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PH30056: Computational physics B

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2019/0
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Physics
Further information on credits Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Further information on notional study hours Notional Study Hours: 120
Further information on unit levels Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Further information on teaching periods Period:
Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 100%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you must take PH20105 OR take PH20018
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
The aim of this unit is to provide students with experience in the application of some of the major techniques used in the simulation of physical systems, and to develop their ability at using computers in physical modelling. Topics will be chosen for study to encourage a greater understanding of both the model and the underlying physics. The emphasis will be on the application and interpretation of the techniques, not on programming.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* identify issues which influence the choice of programming environment, language and architecture;
* write and develop C++ code for computer simulations, including interfacing to a 2d graphics package;
* outline applications of (i) diffusion limited aggregation; and (ii) the Ising model;
* for these topics, outline the physics and computational issues and explain the methodology and output of the simulations performed.

Skills:
Written Communication T/F A, Numeracy T/F A, Data Acquisition, Handling, and Analysis T/F A, Information Technology T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A.

Content:
C++ programming basics.
Two projects:
Lattice-based simulations: Diffusion limited aggregation as a physical model for growth processes. Investigation of properties of clusters formed by DLA. Effects of varying the growth rule.
Monte Carlo simulation in statistical physics: The Ising model. Revision of elementary statistical physics. Revision of Monte Carlo methods. Importance sampling. Markov states. Metropolis algorithm. Computation of thermal averages; magnetisation, energy density, specific heat, susceptibility.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PH30056 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Physics
  • USXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics (Year 3)
  • USXX-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USXX-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Year long work placement (Year 4)

PH30056 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Physics
  • USXX-AFB03 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Physics (Year 3)
  • USXX-AAB04 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USXX-AKB04 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • USPH-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Physics (Year 3)
  • USPH-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USPH-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • USPH-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics (Year 3)
  • USPH-AAB10 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USPH-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • USPH-AFM02 : MPhys(Hons) Physics (Year 3)
  • USPH-AFM04 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Research placement (Year 3)
  • USPH-AAM12 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USPH-AKM03 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Professional Placement (Year 4)
  • USPH-AKM04 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Professional and Research Placements (Year 4)
  • USPH-AFM10 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics (Year 3)
  • USPH-AFM11 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Research placement (Year 3)
  • USPH-AKM10 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Professional Placement (Year 4)
  • USPH-AKM11 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Professional and Research Placements (Year 4)

Notes: