Module Identifier PH36010  
Module Title NUMERICAL METHODS  
Academic Year 2004/2005  
Co-ordinator Dr David P Langstaff  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Daniel Brown, Dr Martin C Wilding  
Pre-Requisite PH26010 , PH27010 , PH23010 , PH21010  
Course delivery Lecture   12 lectures  
  Seminars / Tutorials   21 Hours 5 workshops (2 hours each); project lasting 11 hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Course Work: 4 Assignments Coursework Deadlines (by week of Semester): Assignment 1 Week 3 Assignment 2 Week 6 Assignment 3 Week 8 Assignment 4 Week 11100%

Learning outcomes

After taking this module students should be able to:

Brief description

Computational physics provides an alterative approach for the solution of practical and theoretical problems. Solutions intractable by analytical techniques may be evaluated using numerical techniques or, alternatively, numerical simulation may allow lthe influence of a range of variables to be investigated without recourse to extensive experiments. In the present course, basic techniques of numerical analysis will be introduced, including interpolation, functions, roots and integration. The module will also introduce approaches for the solution of ordinary differential equations and Fourier transforms as well as finite element techniques for solving partial differential equations. A knowledge of the MATHCAD programming environemtn is requried.

Content

MATHCAD revision lectures

Linear interpolation and extrapolation

Roots of equations

Numerical Integration

Fourier Analysis

Ordinary Differential Equations: Runge-Kutta

Introduction to the solution Partial Differential Equation: Finite Difference techniques.
   
Each of the above will be illustrated by reference to appropriate topics in Physics

Transferable skills

In addition to formal lectures on basic techniques, the students will have significant opportunities to investigate and implement numerical analysis methods on personal computers.

Reading Lists

Books
** Reference Text
Larsen, Ronald W. (2001.) Introduction to Mathcad 2000 /Ronald W. Larsen. 0130200077

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6