Option B: Modeling & Simulations Flashcards
Define the term computer modelling.
A computer program designed to simulate a real-life scenario / what might or did happen in a situation
Identify a system that can be modeled.
Examples: financial planning, population growth, climate change, building design, engineering design, games like checkers or Mancala
Identify variables required to model a given system.
Recognize variables may have data types like integer, real (a number with decimal component), Boolean (true or false), or strings.
Describe the limitations of a computer model.
In many cases, it is not possible to know all the variables involved.
Outline sensible grouping for collections of data items, including sample data.
For example, if age, height, and weight are recorded for each person, group these as individual cells in a row in a table, or as items in parallel lists.
Design test-cases to evaluate a model.
Examples can include: type consistency (i.e. a variables are using the correct data type, integer/float/Boolean etc), range consistency (e.g. a variable representing age is a nonnegative number). Think about testing for extreme or abnormal data.
Discuss the effectiveness of a test-case in a specified situation.
A test case is a specification of the inputs and the expected results of those inputs. Consider how test cases can be used to evaluate a model.
Define the term simulation.
A simulation is a model executed over time.
Explain the difference between a model and a simulation.
“A model is a / an accurate representation (either physical or digital) of a real-world entity;
A simulation is an algorithm/method of implementing a model;
By changing the various parameters/variables of the model;
In order to investigate its subsequent behaviour;”
Describe rules that process data appropriately and that produce results.
Rules can be presented as mathematical formulae, pseudocode algorithms, tables of input and output values (conversions), or in any other clear, understandable and in specific format (e.g.a detailed formal description in English)
Discuss rules and data representations and organization.
Students are expected to make critical comments, for example whether data has been sensibly organized and whether rules have been described correctly.
Outline the software and hardware required for a simulation.
Simulations may require powerful hardware: fast CPU, maths processing unit/ application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), program could be adapted to run with parallel processes, or adapated to run on a GPU.
Define the term visualization.
The creation of human interpretable images from data.
Identify a two-dimensional use of visualization.
Often charts, graphs, maps.
Outline the memory needs of 2D visualization.
Memory needs are usually modest compared to 3D.
Identify a three-dimensional use of visualization.
Used when depth is needed, can produce more realistic visualizations.
Define the term rendering.
The process of generating an image from a 2D or 3D model.
Define the term wireframing.
A wireframe model is a visual representation of a 3D object by only representing edges and vertices using lines.
Define the term ray tracing.
A technique for lighting a scene by simulating light rays being emitted from a light source and bouncing off surfaces.
Define the term lighting.
The process of simulating the effect of a light source in a render.
Define the term key frame.
A drawing that defines the starting or ending points of a smooth transition (in the animation)
Define the term texture mapping.
The process of applying an image to the surface of a shape or polygon.
Discuss the time and memory considerations of 3D animation in a given scenario.
3D visualizations require a high degree of processing between the CPU and GPU. Requires access to fast memory and large amounts of memory.
