Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 9 lectures |
| Practical | 26 Hours. 8 workshops (2 hours each); project lasting 10 hours |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Exercises set in semester week 6 comprising of a portfolio drawn from coursework. | 40% |
| Semester Assessment | Mini project set in semester week 8 for completion by the end of term. | 60% |
| Supplementary Assessment | SUPPLEMENTARY ASSESSMENT As determined by Departmental Examination Board. | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
After taking this module students should be able to:
- demonstrate a familiarity with various techniques for scientific computing and analysis
- implement and modify worksheets so as to perform the relevant analysis
- develop simple numerical analysis codes, based on the governing laws and equations
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 environment is required.
Content
Roots of equations
Numerical integration
Fourier analysis
Ordinary Differential Equations: Runge-Kutta
Application of numerical methods to physical problems
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 List
Reference TextLarsen, Ronald W. (2001.) Introduction to Mathcad 2000 /Ronald W. Larsen. Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6