PHY 480: Computational Physics

Spring 2006

General Course Information

Topics Covered:
Introduction to the standard numerical techniques used in Computational Physics. Solution of differential equations, matrix methods, Monte Carlo techniques. Application of these techniques to vibrational modes of molecules, molecular dynamics simulations, numerical solutions of the Schroedinger equation, optimization of functions with many variables using simulated annealing.

Web Information:
http://www.pa.msu.edu/~tomanek/PHY480/ contains the updated course information.

Lecturer:
David Tomanek
4231 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building
E-mail: tomanek@pa.msu.edu
Phone: +1-517-355-9200 x2305

Lectures:
The course will be held as a combination of lectures and labs. The scheduled class times are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:20-11:40 a.m. in 1240 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building. Modifications to accommodate particular projects are possible.

Office Hours:
Due to the relatively small course size, students may drop by my office in 4231 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building any time. Appointments may also be arranged by sending email to tomanek@pa.msu.edu.

Textbook:
The lecture will not follow any single textbook. The following books are excellent reference books; the current plan is to keep these reference books available to the class at a location to be arranged.

Homework:
There will be a mixture of personal assignments and small group projects. Results of the small group projects will be posted on the web for future reference.

You can check your progress in the course and eventually also your final grade on the web.

Return to the Home Page of PHY 480

Document http://www.pa.msu.edu/~tomanek/PHY480/General.html
has been last updated on 20 December 2002 by David Tomanek.