Skip to main content
Till KTH:s startsida Till KTH:s startsida

SI2530 Computational Physics 7.5 credits

Administer About course

Simulation methods, mainly MonteCarlo and molecular dynamics.

Choose semester and course offering

Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.

Application

For course offering

Autumn 2024 Start 26 Aug 2024 programme students

Application code

51583

Headings with content from the Course syllabus SI2530 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

The Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics methods. Simulations in different statistical mechanical ensembles. Computation of free energies. Stochastic dynamics. Applications to spin systems, fluids, polymers and biological macromolecules.

Intended learning outcomes

To give an introduction to computational physics, which is a third area of physics beside experimental and theoretical physics. The goal is that the students should be able to:

  • To understand the difference between simulations and other approximative and analytical methods
  • To perform simulations and computations with available programs.
  • Be able to write simple programs and make modifications of available programs.
  • To understand the importance and limitations of a number of basic models with very broad applicability
  • Be able to critically judge published results taking into account the limitations of the models and the statistical nature of several of the methods.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

English B / English 6

Recommended prerequisites

Statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics corresponding to SI1161 quantum physics and some familiarity with computers and computer programming.

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

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

  • INL1 - Assignment, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, 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.

Other requirements for final grade

Computer assignments (LAB1; 3 university credits)
Written exercises (INL1; 4,5 university credits).

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Profile picture Jack Lidmar

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

SCI/Undergraduate Physics

Main field of study

Engineering Physics, Physics

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

SI2531 which is an individual project course.

Contact

Jack Lidmar (jlidmar@kth.se)