Lecture

Floating Point Numbers

This module covers floating-point numbers and their applications in programming. Students will learn about:

  • The representation of floating-point numbers in Python.
  • Techniques for successive refinement in calculations.
  • Methods for finding roots of equations.

Understanding floating-point arithmetic is essential for accurate computations in various programming scenarios.


Course Lectures
  • The first module sets the stage for the course by outlining its goals and introducing key concepts in computation. Students will explore:

    • What computation entails.
    • Basic data types, including integers and strings.
    • The significance of operators and variables in programming.

    This foundational knowledge prepares students for more complex programming concepts.

  • Operators and Operands
    Eric Grimsom

    This module delves into the fundamental components of programming, focusing on:

    • Understanding operators and operands.
    • Creating statements to control program flow.
    • Implementing branching and conditionals for decision-making.
    • Utilizing iteration to execute repetitive tasks.

    By mastering these concepts, students will develop the ability to write functional programs.

  • Common Code Patterns
    Eric Grimsom

    This module focuses on common coding patterns, particularly iterative programs. Students will learn how to:

    • Implement loops to repeat actions.
    • Recognize and apply iterative solutions to problems.
    • Differentiate between various iterative techniques.

    These skills are crucial for efficient programming and problem-solving.

  • This module introduces the concepts of decomposition and abstraction through functions. Key topics include:

    • Understanding the purpose of functions in programming.
    • Creating reusable code through abstraction.
    • Exploring recursion as a method of solving problems.

    Students will gain insights into organizing code effectively for better readability and maintainability.

  • Floating Point Numbers
    Eric Grimsom

    This module covers floating-point numbers and their applications in programming. Students will learn about:

    • The representation of floating-point numbers in Python.
    • Techniques for successive refinement in calculations.
    • Methods for finding roots of equations.

    Understanding floating-point arithmetic is essential for accurate computations in various programming scenarios.

  • Bisection Methods
    Eric Grimsom

    This module introduces students to bisection methods and Newton/Raphson techniques for solving equations. Additionally, students will explore:

    • Basic concepts of lists in Python.
    • The importance of lists for organizing data.
    • Practical applications of bisection methods in programming.

    These methods are vital for numerical analysis and problem-solving in programming.

  • Lists and Mutability
    Eric Grimsom

    This module explores lists and their mutability in Python. Key concepts include:

    • Understanding the mutability of lists and their implications.
    • Introduction to dictionaries and their applications.
    • Basic pseudocode for planning programming tasks.
    • Introduction to efficiency in algorithms.

    Students will learn how to utilize these data structures effectively in their programming projects.

  • Complexity
    Eric Grimsom

    This module covers algorithm complexity, focusing on:

    • Understanding different classes of algorithms: log, linear, quadratic, and exponential.
    • Analyzing the efficiency of algorithms based on their complexity.
    • Identifying the best approach for specific problems.

    Students will gain insights into algorithm performance and its significance in programming.

  • Binary Search
    Eric Grimsom

    This module introduces binary search and sorting algorithms, specifically:

    • The principles of binary search for efficient data retrieval.
    • Implementing bubble sort and selection sort algorithms.
    • Comparing the efficiency of different sorting techniques.

    Understanding these algorithms is crucial for optimizing data processing in programming.

  • This module examines divide and conquer methods in programming. Key topics include:

    • Understanding the divide and conquer strategy.
    • Implementing merge sort for efficient sorting.
    • Handling exceptions in programming for robust code.

    Students will learn how to apply these techniques to solve complex problems effectively.

  • Testing and Debugging
    Eric Grimsom

    This module focuses on testing and debugging practices in programming. Students will learn:

    • The importance of testing code for reliability.
    • Techniques for identifying and fixing bugs in programs.
    • Best practices for maintaining code quality.

    These skills are essential for writing robust and error-free code.

