PHSCS530
Computational Physics
Physics and Astronomy
College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Course Description
Practical and theoretical aspects of computational physics. Theoretical foundations of computation. Numerical recipes for scientific computing. Best practices for scientific computing.
When Taught
Winter
Grade Rule
Grade Rule 8: A, B, C, D, E, I (Standard grade rule)
Fixed
3
Fixed
3
Title
Theoretical Foundations of Computation
Learning Outcome
Understand the relationship of computational physics to the broader discipline of computer science, models of computation, and measures of computational complexity. Apply concepts of numerical stability, precision, and convergence to analyze algorithms.
Title
Numerical Recipes of scientific computing
Learning Outcome
Be familiar with modern algorithms used in numerical linear algebra, integration and differentiation, Monte Carlo sampling, optimization, approximating solutions to differentiation equations, and Fourier analysis. Know the advantages and limitations of algorithms and how to determine whether an algorithm is appropriate for a particular task. Understand and remediate the complications that arise from finite precision arithmetic.
Title
Best practices for scientific computing
Learning Outcome
Be familiar with best practices in code organization, documentation, and version control, particularly for collaborative projects and reproducible science.
