BSCCS/2023/53835

ZAMZAM MOHAMED SHEIKH

QUESTION ONE

a) Briefly describe the following terms:

a. High Performance Computing (HPC) [5 marks]

High Performance Computing (HPC) involves using supercomputers and parallel

processing techniques to solve complex computational problems. HPC systems use
multiple processors to perform simultaneous computations, significantly increasing
computational speed and power. HPC systems can be classified into three main
types: massively parallel processing (MPP) systems, symmetric multiprocessing
(SMP) systems, and clusters.

Application Areas and Areas of Interest:

1. Weather Forecasting: HPC models climate patterns and predicts weather

with high accuracy.
2. Scientific Research: Used in physics, chemistry, and biology for
simulations and data analysis.
3. Medical Research: Helps in drug discovery and genomics by processing
large datasets.
4. Engineering: Used in computational fluid dynamics, structural analysis, and
material science.
5. Finance: Models financial markets, risk management, and high-frequency
trading.
6. Artificial Intelligence: Trains large-scale machine learning models,
including deep learning algorithms.

b. Artificial Intelligence (AI) [5 marks]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in

machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. AI systems can
perform tasks such as reasoning, learning, problem-solving, perception, and
language understanding. AI encompasses various subfields, including machine
learning, natural language processing, robotics, and computer vision.
Application Areas and Areas of Interest:

1. Healthcare: AI assists in diagnostics, personalized medicine, and robotic

surgery.
2. Finance: AI is used for fraud detection, algorithmic trading, and
personalized banking.
3. Transportation: Powers autonomous vehicles and improves traffic
management.
4. Customer Service: AI chatbots and virtual assistants enhance customer
support.
5. Manufacturing: Optimizes production processes and predictive
maintenance.
6. Entertainment: AI recommends content and creates realistic animations in
gaming and films.

c. Blockchain [5 marks]

Blockchain is a decentralized, distributed ledger technology that records

transactions across multiple computers securely and immutably. Each block in the
chain contains a list of transactions, and once recorded, the data in any given block
cannot be altered without altering all subsequent blocks. Blockchain uses
cryptographic techniques to ensure the integrity and security of data.

Application Areas and Areas of Interest:

1. Cryptocurrencies: The underlying technology for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and

other digital currencies.
2. Supply Chain Management: Enhances transparency and traceability in the
supply chain.
3. Healthcare: Secures patient data and streamlines medical records.
4. Voting Systems: Provides secure and transparent voting mechanisms.
5. Smart Contracts: Facilitates self-executing contracts with the terms directly
written into code.
6. Financial Services: Improves cross-border payments, trade finance, and
identity verification.

b) Explain the following as used in a programming language:

i) Procedure Call [5 marks]
A procedure call is a statement in a program that transfers control to a procedure
or subroutine, which performs a specific task. The procedure may take
parameters, execute its instructions, and return control to the calling location,
potentially with a return value. Procedure calls help modularize code, making it
more organized and reusable.
ii) Function Statement [5 marks]
A function statement defines a function, which is a block of code designed to
perform a particular task. Functions can take inputs (parameters), execute a series
of statements, and return an output. Functions promote code reuse, improve
readability, and make programs easier to debug and maintain.

c) Using a diagram, explain the CRoss Industry Standard Process for Data Mining
(CRISP-DM) process model applied in data analytics problems. [10 marks]
The CRISP-DM process model consists of six phases:
1. Business Understanding: Determine business objectives, assess the situation,
and define data mining goals.
2. Data Understanding: Collect initial data, describe data, explore data, and verify
data quality.
3. Data Preparation: Select data, clean data, construct data, integrate data, and
format data.
4. Modeling: Select modeling techniques, generate test design, build models, and
assess models.
5. Evaluation: Evaluate results, review process, and determine next steps.
6. Deployment: Plan deployment, monitor and maintain models, and produce
final report.
d) Write a program in any programming language that can be used to calculate
the circumference of a circle. [10 marks]

```python
# Python program to calculate the circumference of a circle
import math

def calculate_circumference(radius):
return 2 * math.pi * radius

# Example usage
radius = float(input("Enter the radius of the circle: "))
circumference = calculate_circumference(radius)
print(f"The circumference of the circle is: {circumference:.2f}")
```

e) Briefly explain how scientific computing can be used in various scientific

disciplines, such as physics, chemistry, and biology, to solve complex problems
and conduct simulations. [10 marks]
Scientific computing involves using computational methods and software tools to
solve scientific problems and conduct simulations. Here are some applications in
various disciplines:

