Computational Methods in Physics, Chemistry and Biology

Providing an accessible introduction to a range of modern computational techniques, this book is perfect for anyone with only a limited knowledge of physics. It leads readers through a series of examples, problems, and practical-based tasks covering the basics to more complex ideas and techniques. The focus is placed on the dynamic area
of modern physics, helping readers understand the power and uses of computational physics.
* Leads the reader from a basic introduction to more sophisticated techniques
* Provides the skill-building exercises necessary to tackle more complex problems
* Applies essential techniques to a wide range of key problemsEine gut verständliche Einführung in moderne naturwissenschaftliche Rechenmethoden! Nur geringe physikalische Vorkenntnisse voraussetzend, vermittelt der Autor Grundlagen und komplexere Ansätze anhand vieler Beispiele und ausgesprochen praxisnaher Übungsaufgaben. Besprochen werden alle Rechenmethoden, die im Grundstudium erlernt werden sollen, hinsichtlich ihrer Leistungsfähigkeit und ihrer Anwendungsgebiete. Preface

Introduction

Numerical Solutions to Schrö dinger's Equation

Approximate Methods

Matrix Methods

Deterministic Simulations

Stochastic Simulations

Percolation Theory

Evolutionary Methods

Molecular Dynamics

Appendices

References

Index "within its tightly defined scope, the book is excellent, being both readable and informative" (Chemistry in Britain, January 2002)

"...The book is fresh in its spirit..." (Zentralblatt Math, Vol.987, No. 12, 2002)

"...an excellent book for undergraduate courses..." (Physical Sciences Educational Reviews, November 2002) "? Dieses Buch mit seinem klar eingegrenzten Themenspektrum ist ausgezeichnet - gut lesbar und informativ zugleich!" Chemistry in Britain

Paul Harrison is with the University Department of Psychiatry at Warneford Hospital in Oxford, UK.

Computational Methods in Physics, Chemistry and Biology offers an accessible introduction to key computational techniques used within science, including quantum mechanics, dynamics, evolutionary methods and molecular dynamics. Assuming only a limited background in computational methods, this book provides the reader with a series of comprehensive examples, problems and practical-based tasks from the basics through to more complex ideas and techniques.

Beginning with an introduction to a numerical solution of Schrödinger's Equation the text moves on to discuss perturbation theory, variational calculations, diffusion, dynamics, Monte Carlo simulations and genetic algorithms. Aimed at those new to the field, the book will enable the reader to develop and implement computational methods for the solutions of a range of problems in science.

Features:
* An accessible introduction covering a range of essential techniques applicable to key problems
* Numerous examples, problems and practical-based exercises.
* A supplementary website including solutions
This is essential reading for undergraduates taking courses in computational physics, or numerical methods. Also useful to students studying engineering, applied mathematics, computational chemistry and mathematical biology.