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 using Mathematica.

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.

There are three modules, Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced.

Lectures

Each week there is one lecture. Here are the lecture Notebooks, along with Lectopia screencasts and associated material:

1. Lecture 1 ( .nb, Lectopia)
2. Lecture 2 ( .nb, Lectopia)
3. Lecture 3 ( .nb, figure, Lectopia)
4. Lecture 4 ( .nb, spreadsheet, Lectopia)
5. Lecture 5 ( .nb, Lectopia)

Module 1: Introductory

Prerequisites

This module expects no Mathematica knowledge.

• Mathematica Overview

Assignments

1. Introduction
2. Programming
3. Numerics
4. Fourier Methods
5. Differential Equations

Assessment

Assignments are worth a total of 60%. The final (take-home) exam makes up the remaining 40%.

Due Dates

Each assignment takes about two weeks to complete. Submit your assignment upon completion. All assignments must be handed by the start of week 11.

Past Exams

Past exams can be accessed here.

Module 2: Intermediate

Prerequisites

Familiarity with the basics of Mathematica as provided by Module 1, MATH2200 (Applied Mathematics), or equivalent.

Assignments

1. Chaos and Dynamical Systems
2. Solitons
3. Series Methods
4. Black-body radiation and the Maxwellian Distribution
5. QuantumMechanics

Assessment

Assignments are worth a total of 70%. The final 2 hour exam makes up the remaining 30%.

Due Dates

Each assignment takes about two weeks to complete. Submit your assignment upon completion. All assignments must be handed by the start of week 11.

Past Exams

Past exams can be accessed here.

Module 3: Advanced

Prerequisites

Complete Module 2 or equivalent.

Assignments

1. Integration
2. Matrix Quantum Mechanics or Thomas Fermi equation
3. Shallow Water Waves

Assessment

Assignments are worth a total of 60%.

A short research project forms the remaining 40%: 10 Marks are awarded for presenting a short summary of a research paper of current interest to the class; 20 Marks for implementing the calculations in the research paper; and 10 Marks for presenting the results to the class.

Assignment Submission

Name your assignment solution xxxxxxxx_n.nb (or Surname_n.nb) where xxxxxxxx is your student number and n is the assignment number.

Connect to the physics server:

Macintosh OS X

• Finder | Connect to Server...
• Server address: "physics.uwa.edu.au"
• Connect as "Guest"
• Mount "Physics FTP"

Windows

• Network Neighbourhood
• Select PHYSICS server and "Physics FTP"

Navigate to "incoming" | "Computational" | Module 1,2,3. Upload your solution Notebook to folder Assignmentn where n is the assignment number.

Lecturer