Courses » » Physics 398. Experimental Courses

Scientific Computing

Computational techniques for solving problems in the physical sciences. Topics include time series analysis, root-finding, and numerical techniques for ordinary and partial differential equations: these techniques are used to solve problems in classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, geophysics, climatology, chemistry, and ecology. Appropriate for students with calculus experience, plus some further coursework in either math, physics, chemistry, or computer science.

Meteorology and Oceanography

We will develop a physical description of the structure and flows of the atmosphere and ocean, with a focus on the physical processes common to both. Hands-on experiments are used whenever possible: course includes informal weekly lab exercises. Topic include basic structure of the atmosphere, global energy balance, convection, equations of fluid flow, effects of planetary rotation, geostrophic balance, general circulation of the atmosphere and ocean, Ekman layers, wind-driven ocean circulation, and thermohaline circulation.