FYS-MEK4500 – Finite Volume Methods for Geophysical Fluid Physics
Course description
Course content
Numerical solution of hyperbolic equations in conservation form. The Lax-Friedrichs method, Godunov's method and Riemann solvers. Convergence, stability, and accuracy. Compressible and incompressible flows, shocks and dissipation. Equations of state and reactive flows. Geophysical applications include atmospheric dispersion, tsunamis, fluidised systems, vents and volcanic flows.
Learning outcome
The students learn how to develop models of dynamical geological systems using finite volume methods. They will use code they write themselves and they will become sophisticated users of publicly available code from academic sources. They will understand the applicability and limitations of numerical models of various types and will be able to critically evaluate numerical work presented by others.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
Bachelors degree in physics, geosciences or applied mathematics.
Teaching
The course extends over a full semester with 2 hours of lectures every week. There will be compulsory numerical exercises.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Students will prepare a project on a (geophysical) topic of their choice using the numerical methods developed in this course, and present this project as a research paper and an oral presentation before the conclusion of the course. Letter grades will be given, with equal weight given to the compulsory exercises (see Teaching) and to the final project and this will comprize the final mark. Both the compulsory numerical exercises and the presentation must be passed in order to get a final grade.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Language of examination
You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. If you would prefer to have the exam text in English, you may apply to the course administrators.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.
Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.