Key facts
UNE unit code: SCI410
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Are you interested in learning skills in technology and scientific data modelling that can help you to stand out in your career, but lack programming experience?
This unit provides you with an introduction to scientific programming, using problem-based learning and hands-on, practical exercises.
Delving into fundamental programming concepts that are invaluable in a scientist’s tool kit, the unit is designed to help you hone the skills needed to use and apply common techniques used in modern scientific programming. These include data analysis, advanced graphs and image analysis.
You will develop programs in MATLAB, applying these to a wide range real-world of topical and emerging issues in the physical and life sciences.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Access to MATLAB is required.This is available through a central server and through a university-wide site licence, allowing installation on students' personal computers.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- use technical and logical skills to develop well-structured computer programs in MATLAB;
- demonstrate the application of programs to advanced real-world scientific problems, with students applying modelling skills learned in this unit to their chosen discipline;
- apply current methods of data analysis and visualisation to a wide range of scientific data, including mobile and remote sensors, publically-available data, simulated data, and images;
- use modelling and programming skills to critically analyse and effectively communicating results to specialists and non-specialists; and
- use independent judgement and autonomous decision making to create bespoke programs for application in their chosen field.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 2 - Project with Oral Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Students submit code and a report on an independent research project, then defend their submission in an oral examination. Must pass this component to pass the unit. |
| Assignments | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Programming assessment. 10 weekly programming projects worth 2% each. These assessments must be attempted in order to pass the unit. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass this examination in order to pass the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
MATLAB: A Practical Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving
ISBN: 9780323917506
Attaway, S., Butterworth-Heinemann 6th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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