Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/M006484/1
Software Development for Environmental Scientists
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Ms J P Lewis, University of Reading, Meteorology
- Grant held at:
- University of Reading, Meteorology
- Science Area:
- Atmospheric
- Earth
- Freshwater
- Marine
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Atmospheric
- ENRIs:
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- Computer Graphics & Visual.
- Software Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Software Quality
- Software Reliability
- Software Reuse
- Software Testing
- Abstract:
- This software development training is focused on the research needs of those working in environmental science with the aim of improving their skills, productivity and quality of research output. It emphasises design of robust and re-useable code to enable transparency of method and open science. We will teach and demonstrate the benefits of good initial design, thorough testing, algorithm re-use and code progression, the ideas of elegance, abstraction, performance and scalability. We propose two 5-day courses which will be primarily inperson, with web-based availability to provide an ongoing self-taught resource for others, and for revision. They are aimed principally at PhD students and early career scientists, but all applications would be considered and the online resource will be open to all. There will be two levels to run sequentially with the caveat that applicants for the second level must demonstrate competence at the first level. First level topics will include: revision of fundamentals (shells, syntax, concepts etc.), basic design methodologies, simple data structures, version control, unit and module testing, basic diagramming, commenting and coding standards, requirements capture, error handling and basic debugging. Second level topics will include: advanced design methodologies and data structures, exception handling, testing strategies, libraries, diagramming designs, performance tweaks, user interfaces, and advanced debugging. Our unique combination of experienced engineers to develop and run the courses, the use of industry standard techniques, and the practical application of concepts in an increasingly complex project will provide the students with the skills to ensure their own research software meets the standards expected for critical review. The 'Introduction to Scientific Computing' course trialled by NCAS (Nat.Centre Atmos.Science) & STFC (Science & Tech.Facilities Council) is complementary to this proposed activity: where the NCAS course focuses on the practicalities of Linux and basic programming, this course provides training in good engineering practices such as design, testing and code curation. We will work with STFC to develop a joined-up approach as well as sharing best practice and teaching techniques. Students attending the courses will be provided with a set of tools and techniques to produce robust and accessible research outcomes, with increased productivity and reduced reinvention and duplication. For those working with climate data, the confidence to design more complex software with accessible results will directly address the need for trust in published analysis, for good quality software that can be re-run and provide certainty in quantitative risk assessment and its communication.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/M006484/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Doctoral Training
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Advanced Training
This training grant award has a total value of £37,200
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Other Costs |
|---|
| £37,200 |
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