1. Physics:
o Simulations: Modeling physical phenomena like fluid dynamics,
electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics.
o Astrophysics: Simulating the behavior of celestial bodies and cosmic
events.
o Particle Physics: Analyzing particle collisions and behavior in
accelerators.
2. Chemistry:
o Molecular Dynamics: Simulating the behavior of molecules and
chemical reactions.
o Quantum Chemistry: Modeling electronic structures and reactions at
the quantum level.
o Drug Discovery: Screening and optimizing potential drug candidates.
3. Biology:
o Genomics: Analyzing DNA sequences to understand genetic
variations and functions.
o Proteomics: Studying the structure and function of proteins.
o Systems Biology: Modeling complex biological systems and their
interactions.

By performing simulations and analyzing large datasets, scientific computing

enables scientists to explore scenarios that are impractical or impossible to study
experimentally.

f) Briefly describe quantum computing and its importance in scientific

computing. Give any two application areas. [10 marks]

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is an area of computing focused on developing computers

based on the principles of quantum mechanics. Unlike classical computers that use
bits as the smallest unit of data (which can be either 0 or 1), quantum computers
use quantum bits or qubits. Qubits can exist simultaneously in multiple states
(superposition) and be entangled with each other (entanglement), allowing
quantum computers to process vast amounts of data in parallel.

Key Concepts:
 1. Superposition: A qubit can be in a state of 0, 1, or both 0 and 1
simultaneously. This allows quantum computers to process multiple
possibilities at once.
2. Entanglement: Qubits can be entangled such that the state of one qubit is
dependent on the state of another, regardless of the distance between them.
This enables highly correlated computations.
3. Quantum Interference: Quantum computers use interference to amplify
correct results and cancel out incorrect ones, increasing computational
accuracy.

Importance in Scientific Computing

Quantum computing holds the potential to revolutionize scientific computing by

solving complex problems that are currently intractable for classical computers. It
can provide exponential speedup for certain computational tasks, enabling
breakthroughs in various fields.

1. Exponential Speedup: Quantum computers can solve certain problems

much faster than classical computers, making it possible to tackle large-scale
simulations and complex calculations.
2. Enhanced Problem-Solving: Quantum algorithms can solve optimization
problems, factor large numbers, and simulate quantum systems more
efficiently than classical counterparts.
3. New Algorithms: Quantum computing inspires the development of new
algorithms that can take advantage of quantum parallelism and
entanglement.

Application Areas

1. Cryptography
o Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): Quantum computing can
enhance secure communication through QKD, ensuring that
encryption keys are exchanged securely.
o Breaking Classical Encryption: Quantum computers can potentially
break widely used encryption methods like RSA and ECC by
efficiently factoring large numbers using algorithms such as Shor's
algorithm. This necessitates the development of quantum-resistant
cryptographic algorithms.
2. Drug Discovery and Material Science
 o Molecular Simulation: Quantum computing can simulate molecular
structures and interactions at the quantum level, providing insights
into chemical reactions, protein folding, and drug interactions. This
accelerates the discovery of new pharmaceuticals and materials.
o Material Design: Quantum simulations can help design new materials
with specific properties by modeling complex molecular and atomic
interactions more accurately than classical computers.

QUESTION TWO

A. Briefly describe the features that make a problem solvable by computational

methods. [10 marks]

A problem is solvable by computational methods if it possesses the following

features:
1. Well-defined Inputs and Outputs: Clear and specific inputs and expected
outputs.
2. Finite Steps: The problem can be solved in a finite number of steps or
iterations.
3. Deterministic Process: The solution process follows a predictable and
repeatable sequence of operations.
4. Measurable Performance: The efficiency and correctness of the solution can be
evaluated.
5. Feasibility: The problem can be solved using available computational resources
within reasonable time and space constraints.

B. State and discuss good properties of an algorithm. [10 marks]

1. Correctness: The algorithm should produce the correct output for all valid
inputs.
2. Efficiency: The algorithm should run in the least possible time and use the least
amount of memory.
3. Readability: The algorithm should be clear and easy to understand.
4. Maintainability: The algorithm should be easy to modify and extend.
5. Robustness: The algorithm should handle errors and unexpected inputs
gracefully.

