| CODE | CVE3631 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Numerical Methods for Building Physics | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Civil and Structural Engineering | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Architects and civil engineers rely on the use of computer programs in their profession. In many cases, such programs require the users to think in an algorithmic manner, following step by step procedures. There are also cases, where architects need to make use of computers to solve repetitive tasks using their own programs. This study-unit addresses this reality which modern professionals face. It introduces the student to the fundamentals of computer programming for architectural and civil engineering applications. The focus of the study-unit will not be a particular programming language. Rather the main emphasis will be on how to develop problem solving algorithms. The study-unit is divided into a theoretical component and a practical component, where students will be able to build computer programs specifically related to their engineering and architectural needs. The topics covered are as follows: - Introduction to computers; - Programming languages; - Algorithms; - Verification and validation; - Numerical procedures; - Numerical error types; - Convergence. Laboratory sessions will tackle the following: - Variables; - Loops; - Conditional statements; - functions; - Arrays - Solving systems of linear equations using matrices; - Numerical interpolation; - Data presentation. Note: The programming language used in this study-unit will be MATLAB or Octave. Study-Unit Aims: The aim of this study-unit is to familiarise architecture and civil engineering students with the basic concepts in computer programming. The student will learn to use algorithms to solve problems using a computer. This study-unit will be enough to enable students to become conversant in developing problem solving tools using any programming language that they may need to use in their professional careers. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Apply algorithms to solve architectural or civil engineering problems; - Verify and validate computer programs; - Assess the convergence of numerical solutions; - Write programs using variables, conditional statements, loops, functions and arrays to solve simple architectural and civil engineering problems; - Solve linear systems of equations using a program; - Program an interpolation function; - Adequately present data generated from computer programs. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Apply algorithmic thinking to solve architectural and civil engineering problems; - Use computer programs to solve repetitive tasks; - Execute algorithms using computer programs; - Program a number of simple applications including a solver for linear systems of equations. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Chapra, Steven C., Canale, Raymond P. Numerical methods for engineers. McGraw-Hill; 5th ed., International ed.. 2006. ISBN 007-124429-8. - Hahn, Brian H., Valentine, Daniel T. Essential Matlab for engineers and scientists. Academic P. 4th ed.. 2010. ISBN 9780123748836. - Palm, William J.. Introduction to MATLAB 7 for engineers. McGraw-Hill. 2005. ISBN 0-07-123262-1. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Ind Study, Lecture, Practicum, Project & Tutorial | ||||||||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Daniel Micallef |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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