CEG2002 : Statistics and Numerical Methods for Civil Engineers
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr David Swailes
- Lecturer: Dr David Walshaw
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The aims of the module are:-
1. To introduce a basic understanding of statistical methods and data analysis in the context of Civil Engineering.
2. To introduce the statistical analysis program Minitab.
3. To extend students' knowledge, understanding and use of differential equations.
4. To impart a basic working knowledge of a range of widely used numerical techniques with some of the underpinning theoretical ideas.
Outline Of Syllabus
Probability, Sampling, descriptive statistics, discrete and continuous probability, distributions (binomial, Poisson, uniform, normal, exponential), linear combination of variables, central limit theorem, confidence intervals for mean hypothesis testing and goodness of fit, regression, introduction to Minitab.
Basic decision theory (statistical games, decision criteria, the theory in practice).
Numerical methods for large systems of linear equations; decomposition and iterative techniques.
Numerical methods for first-order ordinary differential equations:
Single and multi-step schemes. Error and stability analysis using Taylor series. Numerical treatment of higher-order differential equations and first-
order systems.
Numerical methods for linear partial differential equations:
Finite difference methods, explicit and implicit schemes and stability.
Engineering applications of numerical techniques; including structural vibrations, heat and flow dynamics and dispersion.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Alternative Assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 5:00 | 5:00 | Statistical Coursework |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 5:00 | 5:00 | Numerical Methods Coursework |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 18 | 2:00 | 36:00 | Lecture Notes/Supplementary Recorded Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Tutorials |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Problem Sheet Exercises |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will complement the prepared lectured notes and problem sheets, reinforcing and expanding on the essential points introduced each week.
The problem sheets provide practice material and the tutorial sessions will be used to discuss both these problems and others raised by the students, as well as to provide feedback to students on assessed work.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 80 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 10 | Numerical Methods |
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 10 | Statistical Methods |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The assessment provides an appropriate way to assess both theoretical understanding and practical problem solving skills. The in-course assessment enables more detailed engineering problems to be considered in greater depth and software use skills to be employed.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CEG2002's Timetable