Computational Physics: Analysis and Applications

Catalog description

Computational methods will be introduced including basics of Python programming language, using numerical methods to take derivatives and evaluate integrals, solving differential equations, and plotting. Spreadsheets will be explored as an alternative method to solving differential equations. Coding techniques will be applied in the context of waves including harmonic oscillatory systems, wave interference, traveling waves, and diffraction. Modern topics such as chaotic systems will be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on programming and conceptual understanding. No previous coding experience is required.