2024 SEMINAR INFORMATION
Lectures will be held weekly, with the same lecture taught once on a weekday and once during the weekend.
Lectures will last between 1.5-2 hours typically
DATES
Jan 22nd through May 26th, 2024
DAYS & TIMES
Wednesdays 4pm-6pm PT / 7pm-9pm ET
Saturdays 10am-12pm PT/ 1pm-3pm ET
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Apply by December 8th, 2023
to be a 2024 CRANE scholar
2024 SCHEDULE
Part I: Introduction to Python
Jan 22nd to Feb 16th, 2024
Learn Python basics in preparation for Part II including variables, loops, and functions. Each class will be taught twice.
Part II: Numerical Methods
Feb 20th to March 22nd, 2024
Learn how to build basic physics simulations from scratch, using numerical integration, finite difference methods, etc.
Part III: Supplementary Skills (Optional)
March 25th to April 5th, 2024
Learn practical skills for a scientific workflow including LaTeX, using the Terminal, and Git. This time can also be used as a break for students who would rather have the time off.
Part IV: Advanced Algorithms
April 8th to May 26th, 2024
Advanced topics including signal and image processing, particle-in-cell codes, astronomy data analysis and Monte Carlo simulations will be taught during parallel multi-week seminar sessions
SEMINAR SYLLABUS
Part I
Introduction to Python
January 22nd to February 16th, 2024
Week 1
Introduction to Python I: Syntax, Variables, and Arrays
Week 2
Introduction to Python II: Loops, Functions, and Plotting
Week 3
Introduction to Python III: Data Analysis and Visualization
Week 4
Review session and mini project
Part II
Numerical Methods
February 20th to March 22nd, 2024
Week 5
Numerical Differentiation and Discretization: Euler's Method
Solve & evolve basic mechanics problems with Euler's method
Week 6
Numerical Differentiation and Discretization: Runge-Kutta Method
Solve & evolve the same mechanical systems as last week with a new method
Week 7
Solving Complex Physics Problems with Built-in Python Solvers
Use Python's Runge-Kutta-based solvers to launch a rocket and evolve a planetary system with Kepler's laws
Week 8
1D Finite Difference Method
Solving Poisson's Equation in 1D: Electrostatics, Diffusion, and Heat Transfer
Week 9
The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)
Doing Fourier transforms of 1D and 2D data, how to filter signals with FFT spectra
Part III (Optional)
Supplemental Skills
March 25th to April 5th, 2024
LaTeX
LaTeX is a software for preparing nicely formatted documents, typically scientific papers, resumes or presentations. Learn the basics of this extremely useful tool for making extremely nicely formatted papers, typesetting equations and vastly simplifying making bibliographies.
Terminal
The Terminal is a prompt where commands can be entered to navigate around one's operating system and perform many tasks. Learn basics of Bash, the language of the terminal, and how to feel like a hacker in the movies by remotely logging in to a computer.
Git
Git is a system of managing files and code that allows users to track versions of each file. Learn about managing a coding project with the basic commands of Git.
Part IV
Advanced Algorithms
April 8th to May 26th, 2024
Advanced algorithms will be taught in seminar series of up to 5 weeks, with some tracks running in parallel and some staggered to allow students to participate in multiple tracks.
Monte Carlo (MC) Track
Probability/Cumulative Distribution Functions
Random Walks and Markov Chains
Solving the Neutron Transport Equation
Particle in Cell (PiC) Track
Boris Push Algorithm
3D Finite Difference Electromagnetic Equations
PIC Methods in Plasma Physics
SoftwareL SMILEI and ZPIC
Astronomy Data Analysis (ADA) Track
APIs, Advanced Plotting, and an Astronomer’s Toolbox!
Introduction to Machine Learning for Astronomers
Nuts & Bolts of Astronomical Observations: Photometry + Spectroscopy
Signal and Image Processing (SIP) Track
Feature tracking + image alignment
Interferometry analysis
Langmuir probe analysis
Machine Learning
More information to come!
Magnetohydrodynamics with FLASH
More information to come!