A modern introduction to computational methods in physics using the R language

Computational Physics with R provides a comprehensive introduction to computational methods in physics, designed for students and researchers who wish to use R as their primary programming environment. While computational physics is often taught with languages such as C++, Python, or Fortran, this book fills a unique gap by adopting R, a language widely known for statistical computing and data visualisation, and demonstrating its effectiveness in tackling core problems in physics. The book adopts a strongly pedagogical approach: it emphasizes step-by-step construction of algorithms, reproducible code, and guided exercises with fully worked solutions. The book is both a teaching resource and a reference for practical problem-solving in physics.

Key features

• First book on Computational Physics using the R programming language.
• The book can also be used as a thorough introduction to the R language for physicists.
• The book is accessible at an advanced undergraduate level.
• The book can be used both as introduction to fundamental Computational Physics and as reference to advanced Computational Physics.
• The book can be used as text book for a one- or two-semester courses on Computational Physics.
• Each section ends with a few recommended computing exercises and suggested computing projects. Solutions to both are included.

Topics covered

• Introduction to the R platform and programming language.
• Computer and numerical accuracy and precision.
• Interpolation and data fitting.
• Matrix calculations.
• Differentiation and integration.
• Numerical solution of ordinary differential equations.
• Monte carlo methods.
• Introduction to machine learning for physicists.

A major effort to attract physicists to the R universe.

Main book page (publisher)

R package:
The accompanying R package comphy can be accessed here:

• CRAN
• GitHub

(back to james foadi's home page)