Computational Methods Using MATLAB(R)

This book can serve as a practical introduction to computational physics using MATLAB language. The book will cover the theory behind methods used in computational physics and how they can be implemented in MATLAB. While the methods themselves are quite general, this book will emphasize their applications within physics. Whilst there are manyexcellent books on numerical analysis, methods and computational physics, this book emphasises both the theory behind the numerical methods as well as their implementation using MATLAB. Aimed for undergraduates, or at least students with little experience of mathematical methods or mathematical programming, the work assumes little by way of background knowledge and provides a gentle hand-holding introduction.

The book is aimed at both the teacher as well as the student. In addition to numerical methods, the book will discuss on how the computer can be used to teach (and learn) physics. MATLAB programs will be provided with the book, which will enable the student to have a "hands-on" experience in mathematical modelling of physical systems. The book also included animated figures, sound files, worked examples and end of chapterproblems.

Topics to be covered include: Programming in MATLAB, root finding, interpolation, numerical linear algebra, numerical differentiation and integration, numerical solution of ordinary and partial differential equations, nonlinear dynamics and chaos, fractals, percolation theory, application of computational methods in various areas of physics.