PHYS-21123 credit hours

Scientific Computing with Python

Physics · 3 hrs Lecture

Offering schedule: contact department

The calendar doesn't say which term this runs in. The sections below show the terms it actually runs in this year.

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

Where PHYS-2112 counts

Counts toward 2 more as one option among several, not as a course you must take:

  • 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

This course introduces the basics of Python needed for scientific computing as well as some higher level data structures and features that are uncommon in lower-level languages such as C and C++. Students learn how to write modules and functions to solve a variety of scientific problems. They also learn how to take advantage of the numerical libraries NumPy and Pandas that extend Python with high-performance vectorized calculations and visualizations. Students also explore other packages, such as matplotlib, Vega-Altair and scikit-learn.

Restrictions

Students may not hold credit for this course and ACS-2112.

Cross-listed

ACS-2112(3).

Note

This course is appropriate for all students with an interest in scientific computing, and experience with elementary computer programming is recommended.

Lecture

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