Physics 256 Spring 2006
Computational
Physics
Instructor: Prof. Y. Gao - B&L 473 (x-58574), e-mail yongli.gao@rochester.edu, home page http://www.pas.rochester.edu/~ygao.
Text: N.J. Giordano and H. Nakanishi, Computational Physics, 2nd Ed.(Pretice-Hall, London, 2006).
References:
A. Downey, J. Elkner, and C. Meyers, How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Learning with Python (Green Tea Press, Wellesley, 2002)
A book about Python
from ground zero. We will use it for
the introduction to python. The book is
free to download on line.
W.H. Press, B.P. Flannery, S.A. Teukolsky, and W.T. Vetterling, Numerical Recipes (Cambridge, Cambridge, 1988).
A comprehensive list of
methods used in computational physics and discussions of the theoretical
background.
A.J. Garcia, Numerical Methods for Physics, 2nd Ed. (Pretice-Hall, New Jearsey, 2000).
Based on Matlab and
C++, it contains topics that will be covered in our course such as Data
Analysis.
Paul L. DeVries, A First Course in Computational Physics (Wiley, New York,
1994).
A traditional approach
to computational physics that emphasizes the computational methods and
mathematics aspects.
Lectures: 2:00 - 3:15 pm, Mon. & Wed., in Hylan 303.
Content: Introduction to Python and VPython; numerical considerations; realistic projectile motion; oscillatory motion and chaos; planet motion; potentials and fields; waves; random numbers and evaluation; random walks and diffusion; cluster growth; fractal and percolation; Ising model and Monte Carlo method; root finding and optimization; time-independent Schrodinger equation; variational approach; time-dependent Schrodinger equation; solving linear equations; data analysis and curve fitting.
Requirements:
(a) Short exercises will be assigned in class in conjuncture with the materials covered in the lectures.
(b) A final project of your own choice to solve a physics problem with computer. A 15 min. presentation to the class.
Grading: Class participation 10%, exercises 30%, Final project 60%.
Assistance: Your Teaching Assistance, Mr. Huanjun Ding, will have office hours at 1:00-2:00 pm on Fridays. He can be reached at B&L 8, 5-8588, hjding@pas.rochester.edu. Prof. Gao's office hours will be 1:00-2:00 pm on Thursdays. Other times can also be arranged when it is mutually convenient. The best way to reach Prof. Gao outside of the appointment hours is by e-mail, phone at 58574 (Office) or 56987 (Lab).