Prof. Jon Pumplin
Office: BPS 3240, e-mail: pumplin@pa.msu.edu, Phone: 517-884-5563
Course Outline
This is the first in a series of two one-credit classes in
physics computations: PHY102 and PHY201.
The objective of these courses is to
give students a working knowledge of important computational
techniques and tools used in physics. PHY102 concentrates
on Mathematica --- a powerful general-purpose program to
do algebraic and numerical calculations, graphics and animation
for a variety of mathematics and physics problems.
During PHY102 you will apply Mathematica
to physics problems drawn from material
covered in PHY183 and/or PHY193H.
In addition to the algebraically solvable problems typically
assigned in courses, you will also solve more complex problems
numerically. Examples may include the non-linear pendulum, motion
in a gravitational field and chaos in simple maps.
A weekly worksheet forms the core of the course.
If you wish to cover more ground than is contained in the
assignments, you may also try applying Mathematica to additional
problems, such as problems that come up in your other course
work.
All of the work for Phy 102 will be done in the computer lab in room BPS 1240
This computer lab will be open according to the following schedule:
Mon 3:00 - 4:00PM
Tue 12:40 - 1:30PM
Wed 3:00 - 4:00PM
Thu 10:20 - 11:30AM (room shared with another class)
Thu 12:40 - 1:30PM
Thu 3:00 - 4:00PM
Fri 9:10 - 11:30AM
Fri 3:00 - 4:00PM
You can expect to spend approximately 2--3 hours per week, during those
times, to complete the assignments. If additional time is needed, it will
be possible to schedule some additional hours.
Mathematica is also available at many(?) of the computer labs around campus,
so you can use it there once you become proficient.
Course Assessment