FYS9460 – Disordered Systems and Percolation
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The course provides an introduction to methods and problems in modern statistical physics with emphasis on algorithmic and computational methods. The applications addressed and the computational methods introduced are relevant for material science, complex systems, chemistry, solid-state, molecular-, and bio-physics.
The course aims to build understanding for the macroscopic effects of microscopic interactions using numerical simulations of microscopic models coupled with a concurrent development of a relevant theoretical framework.
The course gives an introduction to the most central numerical methods in molecular dynamics modeling, algorithmic modeling of disordered systems, and to discrete models for fluids, including:
- Atomic- and molecular dynamics for various ensembles, thermostats, fluctuations, and the coupling to continuum models
- Random walks, renormalization, scaling, and fractals
- Percolation: Finite-size scaling, Cluster- and subset geometry, Renormalization
- Disordered systems: Diffusion, transport, and mechanical properties of disordered systems, Dynamic processes in disordered systems, and Growth processes far from equilibrium
- Discrete models for fluids: Lattice-gas and lattice-Boltzman models, Dissipative Particle Dynamics, and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics
The extent of coverage of the various subjects depends on the choice of projects, and on student interests.
Learning outcome
The student learns a range of central algorithms and methods used in modern statistical physics. The course is project-based. Through the projects the student will be exposed to problems from concurrent research. The aim is to be able to reproduce and potentially extend these results. The students learn to develop well-structured codes, to analyze complex systems, and to apply sound scientific principles when studying their own data. Examples and applications will mainly come from material science and the geo-sciences.
Admission to the course
PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through?Studentweb.
If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.
PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must?apply for a position as a visiting student?within a given deadline.
Recommended previous knowledge
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with FYS4460 – Disordered Systems and Percolation.
- 5 credits overlap with FYS4465 – Dynamics of Complex Media.
- 5 credits overlap with FYS9465 – Dynamics of Complex Media.
Teaching
The course is offered as a supervised self-study.
This course has 3 mandatory assignments and one written project report, that must be approved before you can take the final oral exam.
Examination
- Final oral exam which counts 100 % towards the final?grade.
This course has mandatory exercises that must be approved before you can take the final?exam.
It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: FYS4460 – Disordered Systems and Percolation
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a?postponed exam?at the beginning of the next semester.
New examinations?are offered at the beginning of the next semester for students who do not successfully complete the exam during the previous semester.
We do not offer a re-scheduled exam for students who withdraw during the exam.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.