Hiroshi Matsuoka
Physics Department
Illinois State University
Campus Box 4560
Normal, IL 61790-4560
hmb@entropy.phy.ilstu.edu
A Bachelor's Degree in Computational Physics
Since 1988, the Physics Department at Illinois State University has integrated computational methodology into its post-introductory physics major curriculum (see Martin, et al., "Computational Physics and the Undergraduate Experience", Computers in Physics, 5, 302, 1991). With an NSF-supported Undergraduate Computational Science Lab (UCSL) project in the mid-1990's, in collaboration with colleagues in the Chemistry and Applied Computer Science (ACS) departments, we developed six new computational science courses. This experience and expertise has come to fruition in a new Bachelor of Science degree in Computational Physics, approved by the University in March, 1997 and offered to students beginning this fall semester.
The degree program contains a solid core of physics and math courses, in parallel to the traditional physics major curriculum through the sophomore year, at which time the computational physics students begin to specialize. Eight of the department's 13 faculty members are practicing computational researchers insuring a broad expertise for the program. The degree requirements include the following five courses:
1. Computer Programming for Scientists (ACS 165)
A basic programming course emphasizing scientific programming. The course, designed flexibly to allow changing computer languages, currently utilizes FORTRAN 90.
2. Hardware and Software Concepts (ACS 254)
This course introduces students to computer hardware, architecture, operating systems and networking. A special section, designed specifically for computational physics students and offered for the first time this Fall, will focus on how to utilize this knowledge to enhance the students' scientific programming.
3. Methods of Computational Science (PHY/CHE/ACS 288)
This course is a hands-on introduction to methods of numerical mathematics and physical system simulation. Methods are presented in the context of elementary physics and chemistry problems.
4. Advanced Computational Physics (PHY 388)
A team-taught, computational project-oriented course further developing students' experience with numerical simulation of physical systems. Three in-depth projects will cover such areas as Monte Carlo, molecular dynamics, hydrodynamics, plasma particle-in-cell, or finite element simulations. At least one project utilizes vector or array processor supercomputers, with algorithms matched to the architecture.
5. Computational Research Project (PHY 390)
A semester project, in collaboration with a faculty mentor, exploring a system of the student's choice or an ongoing faculty research project. Students will write mid-term progress report and a final formal report, as well as presenting talks on their results. They will be encouraged to present results to the wider community at a forum such as the Argonne Symposium on Undergraduate Research or a professional research conference, if applicable.
In addition to these required courses, two computationally oriented electives are offered:
6. Molecular Dynamics and Visualization (PHY 380.02)
This course adds depth to the student's previous introduction to this widely-used computational technique. Examples motivated by faculty research in physics,biophysics, and chemistry are used.
7. Nonlinear Science (PHY 380.03)
An introduction to the ideas of nonlinear dynamics and complex systems from computational, analytic and experimental viewpoints. Examples are chosen from physical and chemical systems and faculty research problems.
Graduates of our already strong computationally-oriented physics program regularly report their undergraduate experience puts them a step ahead of their peers, in both graduate school and industry. This new, focussed program will give our students even more depth in this rapidly expanding area, preparing them for a wide variety of industrial careers or graduate study in several fields of computational science and engineering.