PHYS-21023 credit hours

Scientific Computing

Physics · 3 hrs Lecture

Offered: Fall/Winter Only

No prerequisites listed, you can take this course without prior coursework.

Where PHYS-2102 counts

Counts toward 4 more as one option among several, not as a course you must take:

  • MATH 4-YEAR BA/BSc IN MATHEMATICS
  • MATH HONOURS BSc IN MATHEMATICS
  • PHYS 4-YEAR BSc IN PHYSICS
  • PHYS HONOURS BSc IN PHYSICS

Read from the departments' own calendar pages, where 71 of 141 programs are only partly machine-readable, so treat these as a minimum rather than the full list. Confirm with an academic advisor.

Description

Many problems arising in science are too difficult to solve analytically, and thus require some form of computer based analysis. Using the language of C/C++, this course introduces the most common programming constructs used in scientific computing. The critical importance of data structures to represent information is emphasized, which naturally leads to an object-oriented approach to problem solving. The use of external libraries, such as those for numerical analysis, to solve more advanced problems are explored, with attention paid to checks that can be made on the reliability of the results.

Restrictions

Students may not hold credit for this course and ACS-2102.

Cross-listed

ACS-2102(3).

Lecture

From the 2026-27 undergraduate calendar. Always verify details on WebAdvisor or with an academic advisor before registering.