Topics in Computational Physics and Astrophysics (Phys 598 CPA) Offered in Fall 2014

PHYSICS 598 CPA TOPICS IN COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS

FALL Semester 2014

Time: Tu-Th 12:30 – 1:50 P.M.
Call Number: PHYS 42392
Room: 144 Loomis Lab
Credit: 1 Unit (4 Hours)
Instructor:  Professor Stuart L. Shapiro

Description:  A numerical laboratory course designed to familiarize students with the use of a computer to solve diverse problems in physics. Problems will be drawn from several different branches of physics and astrophysics. Hydrodynamics, including the physics of shock waves, will be emphasized as the main paradigm for nonlinear phenomena. For the hydrodynamics, the necessary analytic results will be derived in class. Examples drawn from classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, etc., will already be familiar to students from standard physics courses. Some of the physical systems and equations, together with the numerical methods used to treat them, are listed below.

Students will work on assigned numerical exercises and simulations both individually and in small teams. The results of these simulations will be presented in class periodically and will constitute an integral part of the class development. The emphasis throughout the semester will be on building confidence and expertise at solving physical problems on the computer.

Prerequisites: No formal requirements other than a working knowledge of some scientific programming language like FORTRAN, C or C++. Graduate students and upper level undergraduates with solid backgrounds in basic physics are welcome. This course should only be taken by students who plan to participate actively, but may be taken on a “credit-noncredit” (i.e. pass-fail) basis. It is only offered on alternate years.