Modelling and Visualisation in Physics (U01414)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PHY-4-ModVis

This course covers the process of mapping a scientific problem onto a computer algorithm to enable it to be modelled, along with an introduction to Java graphics to help visualise the solution. Example problems will be drawn from the Junior Honours physics programme, with additional examples from 'everyday' problems.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : At least 40 credit points accrued in courses of SCQF Level 9 or 10 drawn from Schedule Q; including Computational Methods (PHY-3-CompMeth) or Advanced Computer Simulation (PHY-3-CompSim) or Computer Science 2A (INF-2-CS2A) and Computer Science 2B (INF-2-CS2B) from Schedule O. Computational Methods (PHY-3-CompMeth) students are advised to perform a preliminary reading of Computer Simulation (PHY-2-CompSim).

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Undergraduate (School of Physics and Astronomy), (School of Physics and Astronomy, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 4 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
13/01/2009	14:00	15:00	Lecture Room 6324, JCMB	KB

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	14:00	15:50	KB
Laboratory	Friday	14:00	17:00	KB

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion it is intended that the student will be able to:

1)Write complex simulation codes in Java.
2)Design and write simple visualisation software in Java, depicting evolving fields, moving particles, and graphs; interface this software to simulation codes
3)Design and write simple graphical user interfaces in Java.
4)Locate, understand, download and incorporate useful publically-available methods from outwith the course materials using the internet; appreciate the difference between reusable object-oriented coding and plagiarism
5)Understand and apply three major techniques of computer coding: integrating an equation, minimising a function and sampling from a distribution
6)Have completed simulations of molecular dynamics of many particles; cellular automata and the percolation transition; the Ising model for ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetic phase transitions; Maxwell's equations, understanding the usefulness of the vector potential; Develop a deeper understanding of these physical problems through simulation
7)Understand the notion of equilibration of a simulation, and efficient data-gathering, and their relation to simulation time
8)Appreciate the aspects of a code which limit computer performance, the conflict between object-oriented and computationally efficient code, and the occasions where each is to be preferred
9)Appreciate the importance of documentation and commenting in ensuring reusability; Write user guides in English to enable third parties to use the codes.
10)Have built a personal library of methods which will enable the student to complete a simple, unseen coding task effectively and quickly

Assessment Information

Written assignment based on first computational laboratory checkpoint task, 35%
Oral presentation of simulation methods and results of final task extending the core material, 15%
Unseen practical examination in CP Lab, 50%.