MXB261 Modelling and Simulation Science


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Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:MXB261
Credit points:12
Equivalent:INB360, MAB480
Assumed Knowledge:

Programming experience; sound achievement in Senior Mathematics B is assumed knowledge.

Coordinators:Adrianne Jenner | adrianne.jenner@qut.edu.au
David Warne | david.warne@qut.edu.au
Kate Helmstedt | kate.helmstedt@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

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 Computational and Simulation Science. This unit aims to provide you with the knowledge to apply computational simulation techniques in a selection of application areas where the scientific problems are characterised by widely varying scales, both in space and time. You will use relevant programming softwares to develop and implement simulation algorithms together with analysis of resulting data using multi-dimensional visualisation techniques. You can further develop visualisation skills through units MXB262 Visualising Data and MXB362 Advanced Visualisation and Data Science, as well as extending your knowledge of computational science through the unit MXB361 Aspects of Computational Science.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Apply programming skills to implement various simulation algorithms for spatio-temporal simulations.
  2. Analyse, visualise and interpret simulation data.
  3. Conduct and synthesise research on simulation techniques for a real-world situation.
  4. Communicate research in written and visual formats for a scientific audience.
  5. Work in a group to solve problems and express a coherent argument.

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, such as long term dynamics, rare events, and the matching of simulations to experimental data

Learning Approaches

This unit is available for you to study in either on-campus or online mode. Learning in this unit includes weekly pre-recorded lectures, online activities, computer practicals, lecture consultation and a unit communications channel, designed to facilitate communication with your peers and teaching staff outside of scheduled classes. You can expect to spend 10 - 15 hours per week involved in preparing for and attending all scheduled computer practicals and lecture consultations, completing assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent study to consolidate your learning.


This unit engages you in your learning through a theory-to-practice approach, with delivery of topic content followed by practical exercises to develop programming skills and present opportunities for problem-solving, both individually and in group work. As with any unit requiring programming, you may need to devote additional hours each week to practise programming and analysis skills.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive feedback via generic comments to the cohort via QUT Canvas, as well as individual feedback during attendance at the computer workshops. There will be written feedback on all assessment tasks, with feedback on earlier assessment tasks being received prior to the submission of the next task. Appointments can be made with the unit coordinator to receive feedback on the final examination.

Assessment

Overview

This unit is assessed through problem-solving tasks, a simulation project (group work), and a final exam.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Problem Solving Task

Programming Exercise
A programming implementation of a basic simulation algorithm.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 15
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Mid-Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4

Assessment: Project (applied)

A program development exercise, involving background research, implementation of a simulation algorithm, analysis of resulting data using visualisation techniques, and an oral presentation. Submission: Week 11, with oral presentations in Week 12 and/or 13.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Group
Due (indicative): Week 11
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Assessment: Examination (invigilated)

A written examination, evaluating concepts, comprehension of techniques, and application of this knowledge, drawing on all material covered throughout the semester.

The examination will be at a local testing centre. For students enrolled as internal or on-campus, the local testing centre will be on QUT campus. For students enrolled as online, QUT Examinations will provide testing centre information.

Weight: 45
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Central Examination Period
Central exam duration: 2:10 - Including 10 minute perusal
Examination Period
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Various readings will be assigned, available online or at the QUT library.

The required software is installed in the computer labs and/or freely available.

Students are not expected to purchase any software or other resources for this unit.

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.