Teaching Density Functional Theory Through Experiential Learning

26th IUPAP Conference on Computational Physics

物理学;计算机科学

Narasimhan, Shobhana^1

Theoretical Sciences Unit and Sheikh Saqr Laboratory, International Centre for Materials Science, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore

560064, India^1

关键词: Accurate calculations;    Condensed matter system;    Experiential learning;    Graduate course;    Quantum mechanical;    Teaching methods;    Theory and practice;    Visual imagery;   

Others  :  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/640/1/012060/pdf
DOI  :  10.1088/1742-6596/640/1/012060

学科分类：计算机科学（综合）

来源: IOP

【 摘 要 】

Today, quantum mechanical density functional theory is often the method of choice for performing accurate calculations on atomic, molecular and condensed matter systems. Here, I share some of my experiences in teaching the necessary basics of solid state physics, as well as the theory and practice of density functional theory, in a number of workshops held in developing countries over the past two decades. I discuss the advantages of supplementing the usual mathematically formal teaching methods, characteristic of graduate courses, with the use of visual imagery and analogies. I also describe a successful experiment we carried out, which resulted in a joint publication co-authored by 67 lecturers and students participating in a summer school.