The Master’s programme branch on Computational Physics provides students with the methodology to handle physical problems that are preferably approached using numerical methods. Students learn how to translate a mathematical model of a physical system into an adapted computer code and how to analyze and visualize the results from such calculations. Techniques introduced in this branch of physics include direct numerical solution methods for different kinds of equations, Monte-Carlo methods, machine learning and others, where the methodology relates to the different branches of physics. While offering such specialized methods for the different branches of physics, Computational physics also offers wider applications: the applicability ranges from physics over other scientific fields to applications beyond the academic sector.
Recommended Course of Study
Here we provide an incomplete list of lectures that we intend to offer regularly in the specialization Computational Physics in the future and a suggestion how to fill the associated modules. Lectures and topics can and are actually intended to evolve with time depending on promising research directions, academic staff, and interest of the Master students.
Year 1: Study Phase
First and second semester/winter and summer
- Compulsory module: Modern Physics (5 ECTS) - all physics master students
- Elective module: Advanced Numerical Mathematics (10 ECTS)
In this module, we intend to offer the following courses. Students need to select two of these courses to finish the module.
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VU3 Numerical Mathematics (usually in the summer term, 5 ECTS)
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VU3 Mathematical Methods (usually in the winter term, 5 ECTS)
- Elective module: Methods of Computational Physics (10 ECTS)
In this module, we intend to offer the following courses. Students need to select one PR2 and one VU3 to finish the module.- Part A: PR2 Laboratory Course Computional Physics (5 ECTS)
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Part B: VU3 Methods in Computational Physics B: Parallelisation (5 ECTS)
Alternatively, the following lectures are recognized:
- Elective module: Applications of Computational Physics (10 ECTS)
In this module, we intend to offer the following courses. Students need to select two of these courses to finish the module.
- VU3 Applications in Computational Physics A: Data Science & Statistical Methods 1 (usually in the winter term, 5 ECTS)
- VU3 Applications in Computational Physics B: Data Science & Statistical Methods 2 (usually in the summer term, 5 ECTS)
- VU3 Advanced methods in many-body physics A: Nonlinear dynamics and turbulence in fluids and plasmas (5 ECTS)
- VU3 Applications of computational physics B: Theoretical plasma physics and fusion research (5 ECTS)
- VU Applications Computational Physics B: Relativistic astrophysics VU Applications Computational Physics B: Relativistic astrophysics
- Selected courses of the Extension Programme Scientific Computing for the Master level, such as
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VU3 Basics of Scientific Computing (5 ECTS)
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VO2 High-Performance Computing (4.5 ECTS)
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Third semester/winter
- Compulsory module: Critical Research Analysis (22,5 ECTS)
Students need to select one PJ6, one SE2, and one VU3 to finish the module. For the VU3, we recommend:
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VU3 Statistics & Data Analysis (5 ECTS)
First to third semester
Individual Specialization
For individual specialization we recommend further lectures on numerics / computational physics and lectures relating to the scientific focus of the group of the supervisor of the master’s thesis.
As of April 2025.