1.1 An Introduction to Computational Physics
TLDRIn this introductory computational science class, Professor Ruben Landau and computational scientist Sally Hare from Oregon State University welcome students to a course designed to teach the use of computers in scientific problem-solving. The course assumes prior knowledge of basic computing and focuses on Java, with a complementary book by Princeton University Press. The lectures, complete with PowerPoint slides, are available online for flexible learning, with an emphasis on interactivity and accessibility, including for disabled students. The aim is to enhance the learning experience by combining online lectures with in-person laboratory sessions.
Takeaways
- 👋 Introduction: The class is an introduction to computational science, possibly a first or second course in scientific computing, led by Professor Ruben Landau and Sally Hare.
- 🏫 Institution: The course is conducted at Oregon State University and involves a computational physics program for undergraduates.
- 📚 Support: The project is supported by Oregon State University, the National Science Foundation, and the Engaging People in Cyberinfrastructure program.
- 💻 Course Content: The course focuses on using computers to solve science and engineering problems, assuming prior knowledge of operating systems and compiled languages.
- 📘 Textbook: A recommended textbook for the course is 'A Survey of Computational Physics' by Ruben Landau, Manuel Baez, and Christian Board Dion, published by Princeton University Press.
- 🔍 Course Structure: The course is based on video lectures with PowerPoints, offering flexibility for students to view and review the material at their convenience.
- 🎥 Viewing Options: Lectures can be accessed through a web browser, are not scripted for authenticity, and can be paused, stopped, or repeated as needed.
- 🔗 Additional Resources: The lectures come with links to supplementary materials such as programs, applets, color animations, and visualizations that can be customized for local classes.
- 🎧 Accessibility: The lectures are designed to be accessible, with sound and visuals, and alternative formats available for those with disabilities.
- 👥 Instructor Roles: Ruben Landau is the professor and main lecturer, while Sally Hare works behind the scenes as director, editor, and producer.
- 📝 Feedback: The instructors are interested in student feedback and comments to evaluate the effectiveness of the lectures and improve the learning experience.
Q & A
What is the purpose of the video?
-The purpose of the video is to introduce the class in computational science, explain what the class is about, and to provide an overview of the course structure and materials.
Who is Ruben Landau and what is his role in the class?
-Ruben Landau is a professor of physics at Oregon State University and a computational physicist. He is the instructor for the computational science class and the person who introduces the course content.
What is the role of Sally Hare in the class?
-Sally Hare is a computational scientist who works behind the camera, acting as the director, editor, and producer of the video lectures.
What is the focus of the computational science class?
-The focus of the computational science class is on how to use computers to do science or engineering, specifically solving problems with computers.
What programming language is predominantly used in the class?
-The class predominantly uses Java, although other compiled languages are also acceptable.
What book is the class based on?
-The class is based on the book 'A Survey of Computational Physics,' published by Princeton University Press, with co-authors Manuel Baez and Christian Board Dion.
What is the suggested method for using the video lectures?
-It is suggested to view the video lectures either before or after reading the corresponding book chapters, or ideally, to do both for a comprehensive understanding.
How can the video lectures be accessed and controlled?
-The video lectures can be accessed through a web browser with a flash player, and they come with controls for pausing, stopping, and restarting the lecture.
What additional resources are available alongside the video lectures?
-Additional resources include PowerPoint slides, links to relevant programs, applets, color animations, visualizations, and other materials that can be customized for local classes.
How does the class accommodate students with disabilities?
-The class provides accessible slides with sound and vision, and offers alternative formats such as LaTeX versions of slides and equations that can be read by screen readers.
What is the benefit of using distance education technology in this class?
-Distance education technology helps decrease the distance between students and their education, allowing for more time in the laboratory with professors and instructors.
Outlines
👋 Introduction to Computational Science Course
This paragraph introduces the video script for a computational science class, led by Professor Ruben Landau at Oregon State University. It mentions the course's focus on using computers for scientific and engineering problem-solving, and assumes prior knowledge of basic computing skills. The course primarily uses Java, but other compiled languages are also acceptable. The script acknowledges the support of Oregon State University, the National Science Foundation, and the Engaging People in Cyber Infrastructure program. It also introduces Sally Hare, the director, editor, and producer of the course. The paragraph concludes with an apology for a 'Department of shameless Commerce slide' and a brief mention of the course materials, including a book by Princeton University Press.
📚 Lecture Viewing Options and Accessibility
The second paragraph discusses the viewing options for the video lectures, which are designed to be accessible and flexible for students. The lectures are informal and aim to convey key concepts and main points, complementing the detailed content found in the accompanying book. The videos can be viewed on a web browser with a Flash-enabled player, and students have the option to jump to any part of the lecture through a table of contents. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of reading the book alongside the lectures for a comprehensive understanding. It also mentions the availability of additional materials such as applets, color animations, and visualizations, which can be customized for local classes. The paragraph concludes with a note on the importance of using headphones, especially in laboratory settings, and the accessibility features of the lectures, including audio and visual accommodations for disabled students.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Computational Science
💡Scientific Computing
💡Professor Ruben Landau
💡Oregon State University
💡Computational Physics Program
💡Sally Hare
💡National Science Foundation
💡Java
💡Compiled Languages
💡Princeton University Press
💡Distance Education Technology
Highlights
Introduction to the class in computational science by Professor Ruben Landau.
Professor Landau's background as a computational physicist and his role in developing the computational physics program at Oregon State University.
Introduction of Sally Hare, the director, editor, and producer of the class.
The class's focus on using computers to solve scientific and engineering problems.
Assumption of prior knowledge in operating systems, shells, and compiled languages.
Emphasis on Java as the primary programming language for the course.
Mention of a preliminary book by Professor Landau for beginners in scientific computing.
The course as a stepping stone to more specific computational science courses, such as computational physics.
Introduction of the textbook 'A Survey of Computational Physics' by Landau, Baez, and Bordeian.
Recommendation to read the textbook alongside the lectures for a comprehensive understanding.
The format of the video lectures with PowerPoints and the flexibility they offer for students.
The accessibility of the lectures through various platforms, including potential podcasting.
The interactive nature of the lectures with a table of contents for easy navigation.
The unscripted approach to the lectures for a more authentic and engaging learning experience.
The inclusion of links to additional resources, programs, and visualizations to enhance learning.
The customization of material to fit local class needs and the encouragement for students to utilize all resources.
The importance of feedback and comments from students for improving the course.
Acknowledgment of support from Oregon State University, the National Science Foundation, and the Engaging People in Cyberinfrastructure program.
Accessibility features of the lectures for disabled students, including audio, visual, and screen reader compatibility.
The use of distance education technology to bridge the gap between students and their instructors.
Transcripts
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