Programming courses useful for physics majors?

In summary, for a physics undergraduate, the most useful programming languages to learn are C, C++, Fortran, and Python. While your department may only require you to take C++, it is beneficial to also learn how to use OpenCL and CUDA for GPU accelerated computation. It is also important to focus on learning programming fundamentals rather than just a specific language. Continuously practicing and improving in C++ will help you make informed decisions on which other languages to learn in the future.
  • #1
danielle
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I'm a physics undergrad and was wondering which programming classes are most useful/beneficial; python, linux, c++, java, etc...
 
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  • #2
What does your departmental program specify as the required computer programming course or courses? Beyond that, I am only guessing that ANY and ALL programming languages or other such courses could be useful for a Physics student.

Your department MUST have a computer programming course requirement for undergraduate degree in Physics! At least one introductory course.
 
  • #3
symbolipoint said:
What does your departmental program specify as the required computer programming course or courses? Beyond that, I am only guessing that ANY and ALL programming languages or other such courses could be useful for a Physics student.

Your department MUST have a computer programming course requirement for undergraduate degree in Physics! At least one introductory course.
the phys dept only requires me to take c++, but i wanted to see what else would be useful in the long run, even the ones that aren't required. Thanks for the reply anyways!
 
  • #4
C, C++, Fortran, and Python should be the most useful for you. After you've got some experience with once or more of those, I'd recommend learning how to use OpenCL and possibly CUDA for GPU accelerated computation. Individual graphics cards these days are as powerful as top tier supercomputers from the early 2000s, so it pays to know how to utilize them.
 
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  • #5
I say this all the time, so why not say it again? I think you will find it much more useful to learn programming than a programming language.
 
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  • #6
danielle said:
the phys dept only requires me to take c++, but i wanted to see what else would be useful in the long run, even the ones that aren't required. Thanks for the reply anyways!
Vanadium 50 said:
I say this all the time, so why not say it again? I think you will find it much more useful to learn programming than a programming language.
Review, practice, and improve yourself at programming in your C++, and then later, you could decide better which other language to learn.
 

1. What programming languages should I learn as a physics major?

As a physics major, it is recommended to learn languages such as Python, Matlab, and C++ as they are commonly used in the field of physics. However, the specific languages you should learn may also depend on your research interests and the requirements of your program.

2. How will learning programming benefit me as a physics major?

Learning how to code can greatly benefit a physics major as it allows for data analysis, simulation, and modeling. These skills are essential for conducting research and can also be useful in other fields such as finance and data science.

3. Can I learn programming even if I have no prior experience?

Yes, anyone can learn programming regardless of their prior experience. It may take some time and effort to grasp the concepts, but with practice and dedication, anyone can become proficient in coding.

4. Are there specific programming courses tailored for physics majors?

Yes, there are programming courses specifically designed for physics majors. These courses may cover topics such as numerical methods, data analysis, and computational physics. It is recommended to research and choose courses that align with your interests and goals.

5. How can I incorporate programming into my physics studies?

There are several ways to incorporate programming into your physics studies. You can take programming courses, participate in coding workshops or clubs, and use coding to analyze data for your research projects. It is also helpful to discuss with your professors how programming can be integrated into your coursework.

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