Mathematics and Computing

A first year course on programming

Ian Hawke

Current status

  • Maple labs attached to Calculus (MATH1056).
  • Material outdated: Last updated on October 5 2007.
  • Material not aligned with current modules.
  • Maple not popular, unknown outside Maths.
  • Students have requested "proper" coding course.

Principles

Guzdial's principles for Programming Languages for Learners:

  1. Connect to what learners know (identity).
  2. Keep cognitive load low.
  3. Be honest (real).
  4. Be generative and productive.
  5. Test, don't trust.

Material

Python material prepared, available online, multiple formats. Piloted on small group of UGs, PG demonstrators.

  • Covers numerical and symbolic topics.
  • Installed on University machines.
  • Free.
  • Used in eg Physics and Engineering.
  • "Proper" programming language.
  • Recognized by industry.

Content

Mathematical examples, exercises show

  • Variables, control flow, functions, etc.
  • Symbolic methods.
  • Linear algebra, differential equations, statistics, plotting.
  • $\LaTeX$
  • Classes, testing, advanced topics.

Links to Number Theory, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Statistics modules.

Feedback so far

Feedback says the material

  • is the right level for first year UGs;
  • will easily fill 12 hours of labs;
  • is well understood by the PG helpers;
  • should work on University UDE and students' own machines;
  • could use more worked exercises, to link to other modules.

Delivery

We can follow existing Maple labs route: self-paced with PG demonstrators.

  • No change in staff load.
  • Weak students will disengage.

Alternative model followed by Jacobs et al.: short live-coded intro, then hands-on exercises with demonstrators.

  • More "lecturing" preparation.
  • Expect much better feedback.

Action needed

  • Agreement that this is approach to take.
  • Modification of module specs.
  • More exercises.
  • A staff member needs to take charge of delivery:
    • Organizing demonstrators.
    • Liaise with iSolutions.
    • Field problems with material.