Inverse Problems

Course content

The objective of the course is to provide theory and methods for solving and analyzing inverse problems in physical sciences. Inverse problem theory will be formulated as a probabilistic data integration problem, and a number of analytical/numerical methods for solution of inverse problems will be presented. The role and interplay between problem formulation, uncertainties in data and model parameters, and prior knowledge are important themes in the course. A significant part of the course involves work with projects where inverse problems from physics, astrophysics, geoscience or engineering will be analyzed.

Education

MSc Programme in Physics

MSc Programme in Physics with a minor subject

Learning outcome

Skills

This course aims to provide the student with skills to

  • Formulate a complex data analysis problem as an inverse problem
  • Describe and quantify data uncertainties and modeling errors
  • Describe available prior (external) information using probabilistic models and methods
  • Find probabilistic solutions to
    - Linear and weakly non-linear, Gaussian inverse problems
    - General (non-linear, non-Gaussian) inverse problems
  • Analyze and validate solutions to inverse problems

 

Knowledge

This course will give the students a mathematical description of inverse problems as they

appear in connection with measurements and experiments in physical sciences. It teaches them to solve inverse problems with analytical and numerical methods. The students will study illposedness, numerical instability, non-uniqueness of solutions, and how noise propagates into uncertainty of the solutions.

Competences

Through the course the students will be able to identify inverse problems in various fields of physical sciences, classify them, and choose appropriate solution methods. The students will be able to find appropriate parameterizations, treat data uncertainties, and to evaluate the accuracy and resolution of the inverse solution.

Lectures, exercises and projects.

See Absalon for final course material.

An introductory programming course is recommended.
Knowledge of linear algebra, mathematical analysis, and differential equations (ordinary and partial) corresponding to a B.Sc. in physics or mathematics is expected.

In general, academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.

Oral
ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Continuous assessment
Oral examination, 20 minutes
3 projects (group or individual) [weighed by 12.5%, 12.5% and 25%] followed by 1 individual oral examination [weighed by 50%]. Both the continuous evaluation and the oral examintation should be passed separately.
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Criteria for exam assessment

see "learning outcome"

Single subject courses (day)

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 27
  • Preparation
  • 73
  • Practical exercises
  • 16
  • Project work
  • 50
  • Guidance
  • 40
  • English
  • 206