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

• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002
• 2001
• 2000
• 1999
• 1998
• 1997

Lecturer