FURTHER EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: ROBERTO GRIMAUDOExpected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students must be able to use the functions of Mathematica and Python, and must be capable of independently writing simple numerical computation programs and producing written documents using LaTeX. Students must also demonstrate that they have acquired the following skills, knowledge, and competencies:
Knowledge and Understanding: Knowledge of the fundamental aspects of programming. Familiarity with some basic techniques using Wolfram Mathematica, Python, and LaTeX.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding: Ability to apply basic theoretical techniques to carry out specific tasks, such as preparing a laboratory report.
Communication Skills: Competence in communication within the fields of Computer Science and Physics.
Learning Skills: Acquisition of the knowledge tools necessary for the continuous updating of expertise in the field through access to computer laboratories and specialized literature.
Course Structure
Teaching Methods
Lectures with demonstration-based use of the software.
Information for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)
To ensure equal opportunities and compliance with current legislation, interested students may request an individual meeting to plan any necessary compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the learning objectives and their specific needs. Students may also contact the CInAP Faculty Representative (Centre for Active and Participatory Inclusion, Services for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) of the Department of Physics.
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Introduction to LaTex.
Textbook Information
2. Python Crash Course: a hands-on, project-based introduction to programming, 2nd edition, by Eric Matthes
3. Stephen Wolfram, An Elementary Introduction to the Wolfram Language, Cambridge University Press, 2015.
4. Wolfram Alpha Documantation, online.
3. C.F.Van Loan, K Y Daisy Fan, Insight through computing, SIAM
4. Dilip Datta, LaTeX inn 24 hours, A practical guide for scientific writing, Springer
5. Lorenzo Pantieri, LaTeXpedia, online
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Itroduction to Latex | 5 |
| 2 | Introduction to coding in Python | 1,2 |
| 3 | Introduction to Mathematica | 3,4 |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The examination consists of the discussion of one or more scripts developed by the student during the course, both in class and as homework, their execution, and the implementation of any modifications requested by the instructor.
Assessment:
Pass: The student demonstrates that they have correctly learned and mastered the fundamental aspects of programming.
Fail: The student demonstrates serious gaps and difficulties, both at the conceptual and practical level, regarding the basic programming topics covered during the course
Examination Arrangements for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)
Students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) who are officially supported by CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Inclusion) may benefit, during examinations, from the compensatory and/or dispensatory measures provided for by current regulations and agreed upon with the lecturer on the basis of the indications supplied by CInAP.
Where necessary, such measures may include additional time for completing the examination, the use of compensatory tools, adaptations of assessment procedures (for example, an oral examination in place of or in addition to a written examination), and any other appropriate support aimed at ensuring equal opportunities, while fully respecting the course learning objectives and the assessment criteria applicable to all students.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
1.
(a) Write a script that calculates the number of seconds, s, given the number of hours, h, according to the formula s = 3600 * h.
(b) Use the script to find the number of seconds in 1.5, 12 and 24 hours.
2.
(a) Write a script that calculates the mass, m, of a sphere given its radius r and mass density ρ according to the formula m=(4π/3) ρ r3
(b) Use the script to find the mass of a sphere of steel of radius r = 1 cm, r = 1 m and r = 10 m.
3.
(a) Write a function that for a point (x,y) returns the angle θ from the x-axis by using the formula θ = arctan(y/x)
(b) Find the angles θ for the points (1,1), (1,-1), (-1,1), (-1,-1).