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402-0812-00L 8 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-BAUG , D-ARCH , D-INFK , D-MATH , D-ITET
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Computational Statistical Physics

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Oded Zilberberg
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:42:14

Abstract

Computer simulation methods in statistical physics. Classical Monte-Carlo-simulations: finite-size scaling, cluster algorithms, histogram-methods, renormalization group. Application to Boltzmann machines. Simulation of non-equilibrium systems.Molecular dynamics simulations: long range interactions, Ewald summation, discrete elements, parallelization.

Objective

The lecture will give a deeper insight into computer simulation methods in statistical physics. Thus, it is an ideal continuation of the lecture "Introduction to Computational Physics" of the autumn semester. In the first part students learn to apply the following methods: Classical Monte Carlo-simulations, finite-size scaling, cluster algorithms, histogram-methods, renormalization group. Moreover, students learn about the application of statistical physics methods to Boltzmann machines and how to simulate non-equilibrium systems. In the second part, students apply molecular dynamics simulation methods. This part includes long range interactions, Ewald summation and discrete elements.

Content

Computer simulation methods in statistical physics. Classical Monte-Carlo-simulations: finite-size scaling, cluster algorithms, histogram-methods, renormalization group. Application to Boltzmann machines. Simulation of non-equilibrium systems. Molecular dynamics simulations: long range interactions, Ewald summation, discrete elements, parallelization.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes and slides are available online and will be distributed if desired.

Literature

Literature recommendations and references are included in the lecture notes.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 20 minutes
Prüfung wahlweise auf Deutsch oder Englisch.(Exams can be in English or German.)

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Computational Statistical Physics
  • Fri 08:45-10:30 (HIT J 51)
  • 21.02 Date 10:45-12:30 (HIT H 51)
2 h weekly
exercise Computational Statistical Physics
  • Fri 10:45-12:30 (HIT J 51)
  • 21.02 Date 08:45-10:30 (HIT F 21)
2 h weekly

Offered In