Course syllabus
Spring 2023
Course syllabus, Spring 2023
Title
Computational Physics: Introductory Course
Swedish title
Beräkningsbaserad fysik: Introduktionskurs
Course code
FY130A
Credits
7.5 credits
Grading scale
UG / Fail (U) or Pass (G)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Technology and Society
Syllabus valid from
2021-08-30
Syllabus approval date
2021-05-19
Level
Basic level
Entry requirements
1. The equivalent of English 6/English B in Swedish secondary school.
2. Courses corresponding to 15 credits of Mathematics.
Main field
No main field.
Progression level
G1F / First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
Single subject course.
Course objectives
The purpose of the course is that the student shall develop knowledge and basic skills to use numerical methods for modeling physical systems. The aim of the course is also that the student obtains skills to implement numerical methods in computer programs.
Course contents
Numerical methods for:
- Basic mathematical operations
- Solution of differential equations
- Solution of eigenvalue problems
- Monte-Carlo simulations
and
- Programming in Python
- The use of numerical methods for modeling physical systems
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course the student shall:
- account for different numerical methods
- describe usual programming elements in computer programs
Competence and skills
On completion of the course the student shall:
- apply numerical methods in order to model physical systems and account for their pros- and cons.
- estimate errors with the use of numerical methods
- write and develop simpler programs in Python based on numerical methods
- describe the results of a simulation in a project report
Judgement and approach
On completion of the course the student shall:
- demonstrate the ability to critically examine and evaluate a model of a physical system
Learning activities
The education is offered exclusively online; attendance or other physical presence is neither planned nor required. Students are expected to have access to a computer with Internet access. No physical meetings are planned but occasional digital meetings might occur.
Assessment
Student performance is assessed by:
- Assignments (4,5 credits)
- A final project in the form of a report (3 credits)
Requirements for Pass: Passed assignments and passed final project.
Course literature and other study material
- Compendia of theory and task description are provided.
- Newman, M. (2012). Computational Physics. U.S.: CreateSpace
Additional literature is chosen in consultation with the teacher / tutor depending on the direction of the project.
Course evaluation
The university provides all students who are participating in, or have completed, a course to express their experiences and views on the course through a course evaluation which is organized at the end of the course. The university will collate the course evaluations and provide information about their results and any actions prompted by them. The results shall be made available to the students. (HF 1:14).
Interim rules
When a course is no longer given, or the contents have been radically changed, the student has the right to re-take the examination, which will be given twice during a one year period, according to the syllabus which was valid at the time of registration.