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SI2335 Simulation Physics 6.0 credits

Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Headings with content from the Course syllabus SI2335 (Spring 2013–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

This course introduces computer simulation as a general and elegant way of solving problems in physics, which can be used also where traditional methods fail. The course aims to give skills to use the computer as a powerful tool for simulation - computer experiments - to study physical systems. The course covers both the modeling and computing in an integrated way. How should physical models be formulated to be both realistic and possible to simulate efficiently? How should the simulation be performed to identify properties of the system system and generate results that can be compared with experiments?
The course includes introductory lectures that introduces various concepts, skills and models. Most of the course consists of a number of student projects. The projects include modeling and programming of problems from different areas of physics and classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics.
This course provides a flexible set of modeling and simulation skills that can be used to study many other problems.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Program and simulating simple physical models.
  • Graphically illustrate results from simulations.
  • Analyze and discuss the plausibility of the results by going to various limiting cases.
  • Compare with experiments and discuss possible reasons for discrepancies.
  • Apply the methods to new problems.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Recommended prerequisites:
Elementary programming in Python or MATLAB, bachelor in mathematics, mechanics and physics.

Recommended prerequisites

First two years of bachelor studies, with basic courses in mathematics, mechanics and physics.

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

An Introduction to Computer Simulation Methods: Applications to Physical Systems (3rd Edition)
Harvey Gould, Jan Tobochnik, Wolfgang ChristianAddison Wesley; 3 edition, 2006

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • PRO1 - Project, 6.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

PRO1 - Written and oral presentation of computer simulation data, 6 credits, grades: A-F

Other requirements for final grade

Presentaition of projects (PRO1; 6 hp).

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

Engineering Physics

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Berk Hess (hess@kth.se)

Supplementary information

Replaced by SI1336 från 17/18.