58勛圖

PH3080 Programming for Physicists

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

10

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.

Module description

This module is designed to develop a level of competence in Python, a modern programming language currently used in many physics research labs for mathematical modelling. No prior experience is required. The module starts with a grounding in the use of Python and discusses numerical methods. The main focus is then on the ways in which Python can be used for problem solving in physics and astrophysics.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PH2012 AND PASS MT2501 AND PASS MT2503

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE PH3082

Assessment pattern

3-hour Computer-based Examination = 75%, continual assessment = 25%

Re-assessment

Oral Re-assessment, capped at grade 7

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 x 2hr lab x 10 weeks

Scheduled learning hours

40

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

Guided independent study hours

60

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Program in Python
  • To use Python to solve physical problems
  • Visualise results from physics models
  • Use Python for data handling and treatment

Additional information from school

Please also read the general information in the School's Honours handbook that is available via /physics-astronomy/students/honours-handbook/