Is Programming Experience Necessary for a PhD in Theoretical Particle Physics?

[parton]

Hi!

I'd like to do a PhD in theoretical particle physics, but I have the following problem. I found an advertisement, where I should work on numerical algorithms for the calculation of
some certain integrals. Furthermore, I should work on Monte Carlo simulations.

During my master thesis I worked on analytic computations and I was never really confronted with "programming tasks" during my studies.

I have good knowledge of Java and I know the basics of C++, which I acquired during my school time and I already used them in different projects. But there, I was confronted with the integration of
sql-databases, game development etc., but never with physical calculations.

Now I just like to know if such knowledge and practical experience with physical problems is necessary to start a PhD or if I can acquire this skills during the PhD. What do you know about that? Was anyone already in a similar situation?

I would be very glad if someone could help me. Thanks!

 

[fss]

Theoretical HEP is less programming-intensive than Experimental HEP, but you're probably still going to need to know how to do it. Depends on what exactly you're looking to get into.

 

[creepypasta13]

for my undergrad research project that involved MC simulations, I had to relearn a lot of stuff I forgot from my c++ class I had taken 2 years ago. I'd imagine its similar for the phD

 

[mal4mac]

I had no problem getting a post like you describe with about the same kind of experience that you describe. The one difference was that it was in a "non-sexy" area - magnetohydrodynamics rather than particle physics. You don't want to go in blind, try reading up on some of this stuff. I keep on meaning to read "Object-Oriented Implementation of Numerical Methods: An Introduction with Java & Smalltalk: An Introduction with Java and Smalltalk (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Software Engineering and Programming) by Didier H. Besset", but I don't have to do this stuff for a living anymore :) As it's Java-based then you may be able to develop 'something' quickly, maybe before interview. Can you solve some of your MSc problems numerically? (Also - Smalltalk really rocks. It's a nice language to have on your CV, the "object cognoscenti" will rate you for knowing about it...)