A Collaborative Approach to Designing an Introductory Computational Science Course

Abstract

Nowadays computation stands alongside theory and experiment as one of the pillars of modern science, which is reflected in the fact that research and industry rely heavily on technology and computation. Therefore, we need to prepare graduates to integrate computation within their underlying discipline. In this study, we look at how academics across the College of Science at an Irish University use computational practices in their research. This will inform the design of a first-year undergraduate science course aimed at emphasizing the relevance of computational practices in science, by introducing them to authentic problems across the areas of science where computation is used and to make students competitive graduates in their respective fields.