to scientific computing for meteorological applications using the Python programming language.

Aims:

This module aims to give students the programming skills they need for simple data analysis, at the level they require for carrying out independent dissertation research.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, students should be able toÌý :

• Carry out a simple statistical analysis of time series data using the Python programming language;


• Read files containing multi-dimensional data and also write new files;


• Use functions and scripts to design re-useable programmes;


• Display meteorological data using informative plots.

Additional outcomes:

Students will consolidate the knowledge they have gained in other modules

Outline content:

• Introducing the fundamental elements of programming, including variables, assign statements, arrays. Plotting one array against another (week 1).


• Performing calculations using loops and conditional statements (week 2). Writing functions and using them (week 3).


• Designing programmes to tackle meteorological applications (weeks 4 -Ìý 5).


• 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø large datasets from files in NetCDF format and more advanced manipulation of data (weeks 6-9).


• Coding for research - team challenge (week 10)

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The first half of the module combines group activities and lectures with computing laboratory sessions. The second half is a series of practical activities with a short introduction of the meteorological context.

51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø lists for meteorology modules are available here https://reading.rl.talis.com/departments/mps_met.htmlÌý Ìý .

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two assessed reports, each worth 50%.

Formative assessment methods:

Two short programming assignments to enable students to get feedback on their progress with their implementation of code using the knowledge from the module. Feedback from each formative assignment occurs before the assessed reports are due.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: