Admission Requirements
Knowledge of statistical physics is expected, as well as basic programming skills.
Description
An important aspect of physics research is modeling: complex physical systems are simplified through a sequence of controlled approximations to a model that lends itself for computations, either analytic or by computer. In this course, we focus on one particular system as example: the different phases of matter for Argon as studied by a Lennard-Jones system of particles. To do so you write a molecular dynamics simulation of Argon atoms and investigate the physical properties of the three different phases (gas, liquid, solid). During the course, you learn step by step how to write this complex code in a mix of lectures as well as computer lab sessions.
Note: The course is also offered in a long version (6 EC). The long version has two additional projects and is recommended for students who expect to go into performing computational research projects in the future whereas the short version (3 EC) is recommended for all students.
Course Objectives
After completion of this course, you will be able to:
write efficient and well-documented computer code and validate it
assess the pros and cons of various computational methods
investigate a particular topic in computational physics and present the findings in a scientifc report
Generic skills (Soft Skills)
You will be able to:
master a new field of study in computational physics within a given time period
write structured essays on computational projects
Timetable
Mode of Instruction
One meeting per week, consisting of a mixture of lectures and supervised working on the projects. There will be online learning material as well.
The main emphasis of the course are the computational projects that are mostly performed outside the regular contact hours. In a hands-on approach, concepts are immediately applied to a concrete problem. The basic concepts taught in the lecture will be deepened by the students individually in setting up and running the simulations, and by independent literature study.
Assessment method
The students (working in pairs) produce a report which will be graded.
Blackboard
Course material & assignments are placed on Blackboard.
To have access to Blackboard you need a ULCN-account.Blackboard UL
Reading list
see Blackboard
Contact information
Lecturers
Prof.dr.Helmut Schiessel
Dr. Michael Wimmer