Experimental Data Processing Laboratory

We aim to offer students an introduction to the fundamental numerical computing techniques in use in the physical sciences field. Basic operating system features and commands are covered, then data structures
(in particular as included in the C++ standard library), numerical integration techniques, solution of differential equations and random-number based methods. We emphasize on a deep understanding of both the advantages and the limitations of each numerical technique. The C++ programming language is used, so its main design features (inheritance, encapsulation and polymorphism) are explained, in the context of the object-oriented (OO) design and programming paradigm.

Upon completion of the course each student will be able to:
1) interact with the UNIX operating system, in particular its input/output and data storage subsystems.
2) write C++ code to acquire and/or analyze experimental data and compute the main statistical estimators.
3) implement a few numerical algorithms in C++ (function root finding, integrals, differential equation solution.
4) write numerical C++ code to study a few simple mechanics and electrostatics problems.
5) write a random number generator and understand its operation and limitations.
6) use a random number generator to compute one- and multi-dimensional integrals.
7) use a random number generator to simulate the operation of an experimental apparatus, and propagate the systematic error introduced by such a measurement.