FYS3150 ¨C Computational Physics

Course content

This course gives an introduction to numerical methods for solving problems in physics and chemistry, i.e. methods for solving ordinary and partial differential equations, matrix operations and eigenvalue problems, numerical integration, Monte Carlo methods, and modeling. The course also covers a short and hands-on introduction to programming in C++?and version control with git, and provides training in how to write a scientific report.

Learning outcome

After having completed the course:

• you master basic C++ programming for numerical applications, as well as the use of git for version control.
• you have basic knowledge of optimization and parallelization of code.
• you can apply a number of numerical methods for eigenvalue problems and matrix operations, ordinary and partial differential equations, integration, and simulation of stochastic systems. Among the methods covered are LU decomposition, the Verlet algorithm, Runge-Kutta methods, the Crank-Nicolson method, Gaussian quadrature, Monte Carlo methods, Markov chains, and the Metropolis algorithm.
• you can account for the strengths and weaknesses of the above numerical methods.
• you have knowledge of applications of numerical methods in different scientific fields.
• you can communicate numerical work by producing a thorough scientific report, written in LaTeX, with associated visualisations and code.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.

Special admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling the?Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

• Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

• Physics (1+2)
• Chemistry (1+2)
• Biology (1+2)
• Information technology (1+2)
• Geosciences (1+2)
• Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies?(in Norwegian).

Recommended previous knowledge

• INF1000 ¨C Introduction to object-oriented programming (continued) or IN1000 ¨C Introduction to Object-oriented Programming
• INF1100 ¨C Introduction to programming with scientific applications (continued)
• IN1900 ¨C Introduction to Programming with Scientific Applications
• FYS-MEK1110 ¨C Mechanics (discontinued) or FYS1100 ¨C Mechanics and Modelling
• MAT1100 ¨C Calculus
• MAT1110 ¨C Calculus and Linear Algebra
• MAT1120 ¨C Linear Algebra

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with FYS4150 ¨C Computational Physics.

Teaching

The course extends over a full semester with 6 hours of teaching per week:

• 4 hours of lectures
• 2 hours of computer lab sessions

This?course includes two mandatory assignments that must be approved before the final exam.

Examination

• Three home exams, where the first counts 20% and the following two count 40% each towards the finale grade.

When writing your assignments make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules for use of sources and citations.?Breach of these rules may lead to suspicion of attempted cheating.

This course has mandatory assignments that must be approved before you can sit the finale exam.

It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: FYS4150 ¨C Computational Physics

Language of examination

Subjects taught in English will only offer the exam paper in English. You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

In this course, postponed exams are not offered for exam candidates who are ill before the exam or who become ill during the exam. A deferred submission deadline can be offered.

The illness must be documented with a doctor's certificate dated no later than the ordinary submission date. You must submit the doctor's certificate to the course's contact point before the submission deadline for the home exam.

New exams are not offered to candidates who withdraw or do not pass the regular exam.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.