CE2PNM: Numerical Modelling and Project

Module code: CE2PNM

Module provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Stefan Smith, email: s.t.smith@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The use of computer programmes in design, investigation and management of the built environment is rapidly expanding. From the use of building simulation software to analyse the energy performance and thermal comfort of building designs to the ‘intelligent’ control of transport and energy systems, numerical methods and computer programmes are fundamental building blocks in the conceptualisation and implementation of current and future cities. Following on from CE1PNM, this module will give students the opportunity to consolidate and expand on their knowledge of programming (in Python 3), and using this to explore different numerical methods and the application of numerical methods in the study of physical processes associated with engineering for built environments. Numerical methods will be explored along with issues of error and stability that relate to the application of numerical methods in modelling dynamic (time varying) systems. The different numerical methods introduced will end with an introduction to finite differencing schemes associated with solving for systems of partial differential equations. These methods, and the development of associated computer programmes, will form the basis of a computer programming design project to model physical processes within the built environment (e.g., modelling heat transfer within a wall or fluid flow in a pipe). 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Design and write numerical models for dynamic systems with consideration of model stability issues as well as model error.  
2. Carry out error and stability analysis. 
3. Apply eigenvectors/values in systems of linear equations. 
4. Understand the difference and relationships between analytical and numerical methods in problem solving. 

Module content

Week 1 - Python Programming recap and solving systems of linear equations

Week 2 - Regression and interpolation; Differential and integral equations

Week 3 - Error and stability analysis

Week 4 - Reading week

Week 5 - Ordinary Differential Equations (Runge-Kutta and other methods)

Week 6 - Eigenvalues and eigenvectors

Week 7 - Partial Differential Equations in different engineered systems

** Easter break **

Week 8-10 - Finite Difference Methods (IVPs, BVPs and von Neumann stability) for PDEs

Week 8-12 - Programming design project and review sessions

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Material will be delivered through a mix of online videos, course note handouts and in-person lab sessions. Much of the theory and basics of programming will be delivered through videos and/or course handouts. This is to provide students with material that they can refer to as and when needed and multiple times. The ethos of this module is that ‘learning comes from doing’ so the presentation of basic programming and numerical methods will be reinforced through weekly homework sheets to be completed as part of self-study and through guided computer lab sessions. You will also undertake a project to design and implement a computer programme that models a dynamic physical process in some built environment context.

Study hours

At least 20 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Each week, homework sheets will form the basis of student work. Questions that do not form part of the summative assessment will be discussed and supported both in scheduled computer laboratory sessions and via an online support forum. 

Reassessment

Additional costs