PH5023 Monte Carlo Radiation Transport Techniques

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Normally only taken in the final year of an MPhys or MSci programme involving the School, or as part of MSc Astrophysics.

Module description

This module introduces the theory and practice behind Monte Carlo radiation transport codes for use in physics, astrophysics, atmospheric physics, and medical physics. Included in the module: recap of basic radiation transfer; techniques for sampling from probability distribution functions; a simple isotropic scattering code; computing the radiation field, pressure, temperature, and ionisation structure; programming skills required to write Monte Carlo codes; code speed-up techniques and parallel computing; three-dimensional codes. The module assessment will be 100% continuous assessment comprising homework questions and small projects where students will write their own and modify existing Monte Carlo codes.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

UNDERGRADUATES: BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PH2012 AND PASS AT LEAST 1 MODULE FROM {AS3013, PH3080, PH3081, PH3082}.

Assessment pattern

Coursework (worksheets = 50%, 3-hour computing test = 25%, 1-hour Class Test = 25%) = 100%

Re-assessment

No Re-assessment available - laboratory based

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 or 3 x 1hr lectures x 5 weeks, 1hr tutorial x 5 weeks, 2hr computer session x 3 weeks.

Scheduled learning hours

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

126

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.