Teaching directory
Course 2023-2024

Computational and programming methods in physics [SPHYB107]

  • 5 credits
  • 30h+15h
  • 1st quarter
Language of instruction: French / Français

Learning outcomes

• Acquisition of the basics of programming (calculation) • Operational use of basic mathematical tools

Objectives

The objective of the "Methods of calculation" section is to quickly provide students with the mathematical tools essential for understanding Bac 1 physics courses. The student must become operational, but must also perceive the meaning and usefulness of mathematical formalism in order to be able to apply it to physics questions. The aim of the "Programming Methods" section is to enable the student to acquire the basic notions of programming and to apply them through the Matlab software.

Content

The part of the course entitled "Methods of calculation" presents the main rules of differential and integral calculus, vector calculus, complex algebra, etc., as well as an introduction to the solution of differential equations. All of this is applied to the solution of physics problems. The "Programming Methods" part is divided into 2 sections. • In the first one, a brief history of computer science is given, including the functioning of a computer, followed by some considerations about "programming methodology" (cross-cutting notions) • The second section is devoted to an active handling of Matlab, as an interactive tool and as a programming tool.


Teaching methods

For "Methods of calculation", the student must become operational, but must also perceive the usefulness of mathematical formalism, and its physical meaning. It is therefore an applied approach to certain aspects of mathematics that is taught, halfway between "toolboxes" and the rigour that befits pure mathematics, taught elsewhere in mathematics courses. The course will be illustrated with examples and applications, mainly from physics. The courses in the "Programming Methods" section are held in the pool. The student has access to the content on webcampus, which allows him to progress at his own pace, and to acquire the important notions by practice. For both the "Computational Methods" and the "Programming Methods" sections, in addition to a syllabus, use will be made of the webcampus online platform, which allows for the much desired active participation of students: exercises, supplements, dialogue space, slideshows presented during the course will be made available.

Evaluations

• Both parts of the course (Computational Methods and Programming Methods/Matlab) have the same weight in the final grade SPHYB107. • MC and MP grades are independent: a successful partial grade (greater than or equal to 10/20) can be carried over to the next session, during the same academic year. • METHODS OF CALCULATION (MC): A written examination is organised in sessions (January, June, and August). • PROGRAMMING METHODS / MATLAB (MP) : • Students are required to do a personal project, supervised by assistants. This work is evaluated and constitutes the "Programming Methods" mark in the January session. This work is compulsory. It is organised only once a year. The assessment of the work consists of the code, a written report and a short oral examination. • For the other sessions (June and August), a programming/Matlab exam is organised in the pool. Students will be asked to code one or two problems.

Recommended readings

Syllabus, webcampus, Teams.

Language of instruction

French / Français

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté des sciences
Rue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 NAMUR

Degree of Reference

Undergraduate Degree