Course description Computational Physics

 

Computational Physics                                                                last update 4 July 2011
Curriculum	Master of Science in Physics
Instructor	Prof.dr. G.T. Barkema.
ECTS	9
Level	400
Academic year	2011-2012
Language of instruction	English
Target group	MSc students.
Synopsis	An important aspect of physics research is modelling: 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, the origin of a number of widely used models will be discussed. Magnetic systems as well as the liquid-gas transition is modelled by the Ising model, polymers are often modelled by random walks, liquid flow is often modelled by lattice Boltzmann gases. Insight into these models can be obtained through a number of ways, one of which is computer simulation. During the course, simulation methods for these models will be discussed in the lectures as well as in computer lab sessions.
Prerequisites	Knowledge of statistical physics and programming.
Programme form	One meeting per week; lectures and computer lab sessions.
Required literature	Recommended: M.E.J. Newman and G.T. Barkema, Monte Carlo methods in statistical physics, Oxford University Press.
Form of examination	Examination is based on the grading of three short reports: Report 1: Ising model simulation. Programming, performing measurements and presenting conclusions based on the simulation results. Report 2: Simulation of self-avoiding walks. Programming, performing measurements and presenting conclusions based on the simulation results. Report 3: An optional computer simulation project, to be finished with a short report.
Period	2011-2012. Every two years
Time table	http://www.physics.leidenuniv.nl/edu/master/schedule/RMSc_N.PDF
Notes
For more information	Instructor: Prof.dr. G.T. Barkema.

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