Computational Science 1

Course aim

To extend the students knowledge and understanding of some of the laws, principles, theories and systems of physics, chemistry and biology in materials science, and to develop an appreciation of how these laws, principles and theories operate in experimental and applied science.

Course content

Computational Science: Computational investigations of physical systems using a variety of numerical techniques. Topics covered include; chaos, thermodynamics, data analysis and presentation, Fourier analysis, partial differential equations, interpolation and approximation, numerical integration, signal processing, statistics, monte-carlo methods, introduction to image processing, convolutions, simulations.

Measurement and Instrument Control: programming in LabView or Basic for instrument control, passive electronics, signal conditioning, transducers and their application to measurement of physical systems, microprocessor basics, protocols, introduction to control theory, commercial control systems.

Practical Component: The practical component emphasises the computational modelling of the physical systems covered in the lecture modules and the analysis of the measured data. Topics covered include basic electronics, transducers, control systems and LabView based project to control an instrument or make a series of measurements on a physical system.

Textbook(s)

Harrison, P 2001, Computational Methods in Physics, Chemistry & Biology, Wiley

Prerequisite(s)

Completion of first year calculus-based physics and mathematics courses of a Bachelor of Science or Engineering degree.

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Computational Workshop Exercises, Practical - Mini project reports and presentation to their peers. (in-class assessment), Quiz

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
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Non-award enrolment
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* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.