PHYSICS 3534 - Computational Physics III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

This is a hands-on course which provides an introduction to computational methods in solving problems in physics. It teaches programming tactics, numerical methods and their implementation, together with methods of linear algebra. These computational methods are applied to problems in physics, including the modelling of classical physical systems to quantum systems, as well as to data analysis such as linear and nonlinear fits to data sets. Applications of high performance computing are included where possible, such as an introduction to parallel computing and also to visualization techniques.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PHYSICS 3534
    Course Computational Physics III
    Coordinating Unit School of Physical Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 5 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites PHYSICS 2532, PHYSICS 2534, MATHS 2101 or MATHS 2102, MATHS 2102 or MATHS 2201
    Incompatible PHYSICS 3000
    Course Description This is a hands-on course which provides an introduction to computational methods in solving problems in physics. It teaches programming tactics, numerical methods and their implementation, together with methods of linear algebra. These computational methods are applied to problems in physics, including the modelling of classical physical systems to quantum systems, as well as to data analysis such as linear and nonlinear fits to data sets. Applications of high performance computing are included where possible, such as an introduction to parallel computing and also to visualization techniques.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Derek Leinweber

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Identify modern programming methods;
    2. Describe the capabilities and limitations of computational methods in physics;
    3. Identify and describe the characteristics of various numerical methods;
    4. Establish tactics for encapsulating and hiding complexity;
    5. Independently program computers using leading-edge tools;
    6. Formulate and solve computationally a selection of problems in physics;
    7. Use the tools, methodologies, language and conventions of physics to test and communicate ideas and explanations;
    8. Resolve the appropriate paradigm for addressing current computational physics challenges.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1 - 8
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1 - 8
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1 - 8
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 7
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1 - 8
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1 - 8
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Fortran 95/2003 Explained, Metcalf, Reid and Cohen (Oxford)
    Recommended Resources

    Fortran 90/95 Explained, Metcalf and Reid (Oxford)

    Fortran 90/95 for Scientists and Engineers, Chapman (McGraw-Hill Higher Education)

    Fortran 90 Programming, Ellis, Philips and Lahey (Addison-Wesley)

    Numerical Recipes in FORTRAN: The Art of Scientific Computing, Press, et al. (Cambridge University Press)

    Computational Physics - Fortran Version, Koonin and Meredith (Addison Wesley).

    "Mastering Matlab " by Duane C. Hanselman and Bruce L. Littlefield, Prentice Hall, 2012

    Online Learning

    MyUni: Teaching materials and course documentation will be posted on the MyUni website (http://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/).

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be delivered by the following means:

    Lectures
    Workshops

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per
    week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g.,
    lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).
    Learning Activities Summary
    The course content will include the following:

    Coursework Content
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes Hurdle (Yes/No) Learning Outcome
    Projects Formative and Summative

    20%

    No 1-8 (not all projects will assess every objective)
    Fortran Test Formative and Summative 15% No 1-8 (not all projects will assess every objective)
    Matlab Test Summative 20% No 1-8
    Written Examination Summative 60% No 1-8
    Assessment Related Requirements
    To obtain a grade of Pass or better in this course, a student must attend the examination.
    Assessment Detail
    Projects, Assignments and Tests: (65% of total course grade)
    The standard assessment consists of 2 projects and 1 test in the HP-Fortran component and 1 project
    and 1 test in the Matlab component. This may be varied by negotiation with students at the start of the
    semester. This combination of projects, tests and summative assignments is used during the semester to
    address understanding of and ability to use the course material and to provide students with a
    benchmark for their progress in the course.

    Written Examination: (35% of total course grade)
    One exam is given to address understanding of and ability to use the material examined in the HPFortran
    component of the course.
    Submission

    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply.  A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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