Studying Soft skills needed for plasma physics

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The discussion centers on the essential skills needed for pursuing a master's degree in plasma or fusion physics, specifically focusing on the distinction between "soft" and "hard" skills. While "soft skills" typically refer to social and communication abilities, there was initial confusion as some interpreted "soft" to mean software skills. The original poster seeks guidance on supplementary knowledge in programming, software, and mathematics relevant to plasma physics, emphasizing the need for clarity on what specific courses or skills would best prepare them for this field. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the curriculum and identifying additional preparatory resources to enhance their qualifications for a career in plasma physics.
BH Wiz
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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.
 

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