FYS3150 - Computational physics
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Course content
An introduction to numerical methods which are used in solving problems in both physics and chemistry, e. g. solution of differential equations, matrix operations and eigenvalue problems, interpolation and numerical integration, modelling of data and Monte Carlo methods.
Learning outcomes
The course gives an introduction to several of the most used algorithms from numerical analysis to solve problems in the Sciences. These algorithms cover topics such as advanced numerical integration using Gaussian quadrature, Monte Carlo methods with applications to random processes, Markov chains, integration of multidimensional integrals and applications to problems in statistical physics and quantum mechanics. Other methods which are presented are eigenvalue problems, from the simple Jacobi method to iterative Krylov methods. Popular methods from linear algebra such as the LU-decomposition method and spline interpolation are also discussed. A large fraction of the course is also devoted to solving ordinary differential equations with or without boundary conditions and finally methods for solving partial differential equations. The student will thus develop a familiarity with some of the most used algorithms in Science. Several examples of problems in physics and chemistry will be used in order to demonstrate various numerical methods. The examples span over several fields, from materials science to solid state physics, atomic physics, astrophysics, nuclear physics and eigenvalue problems in quantum chemistry. The course is project based and through the various projects, normally five, the participants will be exposed to fundamental research problems in these fields, where the aim of the last project is to reproduce state of the art scientific results. The students will learn to develop and structure codes for studying these systems, develop a critical understanding of the capabilities and limits of the various numerical methods, get aquainted with supercomputing facilities and parallel computing and learn to handle scientific projects. The students will have to choose between C++, Pyhton or Fortran2003 as computing languages. They will also learn how to interface python programs with C++ or Fortran programs.
A good scientific and ethical conduct is emphasized throughout the course.
Admission
Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.
International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisites
In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:
One of these:
- Mathematics R1
- Mathematics (S1+S2)
And and in addition one of these:
- Mathematics (R1+R2)
- Physics (1+2)
- Chemistry (1+2)
- Biology (1+2)
- Information technology (1+2)
- Geosciences (1+2)
- Technology and theories of research (1+2)
The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies. Read more about special admission requirements.
Recommended prior knowledge
Knowledge corresponding to the following courses at the University of Oslo: INF1000 - Introduction to object-oriented programming, FYS-MEK1110 - Mechanics, MOD100, MAT1100 - Calculus, MAT1110 - Calculus and linear algebra and MAT1120 - Linear algebra.
Overlap
10 credits overlap against FYS210.
Teaching
The course is given in the fall term and contains 4 hours of lectures per week. The course also contains compulsory laboratory work solved by using computers.
Exam information
6 compulsory project works which are evaluated through an oral exam.
Assessment and grading
Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .
An external auditor regularly evaluates the academic quality of the course, including the form of exam used on the course.
Explanations and appeals
Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals
Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes
You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .
Exam options for students with special needs
Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.
Evaluation of this course
Feedback from our students is essential to us in our efforts to ensure and further improve the high quality of our programmes and courses. As a student at the University of Oslo you will therefore be asked to participate in various types of evaluation of our courses, facilities and services. All courses are subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students on a particular course to participate in a more comprehensive, in-depth evaluation of this course, a so called "periodic evaluation".
Other information
Course evaluation
Feedback from our students is an essential to us in our efforts to ensure and further improve the high quality of our programmes and courses. As a student at the University of Oslo you will therefore be asked to participate in various types of evaluation of our courses, facilities and services. All study programmes and courses are subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students enrolled in a particular programme or course to participate in a more comprehensive, in-depth evaluation of their programme or course. The next evaluation of this course will be carried out during the autumn term of 2005.
Contact us
Department of Physics
Visiting address:
Physics building, Sem Sælandsvei 24
Visiting hours:
Monday-friday 08:00-15:45
Postal address:
P.O. Box. 1048, Blindern
NO-0316 OSLO
Fax: +47 22 85 64 22
E-mail: studieinfo@fys.uio.no
Web: http://www.mn.uio.no/fysikk/english/