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Cursus: NS-256B
NS-256B
Numerieke methoden voor fysici en astronomen
Cursus informatie
CursuscodeNS-256B
Studiepunten (EC)7,5
Cursusdoelen
On completion of the course, a student:
 
  • Knows the relevance of numerical methods for physics and astronomy
  • Understands and can apply and optimize the LU-decomposition technique to solve systems of linear equations.
  • Can integrate numerically systems of first order ordinary differential equations for both initial value problems and boundary value problems
  • Can numerically solve partial differential equations of intermediate complexity using elementary techniques.
  • Understands the effect of the numerical method applied on numerical stability and on the validity of the results.
  • Is able to analyse and report results of numerical experiments.
  • Will have had direct experience in programming in Python.
Inhoud
Today, numerical modelling is an essential aspect of research in physics. This is so common that computational physics is now seen as a new area where methods of both experimental and theoretical physics are used. In this course, we use example problems from geophysics, astrophyics and fluid dynamics to illustrate the use of three types of numerical techniques to solve systems of linear equations, integrate ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and partial differential equations (PDEs). The course aims to provide a theoretial background on numerical modeling and a training on all aspects of numerical modelling: programming, data visualisation, results interpretation and reporting.
 
The course starts with an introduction to Python, a computer language widely used in scientific research. Next, the three main groups of mathematical problems are dealt in three separate projects. The setup of the course is very “hands-on”: in the introductory lecture for each project the main concepts are explained, the remainder of the time is reserved for computer practica. For each project, you will write your own numerical program, analyze and visualise the results and write a brief report.
 
Attendance at the introductory lectures for each project is strongly advised. On top of that, students needs to report their progress on the project in person to the TA or project lecturer every 10 class hours – see the course schedule for more details. Failure to meet this requirement leads to a 1 point reduction on the grade for that project. This requirement is set because you need to learn how to analyze and interpret numerical results, even if you are an expert in programming.
 
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