General information

The course is a hands-on introduction to the numerical and computational techniques used in modern physics. While most bachelor level physics courses present examples where there exist elegant analytical solutions, most real-world problems are solved with the help of computers and numerical techniques.

Focus will be on the application of numerical methods to example problems, but will also touch upon the theoretical foundations of many of these methods.

Knowledge:

The student will be able to recognise the different approaches that can be used to tackle a problem numerically and will understand the differences between using explicit vs. implicit time-stepping. The student will understand and be able to employ finite difference methods. The student will also be familiar with the existence of grid-free approaches such as spectral methods, and will be able to do simple stochastic simulations.

Skills:

After the course the students will be able to program numerical methods for solving numerous problems that arise in physics. These include:

Initial-value and boundary-value problems for Ordinary Differential Equations
Partial Differential Equations
Stochastic Simulations

Competences:

The student will gain some overview of numerical tools frequently used in modern physics. In addition, the student will be aware of potential caveats and will be able to better direct themselves in the extensive literature on numerical and computational techniques.

Accommodation

Please note that the summer courses are non-residential. Participants are responsible for finding and funding accommodation during their stay in Copenhagen.

You can use different online portals to search for accommodation, such as:

Airbnb
Danhostel
Hostel World

Housing Foundation Copenhagen

Registration

https://kurser.ku.dk/course/NFYB14002U/2024-2025

ECTS accreditation

Bachelor level

7,5 ECTS