Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Computational Physics
Code PHYS205
Coordinator Professor TJ Greenshaw
Physics
Green@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 5 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

To revise and further develop Python programming skills.
To develop the ability to devise new and apply existing algorithms to solve physical problems.
To develop the ability to clearly and efficiently implement algorithms using Python.
To develop skills in modelling physical situations and problems using computational techniques.
To develop students' skills in small-group working, including planning and coordinating group work.
To further develop written and oral communication skills.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Knowledge of basic Python programming techniques.

(LO2) An appreciation of a range of algorithms appropriate to, and some experience of devising simple algorithms for, the solution of physical problems.

(LO3) A basic understanding of the requirements for writing efficient and comprehensible Python programs.
Some experience of working in and managing small groups.

(LO4) An understanding of how results can be communicated in a clear and interesting manner, on a poster, in a written report and orally.

(S1) Programming in Python

(S2) Problem solving

Syllabus
 

The following are delivered through lectures and computing classes:

1. Revision of the Python programming techniques studied in the Introduction to Computational Physics (Phys105), including data structures, program flow, reading and writing files and plotting methods.
2. An introduction to basic Monte Carlo methods.
3. A brief introduction to object-orientated programming techniques.
4. Discussion of a range of physical problems and their solution using computational methods.
5. An introduction to report writing and the tools available in word processing programs.
6. Discussion of the presentation of results on a poster and introduction to techniques for producing a poster.
7. Discussion of requirements for effective oral communication.

The above are reinforced through:

1. A range of problems that are solved in computer classes.
2. A range of short individual and small group (three students) computing projects, carried out with the guid ance of a supervisor. (E.g. determining Feigenbaum's constant by investigating the behaviour of the logistic map, writing a Monte Carlo to simulate the determination of  using raindrops.)
3. More extensive computing projects, carried out in groups of about six to eight students. These are 12 weeks long and require that the students plan the project and coordinate their work, with the guidance of a supervisor. (Examples of projects include modelling traffic flow in the Birkenhead tunnel, and investigating the relationship between the availability of prey and the size and number of predators.)
4. The writing of a report describing the main computing project.
5. An oral presentation describing the project.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lectures -12 × one lecture/week
Laboratory work - 18 × 2-hour workshops/computing classes

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12

     36

     48
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 102
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Oral presentation by team on the main project. There is a resit opportunity in August exam period. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.      10       
Short projects There is a resubmission opportunity in the summer. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.      30       
Project plan for the main project. An individual project can be completed over the summer for resit purposes Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.      10       
Report on the main project. An individual project can be completed over the summer for resit purposes Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.      50       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.