Soft skills needed for plasma physics

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the soft skills needed for pursuing a master's degree in plasma/fusion physics, with a focus on the interpretation of "soft skills" and the necessary supplementary knowledge in math, programming, and software relevant to the field.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the soft skills required for a master's in plasma/fusion physics, specifically mentioning math, programming, and CFD software.
  • Another participant points out that "soft" skills typically refer to social and communication skills, contrasting with technical skills.
  • Some participants note that in certain contexts, "soft" may refer to "software," which could lead to confusion.
  • A participant suggests that the original poster (OP) may have meant to ask about supplementary knowledge rather than soft skills, and inquires about specific math or programming courses relevant to plasma physics.
  • The OP acknowledges the misunderstanding regarding the term "soft" and clarifies that they are looking for supplementary knowledge in programming and math for a career in plasma physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there is confusion surrounding the term "soft skills," with multiple interpretations presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific supplementary knowledge needed for plasma physics.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights differing interpretations of terminology, particularly the use of "soft" in various contexts, which may affect understanding among participants from different backgrounds.

BH Wiz
Messages
51
Reaction score
0
As the title indicates, what are some soft skills needed (math/programming/cfd softwares) do I need if I wish to pursue a masters degree in plasma/fusion physics?
Also, how do you think I should go about learning them?

Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Just an FYI but generally "soft" skills refer to things like social and communications skills. Math/programming/software knowledge would be considered "hard" or "technical" skills.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Flaming Physicist, gleem, hmmm27 and 1 other person
gwnorth said:
Just an FYI but generally "soft" skills refer to things like social and communications skills.
Exactly...
 
In some countries, "soft" appears to be slang for "software".
 
jtbell said:
In some countries, "soft" appears to be slang for "software".

That's worth keeping in mind, as the OP (according to his profile) is from Lebanon.
 
I'm sure I've seen "soft" used to mean "software" occasionally here on PF, but I can't find an example with a forum search because "soft" is widely used in its normal meanings. Similarly it's hard to find references on the web with a Google search. I did turn up this old thread from another forum.
 
BH Wiz said:
As the title indicates, what are some soft skills needed (math/programming/cfd softwares) do I need if I wish to pursue a masters degree in plasma/fusion physics?
Also, how do you think I should go about learning them?
Perhaps your OP you meant which math/programming course are more germane to plasma physics as compared to other branches of physics. Do you want to do additional preparation before you enter the MS program or do you want recommendations for the curriculum to be taken?
 
I apologize for the confusion when using "soft" when I actually meant as "supplementary knowledge which is not exactly physics". I see how I was way off by assuming that soft meant that to everyone.
gleem said:
Perhaps your OP you meant which math/programming course are more germane to plasma physics as compared to other branches of physics. Do you want to do additional preparation before you enter the MS program or do you want recommendations for the curriculum to be taken?
The former. I might be entering the field of plasma physics. All my knowledge will come from a plasma physics course. So I was wondering what more supplementary information I should know (mostly in terms of programming/software and possibly math) if I want to a pursue a career as a plasma physicists.

I hope this clears things up and again, sorry for the mix up.

Ps: As someone already mentioned, I am from Lebanon.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Replies
10
Views
2K