VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

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

Computational Statistical Physics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Marina Krstic Marinkovic, Prof. Dr. Juan Carrasquilla Alvarez
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:07

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
graded semester performance
The students enrolled in the course will be continuously assessed through graded homework assignments (40% of the total grade) and an end-of-semester exam consisting of a written report and a mandatory 10-minutes oral presentation on the project work to be conducted during the semester (60% of the total grade). A timely submission of the written project report will be considered as an equivalent of the exam registration, and will lead to the allocation of the oral presenation slot.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Computational Statistical Physics
  • Tue 11:45-13:30 (HIL E 8)
2 h weekly
exercise Computational Statistical Physics
  • Fri 11:45-13:30 (HCI D 2)
  • Fri 11:45-13:30 (HCI H 2.1)
2 h weekly

Offered In