A First Guide to Computational Modelling in Physics

This innovative text helps demystify numerical modelling for early-stage physics and engineering students. It takes a hands-on, project-based approach, with each chapter focusing on an intriguing physics problem taken from classical mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, astrophysics, and quantum mechanics. To solve these problems, students must apply different numerical methods for themselves, building up their knowledge and practical skills organically. Each project includes a discussion of the fundamentals, the mathematical formulation of the problem, an introduction to the numerical methods and algorithms, and exercises, with solutions available to instructors. The methods presented focus primarily on differential equations, both ordinary and partial, as well as basic mathematical operations. Developed over many years of teaching a computational modelling course, this stand-alone book equips students with an essential numerical modelling toolkit for today's data-driven landscape, and gives them new ways to explore science and engineering.

• Ideal for an introductory course in numerical modelling to benefit students during the early stages of their university education
• Project-oriented course design promotes active engagement and facilitates organic learning
• Covers a broad range of physics knowledge to meet the needs of both physics and engineering students
• Self-contained and comprehensive, including all of the background knowledge and methods needed to solve the problems, allowing for individual study using only the course book