Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on pursuing a PhD in computational physics, particularly in the context of participants' experiences and suggestions regarding potential research areas and methodologies. It encompasses theoretical and applied aspects of computational physics, with references to various fields such as condensed matter physics, astrophysics, and fluid dynamics.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses interest in pursuing a PhD in computational physics and seeks guidance on potential research topics, leveraging their experience with VASP and FORTRAN.
- Another participant suggests broadening the scope beyond computational physics, highlighting that researchers in fields like astrophysics and fluid dynamics also utilize FORTRAN, and that similar computational problems exist across disciplines.
- A different viewpoint emphasizes the importance of understanding legacy code in FORTRAN, arguing that knowledge of older programming languages is valuable for effectively utilizing existing models and software.
- One participant recommends focusing on the underlying physical concepts (the "what") rather than just the computational methods (the "how"), suggesting that areas like Density Functional Theory (DFT) could be relevant for condensed matter studies.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the value of broadening the scope of research beyond just computational physics, but there is no consensus on specific research topics or the best approach to take for a PhD.
Contextual Notes
Participants express varying opinions on the relevance of programming languages and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, indicating that assumptions about the necessity of computational focus may differ. There are also unresolved questions about the applicability of computational methods across different fields.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in pursuing a PhD in computational physics or related fields, particularly those with a background in programming and computational methods.