Module Details

Module Code: PHYS7011
Title: Programming for Measurement
Long Title: Programming for Measurement
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module builds on the material covered in the Introduction to Programming for Measurement (PHYS6024) module to provide the student with the necessary skills to develop programs for measurement and instrumentation applications.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Develop programs to create, access and manipulate data stored in a variety of file types.
LO2 Design and implement graphical user interfaces for programs for instrument control and experiment automation.
LO3 Write programs to acquire, parse and analyse data from laboratory instruments.
LO4 Explain the concepts and advantages of modular, event-driven programming.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
13549 PHYS7011 Programming for Measurement
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Building the User Interface
Useful objects: radiobutton, listbox, combobox, picturebox, message & input boxes, timer, menu, toolbar. Dialogs.
The Visual basic language
Modules, scope of variables and code. String manipulation functions.Type conversion. Intrinsic functions. Run-time error avoidance and handling.
File handling
Reading from and writing to text files. Streams. Manipulating Excel spreadsheets. Binary and random access files.
Visual Basic for Applications
Introduction to VBA. Coding & using VBA macros.
Program Testing and debugging
Choice of test data. Debugging tools; single-stepping, breakpoints and watches. Debugging strategies.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Programming exercise
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,4
Assessment Description
Short written assessment
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Open book Laboratory Exam
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of module content Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Delivery & application of module content Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study & homework Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study & homework Every Week 3.00 3
Lecture Contact Delivery of module content Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Delivery & application of module content Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Mike McGrath. (2016), Visual Basic in easy steps, 4th. Computer step, [ISBN: 9781840787016].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • J. Foxall. (2015), Teach Yourself Visual Basic, 1st. Sams, [ISBN: 9780672337451].
  • L.Power & M.Snell. (2015), Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 Unleashed, 3rd. Sams, [ISBN: 9780672337369].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 5 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 5 Mandatory