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École Polytechnique

Density Functional Theory

The aim of this course is to give a thorough introduction to Density Functional Theory (DFT). DFT is today the most widely used method to study interacting electrons, and its applicability ranges from atoms to solid systems, from nuclei to quantum fluids. In this course, we introduce the most important concepts underlying DFT, its foundation, and basic ideas. We will in particular stress the features and reasons that lead DFT to become the dominant method for simulating quantum mechanical systems. The course is intended for students and researchers with knowledge of basic quantum mechanics. No experience in simulation or solid-state physics is required. We try to give a concise mathematical background when particular concepts are needed.

Status: Differential Equations
Status: Applied Mathematics
AdvancedCourse25 hours

Featured reviews

NT

5.0Reviewed May 18, 2023

This course benefits me because it provides knowledge from fundamental to advanced about DFT and its applications! I enjoy this course!

KZ

5.0Reviewed Oct 20, 2021

It's worth everyone's time; period! It gives a very informative introduction to DFT. Given that the learner studies all the provided notes and bibliography, it is bound success!

BA

4.0Reviewed Aug 6, 2022

V​ery advanced courSe focused on the basics and development of DFT but the course should be a bit on how to use DFT practically

PK

5.0Reviewed Jun 23, 2022

All the lectures are very nicely prepared and explained. I learned a lot related to DFT concepts through this course. I really thank the entire Ecole Team for their effort in such a nice course.

ZZ

4.0Reviewed Nov 11, 2023

Only the theoretical part is included in the course; it would be better if we could be guided to have hands-on experience with DFT software and data.

QA

5.0Reviewed Dec 3, 2022

DFT has become the dominant method for simulating quantum mechanical systems. It was an honor to learn DFT fundamentals from this prestigious institute via Coursera.

DP

5.0Reviewed Jun 18, 2022

more application base examples should be thaught this course was more theoritical and after completing my course I still dont know how to implement on my work

MK

5.0Reviewed Aug 20, 2025

This course is great. I have learned lots of things from this course. It clears all my doubts about the theoretical studies. Thanks.

SJ

5.0Reviewed Oct 30, 2025

It was a great experience. Simply, we run the program like VASP, QE, and so on. But the background of the coding is more important. The fundamentals of DFT are clearly explained. Very useful.

MP

5.0Reviewed Sep 10, 2023

Hello, thank you for your efforts in the course. It was very useful and beautiful. I hope you will always be healthy and happy. Mohammad Pakzad from Iran.

RM

5.0Reviewed Mar 25, 2024

Absolutely fantastic course! Everything is taught from first principles, and I am now more confident with regards to the underlying mathematical and physical concepts behind DFT.

TL

5.0Reviewed Feb 14, 2023

Great course explains very well, understand everything they say,and Now im fan of KS equations thanks to this course ,I recommended every physics graduate must do this

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 83

Abdul Hanan Khan
5.0
Reviewed Feb 11, 2021
ARKA PRAVA SARKAR
5.0
Reviewed Mar 6, 2021
Nithin K Rajendran
5.0
Reviewed Jul 9, 2021
Barton Willis
1.0
Reviewed Dec 10, 2025
Saptarshi Ghosh Dastider
5.0
Reviewed Jun 8, 2021
Bahar
4.0
Reviewed Jun 15, 2023
Venkata Shivakumar Remella
3.0
Reviewed Jan 17, 2022
Juan Castresana
5.0
Reviewed Oct 4, 2022
Barsha Bhattacharjee
5.0
Reviewed May 21, 2021
Nikolaos Patsalidis
5.0
Reviewed Oct 7, 2021
Gabriel Vinícius
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Reviewed Feb 18, 2022
Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo
5.0
Reviewed Jun 24, 2021
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5.0
Reviewed Aug 3, 2025
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Reviewed Jan 3, 2026
Amey Joshi
5.0
Reviewed Jun 19, 2022
Deepak Somani
5.0
Reviewed Aug 4, 2021
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Reviewed May 17, 2021
Punit Kumar
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Reviewed Jun 24, 2022
Sriram J
5.0
Reviewed Oct 31, 2025