Re: Computer Skills

[Allen Miller <amiller@suhep.phy.syr.edu>]

In my view, the answer is no. To demand programming skills for a
bachelor's degree in physics is too rigid a position. Programming is not
physics.

Allen Miller
Syracuse University





On Wed, 16 Sep 1998, Harold Hart wrote:

> Our physics department is currently working on a statement describing the 
> knowledge and skills we think a student should possess in the area of computer 
> applications when he/she completes a B.S. degree in physics.
>
> I'd like to know what others think about this. Should we expect our students to 
> know how to program in certain computer languages and, if so, which languages
> (C, C++, FORTRAN, BASIC, PASCAL, etc.)? Should they be expected to be familiar 
> with mathematical processing programs such as MATHEMATICA and MAPLE? Should they 
> be skilled in the use of spreadsheets and graphing programs? Should they be 
> familiar with the use of computers in the laboratory?
>
> If some of these skills are not taught in our physics courses, do we expect our 
> students to take courses in other departments? Or do we expect them to learn 
> these skills on their own?
>
> Thanks for any input you can provide.
>
> Harold Hart
> Physics Department
> Western Illinois University
> 309-298-1596
> harold_hart@ccmail.wiu.edu