13027 - Computational Physics Modulübersicht

Module Number: 13027 - module is no longer offered from SS 2025
Module Title:Computational Physics
  Computational Physics
Department: Faculty 1 - Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
Responsible Staff Member:
  • Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Bestehorn, Michael
Language of Teaching / Examination:English
Duration:1 semester
Frequency of Offer: Every summer semester
Credits: 6
Learning Outcome:After successfully completing the module, students have learned how to solve problems of theoretical physics numerically as well as data handling and data analysis using computers. They are able to discuss physical problems and implement their solutions  numerically. In addition the module supported further competences as e. g. carefullness, persistance, curiosity, working on one's own initiative.
Contents:Numerical implementations of problems in mechanics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, nonlinear dynamics.

Numerical topics:
  1. Maps and Iterations, Fractals
  2. Eigenvalue problems, linear equations
  3. Ordinary differential equations: Explicit and Implicit methods, Initial value problems, Runge-Kutta methods
  4. Ordinary differential equations: Boundary value problems, Finite differences
Programming language:
Fortran, C or similar languages
Recommended Prerequisites:
  • Knowledge of theoretical physics on an advanced stage of a bachelor course.
  • Programming knowledge in C, C ++ or Fortran is an advantage..
Mandatory Prerequisites:None
Forms of Teaching and Proportion:
  • Lecture / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Exercise / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Self organised studies / 120 Hours
Teaching Materials and Literature:
  • W. H. Press, S. A. Teukolsky, W. T. Vetterling, B. P. Flannery, "Numerical Recipes", Cambridge University Press (1988)
  • R. H. Landau, M. J. Paez, "Computational Physics - Problem solving with computers", Wiley & Sons, (1997)
  • C. A. J. Fletcher, "Computational Techniques for Fluid Dynamics", Vol. 1, Springer-Verlag (2005)
  • M. Bestehorn, "Computational Physics", De Gruyter (2018)
  • H. Haken, "Synergetics", Springer (2012)
  • J. Argyris, G. Faust, M. Haase, R. Friedrich, "An Eploration of Dynamical Systems and Chaos", Springer (2015)
Module Examination:Prerequisite + Final Module Examination (MAP)
Assessment Mode for Module Examination:Prerequisite:
  • Successful completion of exercise assignments (75% must be reached)
Final module examination:
  • Oral examination, 30-45 min. (discussion of one selected numerical problem)
Evaluation of Module Examination:Performance Verification – graded
Limited Number of Participants:None
Part of the Study Programme:
  • no assignment
Remarks:
  • Study programme Physics M.Sc.: Compulsory elective module in complex „Physical Specialization with Theoretical Focus“, topic area „Theory, Simulation and further topics“
  • Study programme Physics B.Sc.: Compulsory elective module in complex „Physical Specialised Module“
  • Study programme Applied Mathematics M.Sc.: Compulsory elective module in complex „Applications“, field  „Physics“
Self organised studies:
  • implementation of numerical problems of lectures
  • independent programming of the algorithms covered in the lecture
  • solving of problems in exercises
Students may use their own notebooks (however, software installation is not supported).
Module Components:
  • Lecture: Computational Physics (2 Hours per Week per Semester)
  • Accompanying exercise (2 Hours per Week per Semester)
  • Related examination
Components to be offered in the Current Semester:
  • no assignment
Follow-up Module/s: Phase-out module since: 14.01.2025
  • without Follow-up Module/s