csc 107 - programming for science lecture 3: simulations & program lifecycle
Post on 18-Jan-2016
227 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
CSC 107 -Programming for Science
Lecture 3:
Simulations & Program Lifecycle
Problem of the Day
Why are manhole covers round?
It is the only shape that guarantees that the cover can not fall in.
Solving Problems
Problem solving key to science & engineeringPhysics -- How does an atom work?Engineering -- Will the bridge collapse?Biology -- What is crawling up my leg?
Computer science investigates how computers can be used to solve problems
Etter’s Problem Solving Method
1. State the problem clearly Will splitting an atom cause unstoppable
explosion?
2. Describe input and output information Input: E = mc2; U235 Output:
3. Work problem by hand or with calculator for simple set of data
Physicists at Manhattan Project did this!
Etter’s Problem Solving Method
4. Develop solution and convert to computer program
Classified by Dept. of Energy
5. Test solution with variety of data Currently happening in Iran & North Korea
Programming For Science
This course considers all 5 stepsAll needed for success with computers
What kind of problems are good for computers?
Bad Jobs
Nuclear Weapon Tester Hurricane Spotter New Medicine Tester Economist
Volunteers?
Problem
Jobs may be dangerous or illegal, or require psychic abilities
Experiments may be costly or unethicalCannot vaccinate people without knowing
side-effects Decisions may be irrevocable
Cannot undo an atomic explosion!
What is a Simulator?
Emulate system in a way that enables observing the changes/outcomesSystem could be:
single subatomic particle E. coli bacteria Earth’s weather Elevators in Old Main Galaxies
Simulation Example
Simulation Example
Simulator Accuracy
Off by almost 100 miles only 24 hours in advance
What went wrong?
Real-world systems are very complexEquations have too many variables than we
can write in a programMust simplify world to generate results in
timely mannerMay overlook important variables
Your Turn
Get back into groups of 3 and complete the following (off-line) simulation
top related