Advanced Computational Physics (PHYS7270)
Information valid for Semester 2, 2017
Course level
Postgraduate Coursework
Faculty
School
Mathematics & Physics School
Units
2
Duration
One Semester
Delivery mode
Internal
Class hours
4 Contact hours
Incompatible
PHYS4070 or 7070
Prerequisite
Permission of Head of School + PHYS2020 + PHYS3020
Recommended prerequisite
PHYS3071 or MATH3203
Assessment methods
Project and end-of-semester exam.
Course enquiries
Dr Michael Bromley
Course description
This course introduces several numerical simulation techniques used in computational physics, including Monte Carlo statistical methods, and their application to a variety of physical problems. Topics covered include properties of floating-point numbers, solution of large linear systems, Monte Carlo integration, random numbers and statistical reliability, the Metropolis algorithm, finite-size scaling, and the solution of stochastic differential equations. The course will also cover some topics in advanced MATLAB programming, including vectorization, optimization, and debugging techniques.