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Re: Computer Skills (fwd)



I attempted to send this early last week, but there were problems with my
phys-l address. I think Dick Smith has fixed them for me. Thanks, Dick!

bob

On Wed, 16 Sep 1998, Jerome Epstein wrote:

I think there is some value in asking students to learn to program in
some high-level language. It is primarily for the algorithm/logic
discipline that is closely allied with problem solving skills. I don't
think for this purpose that it matters what language it is and I
wouldn't specify. Right now the popular one is C++, if they are looking
for jobs as programmers, but that is not really your concern. And
besides the popular language changes periodically.
Jerry Epstein


I agree with Jerry.

Many of our graduates have been able to find good jobs because of their
familiarity with computers, computer programming, electronics, and
computer interfacing. The intellectual activities associated with
learning to program, construct electronic circuits, and design, build, and
implement interfacing projects (hardware and software including the I/O
interface between the computer and user) supplement and extend what is
learned by studying physics alone. Employers view such experience as
evidence that the person can do more than solve word problems.

I also think these experiences very much benefit the person who goes on to
graduate school. The electronics and interfacing certainly benefit the
experimentalist. Exprience with Mathematica/Maple etc. benefit the
theorist.

Let me put in a plub for experience with the software/hardware genre
exemplified by LabView. In my opinion, LabView is awesome. It greatly
facilitates the tasks associated with interfacing. You still used the
same kinds of hardware (e.g., IEEE488 bus, RS 232, etc., AD and DA
conversion, timers, pulse counters, etc.), but you don't get bogged down
in the details of on-circuit-board register addresses, bit-wise control
words, etc. It is a thoroughly modern, genuinly GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE.
I have not surveyed the industrial world, but I believe that many
companies are using LabView or its competition. Thus, I believe it is
important for graduates to have experience with it.

best wishes,
bob

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