Computational Physics

The Master’s programme branch on Computational Physics provides students with the methodology to handle physical problems that are preferably approached using numerical methods. Students learn how to translate a mathematical model of a physical system into an adapted computer code and how to analyse and visualise the results from such calculations. Techniques introduced in this branch of physics include direct numerical solution methods for different kinds of equations, Monte-Carlo methods, machine learning and others, where the methodology relates to the different branches of physics. While offering such specialized methods for the different branches of physics, Computational physics also offers wider applications: the applicability ranges from physics over other scientific fields to applications beyond the academic sector.

Here we provide an incomplete list of lectures that we intend to offer regularly in the specialization Computational Physics in the future and a suggestion how to fill the associated modules. Lectures and topics can and are actually intended to evolve with time depending on promising research directions, academic staff, and interest of the Master students.

First and second semester/winter and summer

• Compulsory module: Modern Physics (5 ECTS) – all physics master students
• Elective module 13: Advanced Numerical Mathematics (10 ECTS)
• HINT: Students need to select two of these courses to finish the module.
  • VU3 Numerical Mathematics (5 ECTS)
  • VU3 Monte-Carlo Methods (5 ECTS)
  • VU3 Mathematical Algorithms I (5 ECTS)
  • VU3 Mathematical Algorithms II (5 ECTS)
  • VU3 Mathematical Methods (5 ECTS)

• Elective modul 14: Methods of Computational Physics (10 ECTS)
• HINT: Students need to select one PR2 and one VU3 to finish the module.
  • PR2 Laboratory Course Computational Physics (5 ECTS)
  • VU3 Big Data Analytics (5 ECTS)
  • VU3 Methodology of scientific simulation (5 ECTS)

• Elective module 15: Applications of Computational Physics (10 ECTS)
• HINT: Students need to select two of these courses to finish the module
  • VU3 Astroparticle physics with the Computer (5 ECTS)
  • VU3 Computational Astrophysics (5 ECTS)
  • VU3 Theoretical Astrophysics (5 ECTS)
  • VU3 Fundamentals of Cosmology (5 ECTS)
  • VU3 Classical field theory I & II (5 ECTS, each)
  • VU3 Advanced Statistical Physics I & II (5 ECTS, each)
  • VU3 Molecular dynamics I & II (5 ECTS, each)

Third semester/winter

• Compulsory module: Critical research analysis (22.5 ECTS)
  • Compulsory module: PJ Research Study (12.5 ECTS)
  • Compulsory module: SE Research Seminar (5 ECTS)
  • Compulsory module: VU Critical Research Analysis (5 ECTS)
  • HINT: We recommend VU3 Statistics & Data Analysis (5 ECTS) for the VU3
• Compulsory module: Preparation for master thesis (2.5 ECTS)
• Master thesis, starting (5 ECTS)

 

First to third semester

• Master Thesis
• Individual Specialization: For individual specialization we recommend further lectures on numerics / computational physics and lectures relating to the scientific focus of the group of the supervisor of the master’s thesis.