Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Computational Analysis and Smart Solution Tools (250574) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

The objective of this subject is to provide the theoretical bases and advanced techniques of computational simulation and data science. These tools will be applied to the treatment and analysis of data in marine sciences. Resources will also be provided for the presentation and dissemination of results. 1.- Solve PDEs and eigenvalue problems by computer methods (PDEs using the Finite Element Method (FEM), eigenvalues using direct vector iteration (DVI) and inverse (IVI) methods). Critical analysis of the results. 2.- Identify the different types of problems in Marine Sciences (direct, optimal design, optimal identification and optimal control); as well as their formulation and resolution by numerical methods (e.g. Levernberg-Marquardt). 3.- Incorporate the notion of uncertainty in the data (external actions and properties of the system). Develop stochastic smart solutions and statistically treat the results. This subject is oriented to a high-level interdisciplinary training, by addressing in depth all the major areas of the Marine Sciences (Physical, Geological, Chemical and Biological Oceanography), as well as providing a solid foundation in programming and problem solving methods through the use of computer calculation programs that allow a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment, its problems and the possible solutions to them.

Competencies

Especific

To know and apply the lexicon and concepts of the Marine Sciences and Technologies and other related fields.

Establish a good practice in the integration of common numerical, laboratory and field techniques in the analysis of any problem related to the marine environment.

Participate and eventually lead multidisciplinary work teams in the field of Marine Sciences and Technologies to respond to the social challenges related to this field.

Address the most relevant processes and their interactions related to their physical / chemical / biological / geological components, applying technical and scientific knowledge and criteria.

Carry out calculations, assessments, surveys and inspections in coastal and marine environments, as well as the corresponding technical documents.

Generic

Develop a professional activity in the field of Marine Sciences and Technologies.

Apply state-of-the-art methods and techniques in oceanography and marine climate, jointly covering the physical, chemical, geological and biological aspects.

Develop a conceptual framework that links the scientific-technological and management aspects for marine resources, explaining the interactions with marine infrastructures and management plans in coastal areas.

Apply knowledge and academic experience to the biotic and abiotic resources of the marine environment, explaining their interactions with the socio-economic activities that take place in it.

Encompass and teach studies in the different research lines that converge in Marine Sciences and Technologies.

Combining preservation with economic activity within the framework of current legislation promoting the development of a social and environmental awareness.

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 30h 50.00 %
Medium group 30h 50.00 %
Self Study 90h

Teaching Methodology

The course is taught on the basis of 4 hours of class per week. These hours of classes comprise theory sessions, problems and laboratories, with no strict difference between them, alternating large, medium-sized and small groups according to the teaching schedule. Course projects (to be completed with dedication inside and outside the classroom) are carried out to consolidate the general and specific learning objectives. The subject has an eminently applied and computational component. Therefore, it is advisable to follow the practical classes with a personal computer. Specific software (R, Stan, Matlab and others) is used. It is advisable that students use the support material for the face-to-face classes, which will be available on the virtual campus ATENEA: updated information on the organisation of the subject, contents, programme of assessment and directed learning activities and bibliography. The main language of instruction is Catalan. Spanish and English will also be used. Reference materials may be written in any of the three languages. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages.

Grading Rules

The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.

Ordinary Assessment The grade of the ordinary assessment is the weighted arithmetic average of the assessment activities carried out during the course. The subject is structured in two large blocks. Continuous assessment consists of different activities, carried out both individually and in a group, of an additive and formative nature, carried out during the course (inside and outside the classroom). For each of the blocks, a project and other activities (exercises, self-assessment tests, etc.) will be carried out. The overall assessment exam, of an individual nature and compulsory, will cover the syllabus of the entire subject. The weights of each of the activities in the weighted arithmetic mean for the computation of the overall qualification (as parts per unit) are indicated below: Block1 Project1 0.35 Other activities block1 0.05 Block2 Project2 0.35 Other activities block2 0.05 Global test assessment 0.2 In order to pass, the mark of the ordinary assessment must be greater than or equal to 5.0. Re-evaluation Qualification and admission criteria for the re-evaluation: Students who have failed the ordinary evaluation and who have regularly submitted the subject's evaluation activities will have the option to take a re-evaluation exam in the corresponding period of the academic calendar. Students who have already passed or students classified as not presented or who have not completed all of the assessment activities will not be able to take the re-evaluation test of the subject. The retake will consist of a single exam that covers all the content of the course. The maximum grade for the retake will be five (5.0) and the final grade for the course will be the highest grade between the continuous assessment and the retake exam. The non-attendance of a student called to the re-evaluation test, held in the fixed period, will not give right to the completion of another exam in a later date. Extraordinary assessments will be carried out for those students who, due to accredited force majeure, have not been able to take some of the continuous assessment tests. These extraordinary tests must be authorized by the corresponding head of studies, at the request of the professor responsible for the subject, and will be carried out within the corresponding teaching period.

Test Rules

If any of the evaluation activities is not carried out in the scheduled period, it will be considered as a zero score. The global exam will be carried out individually. The exams can include short questions to develop, exercises to solve or multiple choice questions. In the practical activities, the use of LLM tools must be disclosed. The content generated by the LLM should be specified. The support materials that may be use in the exam will be specified in Atenea. The use of materials or resource not authorized explicitly will be considered as cheating.

Office Hours

Consultation through appointment. An email must be sent to the professors.

Bibliography

Basic

Complementary