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Computational Physics 2

The purpose of computing is insight, not numbers.

-- Richard Hamming


Overview

The broad categories of computational physics are simulation, visualisation and modelling. At a finer scale, computational physics embraces a wide range of areas including numerical methods, algorithms and data analysis. Simulation and modelling are usually taught by stressing numerical techniques — this course focuses on using symbolic or computer algebra — in particular, using Mathematica.

Objectives

The objectives of this course are:

  1. to use computers as an aid to understanding real physical systems;
  2. to learn efficient methods for the analysis of these systems.

Prerequisites

Familiarity with the basics of Mathematica as provided by MATH2200 (Applied Mathematics) or equivalent.

Course Outline

The course consists of 6 lectures (one every two weeks) and 6 assignments, worth a total of 60%:

  1. Dynamical Systems and Chaos
  2. Differential Equations
  3. Schroedinger Equation
  4. Solitons
  5. Series
  6. Black-body radiation and the Maxwellian Distribution

The final 2 hour exam makes up the remaining 40%.

Past Exams

Lecturer

Contact Profile Address

Assoc/Prof Paul C. Abbott

Associate Professor
Academic Staff (Physics)

Telephone Number
6488 2734

Fax Number
6488 1014

Email Address
paul@physics.uwa.edu.au

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