Computational Physics
Kort om kursen
The course introduces the students to important computational methods in physics; namely stochastic, continuum, and particle methods. The main aim with the course is to refine computational skills by providing direct experience in using a computer to solve problems in physics.
Om utbildningen
The course gives an introduction to three important computational methods in physics: stochastic, continuum, and particle methods.
The stochastic methods, often called Monte Carlo methods, are a col- lection of techniques where random numbers play an essential role. We will introduce the Metropolis algorithm and apply it to problems in material sci- ence and in statistical and quantum mechanics. High-dimensional problems can be treated which are intractable with other numerical techniques.
We will also show how stochastic methods can be used to solve kinetic and diffusion problems and consider Brownian motion and reaction kinetics in connection to heterogeneous catalysis.
Finite element and finite difference methods are used to solve partial differential equations. These are central in physics and of key importance in engineering. We will introduce these continuum methods and illustrate how they can be used to solve various problems in physics. The Fast Fourier Transform will also be introduced as an efficient technique to solve partial differential equations.
Particle methods can be used to solve both few-body and many-body problems. They are based on the solution of ordinary differential equa- tions. We will demonstrate how they are used as powerful tools in molecu- lar modelling in materials and biosciences. The technique is then known as molecular dynamics simulation and gives much insight into the behaviour of interacting many particle systems.
Behörigheter och urval
Förkunskapskrav
Fulfilled Bachelor thesis in Physics and English level B.
Urval
Högskolepoäng, max 165 hp.