Numerical Methods in Physics with Python

A textbook on computational physics that combines Python programming, numerical methods, and physics applications. It covers foundational techniques and hidden gems in linear algebra, differential equations, root-finding, interpolation, and integration, with new codes and problems. Each chapter ends with an in-depth project tackling physics problems that require computer usage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 700 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive textbook serves as an ideal standalone resource for courses focused on computational physics, seamlessly blending idiomatic Python programming with foundational numerical methods and physics applications. It offers a thorough exploration of a wide range of frequently employed numerical techniques in the field of physics, encompassing foundational approaches and hidden gems on subjects such as linear algebra, differential equations, root-finding, interpolation, and integration. In its second edition, this introductory text introduces numerous new codes and 140 challenging problems, many of which are centered around physics applications. Additionally, new sections have been added to cover topics such as the singular-value decomposition, derivative-free optimization, Bayesian linear regression, neural networks, and partial differential equations. The concluding section in each chapter serves as an in-depth project, tackling complex physics problems that necessitate the use of computer-based solutions. Primarily designed for students pursuing computational physics, this textbook effectively accelerates the non-specialist's understanding of Python, providing a solid foundation before delving into the numerical methods commonly employed in the subject.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Coverage: The textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to computational physics, covering a wide range of numerical methods and physics applications.


• Idiomatic Python Programming: The text emphasizes the use of Python as a programming language for computational physics, providing a seamless transition for students with programming experience.


• Foundational Numerical Methods: The book covers foundational numerical methods such as linear algebra, differential equations, root-finding, interpolation, and integration, essential for solving physics problems.


• Physics Applications: The problems and examples are designed to apply theoretical concepts to real-world physics scenarios, enhancing the understanding and relevance of the material.


• New Edition: The second edition includes several new codes and 140 new problems, many of which are focused on physics applications, ensuring up-to-date and relevant content.


• In-Depth Projects: Each chapter concludes with an in-depth project, challenging students to solve physics problems that require the use of computational methods.

ISBN-13: 9781009303866
Edition number: 2 Revised edition