Computational Physics Lab.

Catalog description

This course may be students’ first exposure to computer programming, so the first three weeks are devoted to developing a competency in the programming language Python. After this, students will write code in Python using computational techniques, such as least-squares fitting, finite difference (numerical differentiation), quadrature (numerical integration), and the Runge-Kutta method (ordinary differential equation solver), to solve problems ranging from quantum mechanical theory to biological models (predator-prey interaction). An independent project will be assigned utilizing additional computational methods (matrix methods, partial differential equation solvers, and Monte Carlo methods). (Fall or Spring). An additional fee is associated with this course. See the fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.