Catalog Course Description

Introduction to modern computer simulation methods and their application to selected Earth and Planetary Science problems. In hands-on computer labs, students will learn about numerical algorithms, learn to program and modify provided programs, and display the solution graphically. This is an introductory course and no programming experience is required. Examples include fractals in geophysics, properties of materials at high pressure, celestial mechanics, and diffusion processes in the Earth. Topics range from ordinary and partial differential equations to molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations.

Fall Term

2 hours of Instructional experiences requiring special laboratory equipment and facilities per week and 2 hours of Instructor presentation of course materials per week and 8 hours of Outside Work Hours per week.

Spring Term

2 hours of Instructional experiences requiring special laboratory equipment and facilities per week and 2 hours of Instructor presentation of course materials per week and 8 hours of Outside Work Hours per week.