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MPhys Physics with Astrophysics / Course details

Year of entry: 2021

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Course unit details:
Object-Oriented Programming in C++

Unit code	PHYS30762
Credit rating	10
Unit level	Level 3
Teaching period(s)	Semester 2
Offered by	Department of Physics & Astronomy
Available as a free choice unit?	No

Overview

Object-Oriented Programming in C++

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title	Unit code	Requirement type	Description
Introduction to Programming for Physicists	PHYS20161	Pre-Requisite	Compulsory

A working knowledge of programming at the level of PHYS20161 and an interest in programming.

Aims

To learn the fundamentals of Object Oriented Analysis and Design.
To become fluent in the C++ programming language.
To develop good programming style.
To be able to apply coding quickly and efficiently to realistic (physics) applications.

Learning outcomes

This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 20/21 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact. Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates

On completion successful students will be able to:-

1. Write C++ code that is compact and intelligible

2. Design and write programs in C++ using a wide range of ANSI standard features

3. Locate data structures and algorithms in the standard library to simplify coding

4. Select and use appropriate object-orientation techniques to solve new problems

Syllabus

1. The basic properties of C++: constants; boolean data-types; pointers and references; dynamic memory allocation; function overloading.

2. Data streams: standard input/output; managing files.

3. Classes and objects: encapsulation; access functions; constructors and destructors; arrays of objects; friends; operator overloading; assignment operator; shallow and deep copying; this pointer.

4. Inheritance: base and derived classes; access specifiers; overriding functions; multiple inheritance.

5. Polymorphism: base class pointers; abstract base classes; virtual and pure virtual functions; interface classes.
6. Structuring programs: header files; multiple source files; namespaces.

7. Advanced C++ features: static data; templates; runtime type checking; error handling and exceptions.

8.The C++ Standard Library; the boost library; other libraries.

Feedback methods

Feedback will be offered orally by demonstrators in lab-based sessions when they mark lab-based projects. Written feedback will be provided with final project marks.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures	10
Practical classes & workshops	10

Independent study hours
Independent study	80

Teaching staff

Staff member	Role
Niels Walet	Unit coordinator
Malcolm Gray	Unit coordinator

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