1a. Introduction

• Computers, Physics, and Computational Physics
  • why compute?
    • complex physics
    • nonlinear physics
    • high dimensionality
    • complex geometry
    • large problems

  • examples
    • the driven nonlinear pendulum
    • the gravitational three-body problem

• Course outline and logistics
  • course outline

  • computer use -- the computers in Disque 704 (newton.physics.drexel.edu) are provided for your use, but you are free to use your own laptop if you prefer

  • programming languages -- we will work in both C++ and python (you choose); other languages are discouraged, as we will not support them or provide solutions using them

  • programming tools and other software -- g++, python, and other necessary programming tools are provided on newton; if you use your own computer it is your responsibility to install all required software

  • homeworks -- PDF is preferred, e-mailed to phys105@physics.drexel.edu, but if that is not possible you may turn in hard-copy

• Linux basics
  • logging in
  • the X window system
  • the terminal window
  • network access
    • local private network
    • gateway: newton.physics.drexel.edu
    • network topology
    • access from outside: encryption required: ssh and scp