Learning outcomes

Write programs with structuring elements (including procedures, subroutines, functions, ...) and understanding the programming logic and respecting the syntax.

Implement simple algorithms in a compiled programming language based on some basic algorithms for a physicist (numerical integration, root search, data adjustment, random numbers).

Elements of numerical analysis (Errors, complexity) to become aware of the contributions and limits of digitalization

Goals

Mastering a programming language to become a program designer to solve physics problems.
 
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of a numerical approach to solving problems in physics

 

Content

The course propose an introduction at the programming context (structure of a computer, operating systems, ...). The student get familiar with a compiled language (FORTRAN) and addresses the structure of complexe programming (subroutine, function, structure, tables, files, ...). The student will be brought to implement numerical solution usefull for a physicist.

Table of contents

  1. Introduction : computational physics
  2. Basis and first codes
  3. Branching, loop and organizational charts
  4. Tables
  5. Input and output
  6. Procedures
  7. Numerical methids

a. Dérivation

b. Optimisation

c. linear fitting

d. Interpolation

e. Integration

8.Randon Number

9.Code Optimisation

10.Advances topics

 

 

Teaching methods

Most of the teaching is based on programming by the students with goings and comings with more formal approach. All the teaching takes place in a computer pool where the student work individualy.

Assessment method

The course evaluation is broken down as follows:



  • 25% of the grade is based on a theory exam during the January semester;
  • 50% on programs requested during the second semester and completed in person (attendance required);
  • 25% on a practical exam during the June semester.


A minimum score of 6/20 is required for each evaluation (absorbent score).


The January exam consists of a demonstration of solving a numerical problem, accompanied by other, shorter questions related to the material covered in the first semester. This exam will take place without the use of course materials.


During the practical exercises and the June exam, students must individually solve a numerical physics problem by writing code in FORTRAN 90. The evaluation format is "open-course" (courses, pre-written code, books, etc.), but the use of the internet is prohibited.


Students will be judged on their ability to solve the problem in a concise and rigorous manner. The examiner will pay particular attention to the clarity of the programming and the ability to propose a general solution to the problem posed.

Sources, references and any support material

 S. J. Chapman, 'Fortran 95/2003 for Scientists and Engineers', McGraw Hill 2007.

R.H. Landau, M.J. Paez, C.C. Bordeianu, 'Computational Physics'  Wiley 2011

 

Language of instruction

French
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Physics Standard 0 4
Bachelor in Physics Standard 2 4