University of Edinburgh

The course conveys an understanding of the internal structure and implementation of digital computers. To impart this knowledge, we first explain how the interface between hardware and software is typically constructed. In addition to explaining the interface between hardware and software, this course introduces the ideas behind the hardware implementation of a processor. This course includes a brief introduction to the C programming language, which is widely used as a systems programming language.

This course introduces numerical methods, which are now an essential component in a diverse range of disciplines. Topics include creation and manipulation of arrays, solutions of linear systems, Gaussian elimination with partial pivoting, numerical differentiation and integration, introductory numerical differential equations, root finding methods, including bisection and fixed-point iteration, Newton's method in one and higher dimensions, and functional minimization in multiple dimensions. Within these topics students are introduced to variables and functions, floating point arithmetic, flow control, container types, plotting, and symbolic expressions.

Under the collective title, Art and Belief in Europe (c. 500 - 1700), the lectures in semester 1 address developments in European art from the rise of Christianity, through the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, concluding with the Reformation and Counter-Reformation. Geographies studied include Britain, Italy, France, and Germany. The course looks at the work of both early anonymous and later celebrated artists, such as Giotto, Jan van Eyck, Durer, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci, all within a broad range of social contexts. Students consider issues surrounding art and identity, including gender, sexuality, nationality, religious and political belief, as well as issues surrounding the art objects themselves, such as patronage, materiality, display, and reception. Whenever appropriate the weekly tutorials are conducted in the museums, galleries and public spaces of Edinburgh, which has world-renowned art collections.

This course develops knowledge and understanding of the international legal system; the main institutions which contribute to the development and application of international law; and the legal rules, principles, and processes which govern key areas of inter-state activity.

This course provides an account of the structure of Modern Scots dialects and Scottish English by examining variation in phonology, morphology, syntax and lexis from diachronic, synchronic and geographical perspectives.