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.
SI1335 Introductory Simulation Physics 6.0 credits
This course has been discontinued.
Last planned examination: Spring 2023
Decision to discontinue this course:
No information insertedInformation per course offering
Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus SI1335 (Spring 2015–)Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
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, basic courses in mathematics, mechanics and physics.
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
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
Examination
- PRO2 - Project, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- PRO3 - Project, 2.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- TEN2 - Exam, 2.0 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.
TEN2 - Written examination, 2 hp, grades A-F
PRO2 - Written and oral presentation of computer simulation data, 2 credits, grades: P-F
PRO3 - Written and oral presentation of computer simulation data, 2 credits, grades: A-F
Other requirements for final grade
Written examination (TEN2, 2 hp). Presentation of project (PRO2, 2 hp and PRO3, 2hp).
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
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.