  • Knapsack Problem
    Eric Grimsom

    This module focuses on the knapsack problem, a classic optimization problem. Topics include:

    • Understanding the knapsack problem and its applications.
    • Strategies for debugging algorithms related to this problem.
    • An introduction to dynamic programming as a solution approach.

    Students will learn to apply dynamic programming techniques to solve complex optimization issues.

  • Dynamic Programming
    Eric Grimsom

    This module dives deeper into dynamic programming, focusing on:

    • The concepts of overlapping subproblems and optimal substructure.
    • Strategies for applying dynamic programming to various problems.
    • Real-world applications of dynamic programming techniques.

    Students will gain a thorough understanding of how to approach problems using this powerful method.

  • This module introduces object-oriented programming (OOP) principles. Key topics include:

    • The analysis of the knapsack problem from an OOP perspective.
    • The basics of classes and objects in programming.
    • Understanding encapsulation and its importance in OOP.

    Students will learn how to design and implement programs using OOP techniques.

  • This module delves into abstract data types, classes, and methods. Students will explore:

    • The definition and significance of abstract data types.
    • How to create and use classes and methods in Python.
    • Practical applications of these concepts in programming.

    By understanding these principles, students will be better equipped to design complex data structures.

  • Encapsulation
    Eric Grimsom

    This module focuses on encapsulation, inheritance, and shadowing in object-oriented programming. Key topics include:

    • The concept of encapsulation and its role in data protection.
    • Understanding inheritance and how it promotes code reuse.
    • Exploring shadowing and its implications in programming.

    Students will learn how these principles enhance the design and functionality of their programs.

  • Computational Models
    Eric Grimsom

    This module explores computational models, focusing on random walk simulations. Key topics include:

    • The concept of random walks and their applications in simulation.
    • How to implement random walk simulations in Python.
    • Analyzing the results and implications of the simulations.

    Students will gain practical experience in modeling complex systems through simulations.

  • This module focuses on presenting simulation results using Pylab and plotting techniques. Key topics include:

    • Understanding how to visualize simulation data effectively.
    • Using Pylab for creating plots and graphs.
    • Interpreting simulation results through visual representation.

    Students will learn to communicate their findings clearly using graphical techniques.

  • This module offers an introduction to digital communication within the context of computer science. Key topics include:

    • Overview of the course and its objectives.
    • Discussion of the various roles and responsibilities of computer scientists.
    • Understanding the importance of communication in technology.

    Students will gain insights into the evolving field of digital communication and its implications.

  • Biased Random Walks
    Eric Grimsom

    This module examines biased random walks and their relation to distributions. Key topics include:

    • Understanding biased random walks and their characteristics.
    • Exploring different types of distributions related to random walks.
    • Analyzing the implications of these concepts in various fields.

    Students will learn to model and analyze biased random walks effectively.

  • This module introduces Monte Carlo simulations, focusing on estimating values such as pi. Key topics include:

    • The principles of Monte Carlo simulations and their applications.
    • How to implement Monte Carlo methods in Python.
    • Interpreting results and understanding their significance.

    Students will gain hands-on experience in using Monte Carlo techniques for estimation and simulation.

  • This module focuses on validating simulation results through techniques such as curve fitting and linear regression. Key topics include:

    • The importance of validating simulation outcomes for accuracy.
    • Understanding curve fitting and its applications in data analysis.
    • Implementing linear regression to model relationships between variables.

    Students will learn how to assess and improve their simulation results effectively.

  • This module covers normal, uniform, and exponential distributions, focusing on:

    • The characteristics of different statistical distributions.
    • Common misuses of statistics and their implications.
    • Applications of these distributions in real-world scenarios.

    Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of statistical principles relevant to programming.

  • This module presents a simulation of the stock market, focusing on:

    • The dynamics of stock market behavior through simulation.
    • Implementing algorithms to model stock price movements.
    • Analyzing the results and implications for investment strategies.

    Students will learn to apply programming skills to simulate complex financial systems.