Physics 331 - Computational Physics

This course introduces the use of computational methods in the solutions of Physics problems. It covers some of the most  fundamental numerical techniques, such as root finders, minimization algorithms and differential equation integrators. These fundamental techniques will be combined to solve complex problems such as optimization or boundary value problems.  Emphasis will be placed on common methods of casting Physics problems into forms amenable to numerical solution, and for displaying numerical results.

Course Details

Lecture Plan (tentative)

  1. (9/2) Section 1 - Algorithms & Programs
  2. (9/9) Section 2.1 - Algebraic eqs. & bisection
  3. (9/16) Section 2.2 - General/Specific breakdown
  4. (9/23) Section 2.3 - Newton's Method. Arithmetic precision.
  5. (9/30) Section 3 - Vectors & Multi-dim. roots
  6. (10/7) Sections 4.1 & 4.2 - ODEs intro & Euler's method
  7. (10/14) Section 4.3 - Truncation errors & time step choice
  8. (10/21) Section 4.4 - 2nd order Runge-Kutta
  9. (10/28) Section 5.1 - More dimensions
  10. (11/4) Section 5.2 - Higher order ODEs
  11. (11/11) Section 5.3 - Driver programs
  12. (11/18) Graphing and visualization
  13. (12/2) Sections 6.1 & 6.2 - Eigenvalue problems - gen. & analytic.
  14. (12/9) Section 6.3 - Eigenvalue problems - the shooting method.

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