PHYS 506: Numerical Methods -- statistics and data analysis with quantum applications
TTH 1:00-2:20pm PAB B101
Instructor: Silas Beane (silas at uw.edu) B457 OH: when I'm in (T,W,Th are best)
Subject Matter
Topics will include the theory of statistics, data analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, and statistical learning. We will take examples
from classical and quantum systems. Among other things, you should come away from this course with the ability to manipulate
and analyze large, noisy data sets. Note that this is not a programming course. However, programming will be required.
(It goes without saying that you should never, ever, show me your code.)
Note for undergraduates: This will be a graduate course in physics. Solid understanding of quantum and statistical mechanics
--as well as mathematical methods-- at the graduate level will be assumed.
Main Text
Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis for Physicists, by Gerhard Bohm, Günter Zech
Other Texts
Modern Statistical Methods for Astronomy, by Eric D. Feigelson and G. Jogesh Babu
Statistical Data Analysis, by Glen Cowan
Computational Physics, by Morten Hjorth-Jensen
Computational Physics, by Matthias Troyer
Other (truly excellent) Sources
Peter Young's Computational Physics course at UCSC
Helmut Katzgraber's Computational Physics course at Texas A&M
Homework, project and grades
There will be several long homeworks during the quarter and a final project/presentation. Each of these elements
will count equally towards a final grade.
Calendar
Religious Accommodations
Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy (https://registrar.washington.edu/staffandfaculty/religious-accommodations-policy/). Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form (https://registrar.washington.edu/students/religious-accommodations-request/).