C. Briefly describe the different programming languages and software tools

commonly used in scientific computing. [10 marks]

1. Python: Widely used due to its simplicity and extensive libraries like NumPy,
SciPy, and Matplotlib for numerical and scientific computing.
2. R: Specialized for statistical analysis and data visualization, with packages like
ggplot2 and dplyr.
3. MATLAB: Popular for numerical computing, simulations, and algorithm
development, with built-in functions and toolboxes.
4. Fortran: Traditionally used in high-performance scientific computing for
numerical and engineering applications.
5. Julia: A high-level, high-performance language for technical computing with
syntax familiar to users of other technical computing environments.
D. Write a program in R or Python Programming that has the following as applied
in data structures:

I. Arrays (5 marks)
```python
import numpy as np

# Create an array
arr = np.array([1, 2, 3, 4, 5])
print("Array:", arr)
```

II. Matrices (5 marks)

```python
import numpy as np

# Create a matrix
matrix = np.array([[1, 2, 3], [4, 5, 6], [7, 8, 9]])
print("Matrix:\n", matrix)
```

#### III. Lists (5 marks)

```python
# Create a list
lst = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
print("List:", lst)
```

IV. Dataframes (5 marks)

```python
import pandas as pd

# Create a dataframe
data = {'Name': ['Alice', 'Bob', 'Charlie'], 'Age': [25, 30, 35]}
df = pd.DataFrame(data)
print("DataFrame:\n", df)
```

QUESTION THREE [20 MARKS]

a) Write a program to initialize and store the experiment data, using appropriate
data types for measurements, timestamps, and IDs. [10 marks]

```python
import pandas as pd
from datetime import datetime

# Initialize experiment data

experiment_data = {
'Experiment_ID': [1, 2, 3],
'Timestamp': [datetime(2023, 7, 1, 12, 0), datetime(2023, 7, 1, 13, 0),
datetime(2023, 7, 1, 14, 0)],
'Measurements': [[23.4, 25.1, 22.8], [24.5, 26.0, 23.3], [22.9, 24.0, 21.8]]
}
# Create a DataFrame
df = pd.DataFrame(experiment_data)
print("Experiment Data:\n", df)
```

b) Declare and initialize subscripted variables to handle multiple measurements

for each experiment? [10 marks]

```python
# Initialize subscripted variables (arrays) for measurements
measurements = [
[23.4, 25.1, 22.8],
[24.5, 26.0, 23.3],
[22.9, 24.0, 21.8]
]

print("Measurements for each experiment:", measurements)

```

c) Implement a function to calculate the mean and standard deviation of the

measurements for each experiment. [10 marks]

```python
import numpy as np
def calculate_stats(measurements):
stats = []
for measurement in measurements:
mean = np.mean(measurement)
std_dev = np.std(measurement)
stats.append((mean, std_dev))
return stats

Example usage
stats = calculate_stats(measurements)
print("Mean and Standard Deviation for each experiment:", stats)
```

d) Write a subroutine to identify experiments with measurements that fall

outside a specified range (outliers). [10 marks]

```python
def

identify_outliers(measurements, lower_bound, upper_bound):

outliers = []
for i, measurement in enumerate(measurements):
outlier_measurements = [m for m in measurement if m < lower_bound or m
> upper_bound]
 if outlier_measurements:
outliers.append((i, outlier_measurements))
return outliers

# Example usage
lower_bound = 23.0
upper_bound = 25.5
outliers = identify_outliers(measurements, lower_bound, upper_bound)
print("Experiments with outliers:", outliers)
```
QUESTION FOUR [20 MARKS]

a) Write a code to draw a bar graph to represent the following scores of ten
students: 75, 53, 90, 87, 50, 85, 92, 75, 60, and 95. [10 marks]

```python
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

# Scores of ten students

scores = [75, 53, 90, 87, 50, 85, 92, 75, 60, 95]
students = range(1, 11)

# Draw bar graph

plt.bar(students, scores)
plt.xlabel('Student')
plt.ylabel('Score')
plt.title('Scores of Ten Students')
plt.show()
```

b) Write a code to represent the following sequence: \(\sum_{r=0}^{1000}(r+5)\)

