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68416 Computational Physics

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

UTS: Science: Physics and Advanced Materials
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 33360 Mathematics for Physical Science OR 68038 Advanced Mathematics and Physics
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.

Handbook description

This subject introduces the key elements of computational physics such as methods for solving physical problems numerically and the use of computers for simulating the dynamics of large or complex systems. Numerical techniques including matrix manipulation, iterative optimisation and differential equation solvers. These are developed and applied to practical problems such as quantum mechanical simulations, statistical mechanics, electrodynamcs and fields and molecular dynamics. Project work leads students to advanced simulation work including processing and visualisation of results.

Subject objectives/outcomes

At the completion of this subjects students are expected to be able to :

  1. write programs in Matlab to solve simple equations, analyze results and plot graphs.
  2. write and document code in a manner that makes it re-usable and transferable.
  3. build models of relatively complex physical systems, by researching the required physics and constructing appropriate simulation modules.
  4. present their findings in a professional and competent way appropriate to the discipline.

Contribution to course aims and graduate attributes

The Faculty of Science has determined that our courses will aim to develop the following attributes in students at the completion of their course of study. Each subject will contribute to the development of these attributes in ways appropriate to the subject and the stage of progression, thus not all attributes are expected to be addressed in all subjects.

  1. Disciplinary knowledge and its appropriate application
    1. Develop the scientific background to computational problems,
    2. Build on knowledge in optical physics, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, and molecular dynamics
    3. Know more about factors affecting the development of computational science
  2. An enquiry-oriented approach
    1. Understand the limitations and advantages of a computational approach
    2. Learn about current leading-edge and grand challenge computational problems
  3. Professional skills and their appropriate application
    1. Develop programming and documentation skills (using MATLAB)
    2. Know the importance of teamwork in collaborative development
    3. Develop skills in project management through the development and completion of a project timeline, including milestones.
  4. The ability to be a Lifelong Learner
    1. Develop skills applicable to a wider range of problems
  5. Engagement with the needs of Society
    1. Be aware of the role of computational techniques in society
  6. Communication skills
    1. Build skills in project presentation
    2. Be able to report project progress against stated goals
    3. Understand techniques in visualization and data presentation
  7. Initiative and innovative ability
    1. Understand the importance of innovative programming and presentation in science

Teaching and learning strategies

2hr lecture
3hr laboratory
The lecture slot may be used for tests or practical work when appropriate.

Assessment

Assessment Item 1: Class tests

Objective(s):

Assess practical skills in basic programming tasks.
This item addresses graduate attributes 3a & 6c.
Weighting:

20%
Criteria:

effectiveness of code; quality of documentation; understanding of applicable physics.
Students should make regular use of opportunities for feedback.

Assessment Item 2: Project

Objective(s):

Students complete a significant project and present a report including a working program.

This item addresses graduate attributes 2b, 3b, 3c, 6a, 6b.
Weighting:

50%
Criteria:

The quality of the report (programming, physics, results) forms the principal component of the assessment (see general guidelines above). Students will be required to present a project plan and a progress report for informal feedback. Formal assessment will consist of an oral presentation and a written report.

Assessment Item 3: Lab exercises

Objective(s):

Complete the lab exercises and demonstrate your mastery of fundamental skills in scientific programming. Includes programming quality and documentation quality. Opportunities for informal feedback will be available prior to formal assessment. This item addresses graduate attributes 1a, 1b, 2a, 4a, 7a.
Weighting: 30%
Criteria:

The quality of the report (programming, physics, results, communication) will be assessed (see general guidelines above).
Students should make regular use of opportunities for feedback.

Minimum requirements

Any assessment task worth 40% or more requires the student to gain at least 40% of the mark for that task. If 40% is not reached, an X grade fail may be awarded for the subject, irrespective of an overall mark greater than 50.

Students must complete 80% of the assessable tasks to pass this subject.

Recommended texts

Getting started with Matlab:

http://www.mathworks.com/access/helpdesk/help/pdf_doc/matlab/getstart.pdf

Other material will be supplied or suggested as needed (e.g. via UTSonline)