Instructor: R. E. Allen

845-4341, Room 519 Engineering/Physics

allen@tamu.edu, http://faculty.physics.tamu.edu/allen/computational.html

Office Hours: 1:30-2:30 p.m. MWF

This course meets MWF at 12:40-1:30 p.m. in Room 207 of the Engineering/Physics Building.

Evaluation: 11 problems, due nearly every week.

You may substitute your own project for two of these problems. [Note the rules for doing this.]

Homework late by 48 hours or less gets 2/3 credit. Homework late by 120 hours or less (but more than 48 hours) gets 1/3 credit. Homework late by more than 120 hours gets no credit.

Remember that it is the science that is really important and interesting. The computational aspects are just a means to an end -- even though the modern world of computing is enormously fascinating.

Format for homework:

(1) Clear description in English and mathematics of what the program does.

(2) Listing of program.

(3) Output from program: One or a few graphs, or some high-quality numbers.

(4) A brief set of important conclusions, again in clear English.

Some of the best solutions by previous students will be put on reserve (in the main library) under Physics 401.

For further information, use Netscape or Internet Explorer to access http://faculty.physics.tamu.edu/allen/computational.html .

Using the links provided on this homepage, you should be able to get information and handouts for all the tools that you will need in this course.

There are various operating systems (Unix, Macintosh, Windows, etc.), various programming languages (C++, Fortran, Basic, Pascal, etc.), various plotting routines (gnuplot, PG Plot, even Microsoft Excel, etc.), various places to work (Blocker, Teague, Student Computing Center, etc.).

Please choose one of each which best suits you. Also please let me know if you are having any problems getting started.The plan is for everyone to have the required minimum computer capabilities by the end of the first week. This means being able to program, to get output, to plot results, etc.

The first homework problem is due Wenesday, Sept. 5.

Have fun!