[10 marks]

```pythonCalculate the sum of the sequence

sequence_sum = sum(r + 5 for r in range(1001))
print("Sum of the sequence:", sequence_sum)
```

c) Write a code to determine the area enclosed between the x-axis and the
curve \(y = x^3 + 2x + 5\) and the ordinates \(x=1\) and \(x=2\). [10 marks]

```python
import scipy.integrate as integrate

Define the function

def f(x):
return x**3 + 2*x + 5

Calculate the area

area, _ = integrate.quad(f, 1, 2)
print("Area under the curve:", area)
```

d) Write the syntax of if and while conditioned statements, giving examples of

each. [10 marks]

#### If statement:
```python
# If statement example
x = 10
if x > 5:
print("x is greater than 5")
else:
print("x is 5 or less")
```

#### While statement:

```python
# While statement example
count = 0
while count < 5:
print("Count is:", count)
count += 1
```
QUESTION FIVE

a) Define the following terms:

i) Scientific Computing [5 marks]

Scientific computing is the use of computational methods and numerical
algorithms to solve scientific and engineering problems. It involves the
development and application of mathematical models, simulations, and analysis
tools to understand complex systems and phenomena.

ii) Mathematical Modeling [5 marks]

Mathematical modeling is the process of representing real-world systems,
phenomena, or processes through mathematical equations and constructs. It
involves the abstraction of key features and behaviors into a mathematical
framework to analyze and predict outcomes.

iii) Effective Procedure [5 marks]

An effective procedure is a finite sequence of well-defined instructions or steps
that can be followed to achieve a desired result. It is characterized by its clarity,
efficiency, and ability to be executed by a computer or a human.

b) Write a code to solve for the roots of \(2x^2 - 6x - 3 = 0\). [10 marks]

```python
import numpy as np

# Coefficients of the quadratic equation

a=2
b = -6
c = -3

# Calculate the roots using the quadratic formula

discriminant = b**2 - 4*a*c
root1 = (-b + np.sqrt(discriminant)) / (2*a)
root2 = (-b - np.sqrt(discriminant)) / (2*a)

print("Roots of the equation are:", root1, "and", root2)

```

c) Outline common features of all programming languages. [10 marks]

1. Syntax: The set of rules that defines the combinations of symbols considered to
be correctly structured programs in a language.
2. Semantics: The meaning of the syntactically correct strings of a programming
language.
3. Variables: Storage locations identified by a name used to hold data.
4. Control Structures: Constructs that control the flow of execution (e.g., loops,
conditionals).
5. Data Structures: Methods to organize and store data (e.g., arrays, lists).
6. Functions/Procedures: Blocks of code designed to perform specific tasks.
7. Input/Output: Mechanisms for receiving input from and sending output to the
external environment.
8. Error Handling: Mechanisms to handle runtime errors and exceptions.
d) Differentiate between high-level programming language and low-level
programming language. Where does Python lie and why? [10 marks]

High-Level Programming Language:

- Abstraction: Provides a high level of abstraction from the hardware.
- Ease of Use: Easier to write, read, and maintain.
- Portability: Can run on multiple platforms with minimal modification.
- Examples: Python, Java, C++.

Low-Level Programming Language:

- Abstraction: Provides little or no abstraction from the hardware.
- Efficiency: More efficient in terms of execution speed and memory usage.
- Control**: Offers fine-grained control over hardware resources.
- Examples: Assembly language, machine code.

Where does Python lie and why?

Python is a high-level programming language.

Reasons:

1. Abstraction: Python provides a high level of abstraction from the hardware,

allowing developers to focus on solving problems rather than dealing with
hardware-specific details.
2. Ease of Use: Python's syntax is designed to be readable and concise, making
it easier to write, understand, and maintain code. It uses clear and simple
syntax that resembles natural language.
 3. Portability: Python code is portable and can run on various platforms,
including Windows, macOS, Linux, and more, without requiring significant
changes.
4. Rich Libraries: Python has extensive standard libraries and third-party
modules that facilitate rapid development and implementation of complex
functionalities without needing to write low-level code.
5. Productivity: Python enhances productivity by allowing developers to write
less code to achieve more functionality compared to low-level languages.

These characteristics make Python an ideal choice for a wide range of applications,
from web development and data analysis to artificial intelligence and scientific
computing.