Michele Reticcioli

[Winter Semesters, Lab-Course (LP), Bachelor Program]

Simulations of quantum-mechanical many-electron systems, with special focus on solid state physics and materials science.

The course is structured in two parts.
In the first part, lectures consist of brief theoretical introduction to physical properties and computational techniques, followed by hands-on sessions; during these practical sessions, students try to solve weekly assignments in groups (typically pairs).
In the second part of the course, students work on a final project on a topic of their preference (chosen in agreement with dedicated supervisors).

Simulations are performed in the density-functional theory framework, by using the Vienna ab initio software package (VASP).
Fundamental physical properties, such as the electronic band structure and density of states, effective forces acting on ions, vibrational frequencies, mechanical properties, thermodynamic properties, as well as magnetic properties are discussed and calculated.
Upon request, during the final project, students may also write programs in selected areas of computational science (Monte Carlo, molecular dynamics, Schrödinger equation solvers, Machine Learning).

Link (W-2020)

[Summer Semesters, Frontal Lecture plus Practice (VU), Master and PhD Programs]

The course aims to introduce students to fundamental aspects of Surface Science.
The topics range from the theoretical study of surface crystallography and facets of mono-atomic and oxide compounds, up to polarity instabilities, structural reconstructions and chemical activity. The theoretical description of these topics is accompanied by the review of established and modern experimental techniques (such as scanning probe microscopy, spectroscopy, electron diffraction) and computational methods (mostly density functional theory and machine learning).

Link (S-2021)

[Summer Semesters, Frontal Lecture plus Practice (VU), Bachelor Program]

The course focuses on the application of Data Science methods in Physics, that is the combination of interdisciplinary activities (such as scientific, statistical and computational tools) required to elaborate data-centered analysis on relevant physical quantities. Data Science is a topic of increasing interest in the scientific community, due to the growing power of modern computational machines and the associated creation of large databases: The valuable information stored in such large databases can be extracted by Data Science methods, i.e., by combining statistics with advanced computational methods, including machine learning.

This course aims to guide students through the basic theoretical concepts regarding Data Science in Physics, and to provide them with the ability to successfully face practical applications in this field. Specifically, the lectures cover the following topics: (i) collection and manipulation of data via computational tools (mostly in python environments), (ii) effective visualization of relevant information extracted from data, (iii) scientific analysis and physical interpretation of data, (iv) advanced computational techniques.
The course is structured in theoretical lectures, followed by practical lectures.

Link (S-2021)

[Winter Semesters, Frontal Lectures (VO), Master Program]

Leading Lecturer: Prof. Cesare Franchini

Introduction to computational problems in physics with emphasis on fundamental concepts in classical and quantum mechanics (Newton equation, Maxwell equations, Schrödinger equation). The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the basics methods and algorithms of computational physics from a multidisciplinary perspective, merging together fundamental physics, mathematics and computer sciences concepts (including machine learning) conveyed in the language of a natural scientist. Using several examples, the course will illustrate step-by-step how to construct computer programs to carry out simulations and solve realistic problems.

Link (W-2021)

[Summer Semesters, Laboratory (LP), Master Program]

Leading Lecturer: Prof. Cesare Franchini

In this practicum you will use numerical methods to solve classical, statistical or quantum mechanical many body problems. The students can chose between implementing a code or applying an existing code such as VASP to a materials sciences problem.

Link (2023-S)