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Modelling and Simulation Science

Unit code: MAB480
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs

This unit teaches students how to implement a mathematical algorithm in a modern scientific computing environment (eg Matlab). A case-study approach is used with an emphasis on writing efficient code. Also an overview of other software packages used in mathematics will be given.

Availability
Semester Available
2013 Semester 2 Yes

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

With the rapid development in both computing hardware and its application to advanced scientific problems that require computational solutions, there is a need for IT, Maths and Science students to have a practical understanding of Simulation Science. This unit will provide practical examples of simulations in time and in space, as well as skills development in computational and data analysis techniques. In particular, it will cover programming in MATLAB (with a focus on numerical simulations), along with an introduction to the powerful visualization tools available within MATLAB. Also, the simulation environment NetLogo will be introduced.

Aims

This unit aims to give students an understanding of computational techniques used for simulations (and visualisation) in a selection of application areas where the scientific problems are characterized by widely varying spatial and temporal scales. Through this study you will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the development and implementation of simulation algorithms and the analysis of resulting data using multi-dimensional visualisation techniques.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge of (and apply programming skills to implement) various simulation algorithms for spatio-temporal simulations (GC1, GC2)
2. apply analysis and visualisation techniques to aid in interpretation of simulation data (GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4)
3. research and report on state-of-the-art simulation techniques in a chosen application area (GC3, GC4, GC5)

Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change

Content

The major topics in this unit are:

  • Introduction to Application Areas
  • Introduction to MATLAB and NetLogo
  • Use of temporal methods, such as Gillespie's Stochastic Simulation Algorithm
  • Monte-Carlo methods
  • Spatio-temporal methods
  • Visualisation of multidimensional data
  • Data analysis, including long term dynamics, rare events, and the matching of simulations to experimental data

    Approaches to Teaching and Learning

    The formal contact hours each week for this unit comprise:

  • a 2-hour lecture
  • a 2-hour practical, at which you may be required to complete practical exercises based on the lecture material.
    As with any unit requiring programming, you may need to devote additional hours each week to practise programming and analysis skills.

    Assessment

    Two of the assessment tasks are to be undertaken on an individual basis. The other assessment task is a group-based task.You will receive feedback on completed and marked assignments via individual comments on assignment scripts.
    For the Final Exam, you are referred to the Faculty's formal Rules, Policy and Procedures.

    Assessment name: Programming Exercise
    Description: A programming implementation of a basic simulation algorithm.
    Relates to objectives: 1 - 2
    Weight: 15%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Individual
    Due date: Week 6

    Assessment name: A Simulation Project
    Description: A program development exercise, involving background research, implementation of a simulation algorithm, analysis of the resulting data using visualisation techniques, and an oral presentation on the results of the project. Oral presentations rostered in Weeks 12 - 13.
    Relates to objectives: 1 - 5
    Weight: 40%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Group
    Due date: Week 11

    Assessment name: Final Examination (written)
    Description: Final Exam (2 hours)
    Relates to objectives: 1 - 5
    Weight: 45%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Individual
    Due date: Exam Period

    Academic Honesty

    QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

    A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

    Resource materials

    Various readings will be assigned, available online or at the QUT library.
    The required software is either installed in the computer labs and/or freely available.
    Students are not expected to purchase any software or other resources for this unit.

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    Risk assessment statement

    There is minimal health and safety risk in this unit. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable within campus areas and laboratories.

    Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

    Last modified: 26-Mar-2013