AP3114 Course information

Computational Methods for

Physicists and Materials
Engineers

Lecturer(s) and TA(s)

Lecturer:
Dr Jun Fan (course leader)
Email:
junfan@cityu.edu.hk
Tel:
3442-9978
Office:
P6712

Lecturer(s) and TA(s)

Teaching Assistant(s):
Mr Chun CHAN
Tel: 27844045
Email: cchan2242-c@my.cityu.edu.hk

Aims

Computational Science concentrates on solving

scientific problem by computers.
The use of software packages and programs to
solve problems in Physics and Materials
Engineering will be emphasized.
This course also consists of the formulation and
analysis of problems, simulations and modelling,
mathematical and numerical analysis, visualisation
through graphics, and preliminary programming.

Aims

This course provides an introduction to scientific

problem solving using fourth generation programming
languages (4GL), e.g. SciLAB, MATLAB or equivalent.
However, no previous programming experience in
MATLAB (or any other language) is needed. The
emphasis is on problem solving rather than
programming.
Scientific problems from Physics and Materials
Engineering will be targeted with the aim of providing an
introduction to the use of computers in science for
students who may need such skills in the pursue of their
Major of studies in Applied Physics and Materials
Engineering.
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Course Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
No
1
2

CILOs

Level of
Importance
To analyse and formulate the mathematical models for typical problems
1
in Physics and Materials Engineering.
To attain a basic level of competency in 4GL computational tool, e.g.
3
MATLAB or equivalent, including the use of variables, arrays, matrices,
and control structures involving logical statements, and to use MATLAB
or equivalent interactively as well as writing simple script files and userdefined functions.

To implement basic numerical methods, for example procedures for

numerical root finding, integration, and solution of ordinary differential
equations; and to apply such techniques to solve the mathematical models
of typical problems in Physics and Materials Engineering.

To understand some of the ways in which computation may lead to

misleading results, including a model being invalid and numerical errors
such as round-off error.

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6

Teaching and Learning Activities

TLAs

Lectures

Practical
sessions

Total no of
hours

CILO 1

CILO 2

CILO 3

12

CILO 4

Total (hrs)

13

26

39

Suggested lecture/practical sessions mix:

2 hr lecture + 1 hrs practical session
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Grading of Student Achievement

Grading of Student Achievement: Refer to Grading

of Courses in the Academic Regulations
(Attachment) and to the Explanatory Notes.

The grading is assigned based on students

performance in assessment tasks/activities.

Keyword Syllabus

Typical problems in Physics and Materials Engineering: Time-series analysis,

Signal-processing, Heat-transfer/diffusion equation, Stress and strain analysis,
Harmonic motion, etc.

MATLAB as a Programmable Calculator: Use built-in functions, scalars, and

row-vectors. Perform simple arithmetic operations on vectors and matrices. Use
2D graphics to plot built-in functions.

Flow Control : Write simple m-files. Looping constructs (for/while) and conditional
execution (if/else). Working with matrices and the logical data type. Using the
find command. Be able to solve array problems without looping constructs.

User-Defined Functions : Create user-defined functions.

Uniformly Distributed Random Numbers (Optional): Generating and using

random numbers. Simulations as an alternative to analytic methods. Statistical
accuracy. Using histograms.
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Keyword Syllabus

The Normal Distribution (Optional): Generating normally-distributed random

numbers. Convergence of other distributions to the normal distribution.

The Bisection method : Understand the bisection method for numerical root
finding for a function of one variable.

The Newton-Raphson method: Understand the Newton-Raphson method for

numerical root finding for a function of one variable.

Statistical description and analysis of data: Statistics and moments, Least-square

fitting

Fourier Analysis: Fourier Transform and Spectral analysis, Fast Fourier

Transform (FFT)

Solving differential equations (an introduction): Solving ordinary differential

equations using MATLAB built-in function ode23 or ode45, appreciation of
numerical solution to partial differential equation using MATLAB.
10

Recommended Reading
Reference Book(s):

Essential MATLAB for Scientists and Engineers, 2nd/3rd/4 th/5th

Edition, by Brian D. Hahn.

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Tentative Class Schedule

WK
1 (Aug. 31,2015)
2 (Sep. 7, 2015)
3 (Sep. 14, 2015)
4 (Sep. 21, 2015)
5 (Sep. 28, 2015)
6 (Oct. 5, 2015)
7 (Oct. 12, 2015)
8 (Oct. 19, 2015)
9 (Oct. 26, 2015)
10 (Nov. 2, 2015)
11 (Nov. 9, 2015)
12 (Nov. 16, 2015)
13 (Nov. 23, 2015)
Revision (Nov. 30, 2015)

Syllabus
Introduction & simple operations
Matrix, Statistical description and analysis of data
Flow control (script files; for/done, if/else)
User-defined functions
Plots & Random Numbers
University Holiday
Solving Non-linear equations I
Practical Test 1 (Lectures 1-4)
Solving Non-linear equations II
More programming examples
Solving differential equations I
Solving differential equations II
Fourier Analysis
Project Presentation
Practical Test 2 (All lectures)

Assessment Tasks/Activities

Practical Tests: 60% (20% PT1 & 35% PT2 & 5% small tests)
Assignments and lab reports: 40% (10% project, 30% homework)
75% lecture attendance rate must be obtained. Marks will be
deducted for students failing to meet the attendance requirement.
Homework due: 9 am Monday, to be submitted online to Canvas
Homework late policy: 10% off per day

ATs
CILO 1
CILO 2
CILO 3
CILO 4
Total (%)

Assignmen
ts & lab
reports
10
10
10
10
40

Practical
tests

Total
(%)

15
15
15
15
60

25%
25%
25%
25%
100%

13

Course Website

Login to e-Portal/Canvas
Lets try!

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Any Questions?

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