Entry requirements

120 credits with Scientific Computing I and II and Quantum Physics or the equivalent.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• account for how numerical methods can be developed
• apply his practical experiences on physical problems
• account for various scientific problems the different methods can be used to solve
• account for the role as computer models and simulations play at studies of physical systems within material technology

Content

Overview and advanced study of numerical methods. The course is focused against practical aspects of computational physics and contain set-up and writing of software to solve physical problems particularly within molecular dynamics, statistical physics and material physics. Different aspects of molecular dynamics simulations, for example the precision of pair-potentials and the length of time steps, will be highlighted. Different aspects of stochastic and deterministic simulations by Monte Carlo simulations and Langevin methods will be discussed. Numerical aspects of electronic structure calculations with tight-binding approximation will be covered along with more sophisticated Hartree-Fock and Density Functional theory.

Instruction

Strong emphasis on computer exercises and project work; in addition teaching sessions and seminars.

Assessment

Computer exercises and project work.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.