Department of Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics -- (302) 857-7516 (main), -7517 (fax)

Computational Methods
Phys-655 (19040) : TR, 9:30–10:45 pm, SC.N209
[Topics][Schedule][Assignments][ClassNotes][Welcome]

Instructor: Tristan Hübsch, ETV 103, (302) 857-6603, thubsch@mac.com, thubsch@desu.edu
Office hours: MW, 3:00–6:00 pm, ETV 103

Textbook (required): Gerd Baumann, Mathematica for Theoretical Physics (2nd ed.)

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Grading recipe (no make-ups are given, except in cases of proven medical emergency):

Component	Time	Remark	% of Grade
Weekly projects	See in weekly schedule	May overlap with individual contributions to the term-project	50%
Term-project	Incrementally, through semester	Written on a chosen topic	50%

Computational Methods (Phys 655) familiarizes the student with computational algorithms frequently used in the solution of scientific problems, to enable the student to understand and estimate the numerical errors, and to give the student practice in presenting his/hers results through intelligible and clear prescriptions of the scientific background, the methods and results.

“Success = 1% inspiration + 99% perspiration”--T.A. Edison
But, learning is still 100% learning!

08/30: Introductory Matters
09/04–06: What “Computational Methods” is (and isn’t)?
09/11–13: E&M—Static Potentials
09/18–20: Applications
09/25–27: E&M—Motion and Radiation
10/02–04: Applications [E&M Static Potentials Assignment due]
10/09–11: QM—Simple Potentials in 1 Dimension
10/16–18: Applications [E&M Motion and Radiation Assignment due]
10/23–25: QM—Simple Potentials in 3 Dimensions
10/30–01: Applications [QM Simple 1D Potentials Assignment due]
11/06–08: GR—Tensors
11/13–15: Einstein’s Equations [QM Simple 3D Potentials Assignment due]
11/20: Fractals & Recursion
11/23: Thanksgivings Recess
11/27–29: Renormalizaion Group [Einstein’s Equations Assignment due]
12/04–06: Review

Bi-weekly assignments

Starting in week 09/17–21, on the topic indicated in the weekly schedule, due in two weeks.

All weekly assignments are due by 5:00 pm of the end of the week indicated and should be submitted via e-mail attachments, or alternatively handed in either to the instructor in hand, left in the instructor's mailbox in ETV#116. Late assignments will not be accepted, except in cases of proven emergency.

Collaboration policy

Collaboration -- but not blind copying -- on the weekly assignments is strongly encouraged; students should use this to learn from each other. All assignments are open text and other sources, as indicated in the textbook listing above.

Presentation and organization

While a neat presentation of the Student’s work is not required for full credit, it certainly makes it easier to assess the quality of the work and give the proper credit due. In all cases, include sketches if they might help conveying the approach or the calculations. Where necessary, include all units and symbols such as the measure of an integral, arrow on a vector, vertical bars for the absolute value of a quantity, for the magnitude of a vector or for the determinant of a matrix, etc.

• Weekly projects: Submitted to the instructor (preferably via e-mail attachments). Will be logged and discussed with the individual students in the manner of usual homework assignments.
• Term project: Each student will select a topic from a list provided by the mid-term week. Individual student's incremental submissions to the instructor (preferably via e-mail attachments) will be logged and accumulated throughout the semester, building towards the completion of the term-project.

© Tristan Hübsch, 2007