MOTION:
That ARCC recommend to the Arts and Science Executive the addition of
PHYS 4006 Computational Physics
A) Descriptive Data:
Course Code
PHYS 4006
Course Title
Computational Physics
Course Prerequisite
PHYS 2006, PHYS 2007, COSC 1557
Course Corequisite
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Antirequisite
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Total Hours
 36 hours  72 hours  Other
Breakdown of Hours
Three hours of lecture per week for one term
 Other
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Course Credits
 3 credits  6 credits  Other
Course Description
(Restricted to 50-75 words,
present tense and active voice)
Computational Methods in Physics is a project-oriented course that
demonstrates to students how computers can enable us to both broaden
and deepen our understanding of physics by vastly increasing the
range of mathematical calculations which we can conveniently
perform. This course considers applications of numerical methods and
algorithms to problems in physics for different applications in
nanotechnology, nanomedicine, nanophotonics, materials science,
atmospheric physics and astrophysics. Projects involve choosing a
physical problem, posing scientific questions, and implementing a
computer simulation. Techniques for programming, analysis, and
presentation are developed.
Course Grouping or Stream
Does this course belong to a Group or Stream?
 No  Yes
Program Implications
Physics stream in the Science & Tecnology program
Does this course have program implications?
 No  Yes
Cross-Listing or Cross-Coding
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Physics stream in the Science & Tecnology program
 Cross-Listed - this course may be credited towards
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 Cross-Coded - this course is cross-coded with
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Learning Expectations/
Outputs
(6-8 points, visible, measurable
Successful graduates of this course will be able to:
1.identify modern programming methods and describe
the extent and limitations of computational methods in
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(
and in active voice)
physics;
2. identify and describe the characteristics of various
numerical methods;
3. independently program computers using leadingedge tools;
4. formulate and computationally solve a selection of
problems in physics;
5. use the tools, methodologies, language and
conventions of physics to test and communicate ideas
and explanations;
6. demonstrate ability to work independently;
7. use various sources (textbooks, articles in refereed
journals, online sources etc.) to research advanced
topics in computational physics;
8. participate in professional discussions and formulate
interesting open problems relevant to applications of
computational physics, and propose their own
questions and problems
B) Statement of Need:
In the department of Computer Science and Mathematics we offer all fundamental physics courses
including Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves and Optics, Electromagnetism and Modern Physics. As
a complementary course in order to have a Physics stream within the Science and Technology program,
we would like to offer computational physics course. Computation represents an essential component of
modern research in understanding of physical processes. For many applications, entire physical problems
can be solved and demonstrated computationally without the need for any experimental input. Thus, this
course will not require advanced physics labs and equipment. On the other hand, powerful computational
facilities are available at Nipissing. In this course, we intend to give the students a basic working
knowledge of computational techniques to familiarize them with scientific computing and programming.
This course also plays an important role to prepare the students to tackle other computational problems
that they may encounter in the future.
C) Statement of Resources:
Recently we have established the Nipissing Computational Physics Laboratory (NCPL) to support
research activities requiring intensive computational resources. The general focus of the NCPL is to
develop, implement and apply advanced numerical algorithms and computational methodologies for the
solution of problems arising from science and technology applications. The NCPL is an advanced physics
lab intended for junior and senior level students in science and engineering. Our lab is equipped with a
high performance computational server and several workstations with multiple operating system
environments, and running a number of computational and simulation packages including COMSOL
Multiphysics, MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, Numerical Recipes, the Electronic Workbench, and
others. This lab is a reliable resource for students who will take the computational physics course to run
all their programs and simulations. We plan to offer PHYS 4006 every second year, on a cycled basis. No
additional resources will be required to offer this course.
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