Computational Physics 2 (Simulation of Classical and Quantum Mechanical Systems)
Module PH2090
Module version of SS 2018
There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.
Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.
| available module versions | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 2021 | SS 2020 | SS 2019 | SS 2018 | SS 2017 | SS 2011 |
Basic Information
PH2090 is a semester module in English language at Master’s level which is offered in summer semester.
This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.
- Specific catalogue of special courses for condensed matter physics
- Specific catalogue of special courses for nuclear, particle, and astrophysics
- Specific catalogue of special courses for Applied and Engineering Physics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Biophysics
- Specialization Modules in Elite-Master Program Theoretical and Mathematical Physics (TMP)
If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.
| Total workload | Contact hours | Credits (ECTS) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 h | 60 h | 5 CP |
Responsible coordinator of the module PH2090 in the version of SS 2018 was Stefan Recksiegel.
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
This is the second part of the Computational Physics course of which PH2057 is the first part.
Multiple subjects from Computational Physics are discussed:
10. Random Numbers
11. Fourier Transform
12. Nonlinear Systems and Chaos
13. Fractals
14. Time evolution of Quantum Wave Packets
15. Integral Equations
16. Finite Elements
17. Wavelets
18. Quantum Paths via Functional Integration
19. Introduction to Lattice Gauge Theory
Learning Outcome
After successful completion of this module, students are able to
- construct and solve numerical descriptions of classical and quantum mechanical problems.
- apply ordinary and partial differential equations, Monte Carlo methods and chaos theory.
- know (and rate) advanced numerical methods used in current research.
Preconditions
No preconditions in addition to the requirements for the Master’s program in Physics, but knowledge of the subjects covered in PH2057 is strongly recommended.
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Courses and Schedule
| Type | SWS | Title | Lecturer(s) | Dates | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VO | 2 | Computational Physics 2: Simulation of Classical and Quantum Mechanical Systems | Recksiegel, S. |
Tue, 14:00–16:00, PH HS3 and singular or moved dates |
eLearning documents |
| UE | 2 | Exercise to Computational Physics 2: Simulation of Classical and Quantum Mechanical Systems | Recksiegel, S. | dates in groups |
documents |
Learning and Teaching Methods
In the lecture, the contents are first explained on a theoretical level on an electronic whiteboard (the slides can be downloaded from the lecturer's web site immediately after the lectures). Then, the algorithms are implemented in the computer algebra system Mathematica to study the practical applicability of the concept. Whenever possible, the students are asked for input during this process, and if a suggested approach fails (e.g. due to numerical instabilities), the causes are discussed and alternatives are presented.
Exercise sheets (which frequently include reproduction of the results of the lecture) are first worked on individually by the students and then discussed in small groups with a tutor.
Media
Presentations on an electronic Whiteboard, demonstrations in Mathematica, C and Python ; exercise sheets. Accompanying web page: http://users.ph.tum.de/srecksie/lehre
Literature
Much of the material in this course is covered in
Computational Physics: Problem Solving with Computers by Landau, P´aez and Bordeianu, Wiley-Vch, ISBN 3527406263.
For the last chapter, we follow Lepage's Lattice QCD for novices, http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-lat/0506036.
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
There will be a written exam of 90 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using calculation problems and comprehension questions.
For example an assignment in the exam might be:
- Derive the formula for the discrete Fourier transform by evaluating the integral in the continuous Fourier transform with the trapezoidal rule. How many terms have to be calculated to transform N data points?
- Give the DE that describes a pendulum with friction and a periodic driving force. How would you solve this DE numerically? Sketch several orbits in phase space.
Exam Repetition
The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.