What Are the Potential Applications of Graph Theory in Astrophysics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the potential applications of graph theory in astrophysics, particularly in relation to transitioning from a background in computer science to research in physics. Participants explore the relevance of graph theory in various areas of astrophysics and the feasibility of pursuing further education in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express interest in the applications of graph theory in astrophysics, particularly in optimizing N-body simulations on parallel computers.
  • There are suggestions that graph theory could be useful in condensed matter physics and in analyzing large data sets in astrophysics.
  • Some participants propose that transitioning to astrophysics from a computer science background is possible but may not be straightforward.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of obtaining another degree in physics, with some suggesting that networking with astrophysicists and taking individual courses may be sufficient.
  • One participant mentions the potential for using graph theory to calculate Feynman diagrams, indicating a possible intersection with quantum field theory.
  • Concerns are raised about the appropriateness of pursuing a PhD in graph theory if the ultimate goal is to work in physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best path forward for someone interested in applying graph theory to astrophysics. Multiple competing views exist regarding the necessity of further education in physics and the practicality of transitioning fields.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the existing research on the applications of graph theory in physics, particularly astrophysics, and the implications of pursuing a PhD in a different field.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals considering a transition from computer science to physics, particularly those interested in the applications of graph theory in astrophysics and related fields.

ratking82
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Hi all,

This is my first post to this forum, so allow me to introduce myself. I am a 28 year old person who is about to start a Phd in Machine learning with focus on graph theory. Now from my preliminary research, it seems that theory developed has a lot of use in computational biology, computational genetics etc. What I am interested in impact of graph theory in Astrophysics ? Can I shift to research in Astrophysics with a degree in Computer Science ?

Finally, does it really matter which university I did my Phd in ? Finally, would it better, or advisable to start a undergrad(postgrad/phd ?) degree in Physics at this point in my career.

PS: I am in Indian in Europe, so lot of places of funding is blocked for me :)
 
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ratking82 said:
This is my first post to this forum, so allow me to introduce myself. I am a 28 year old person who is about to start a Phd in Machine learning with focus on graph theory. Now from my preliminary research, it seems that theory developed has a lot of use in computational biology, computational genetics etc.

Yes, there is. I think that this field is only going to get much bigger as well. We're at a topical time for graph theory in biology - it remains to be seen how successful it is actually going to be. We should know in a few years, so your PhD will be timely if nothing else!

ratking82 said:
What I am interested in impact of graph theory in Astrophysics ? Can I shift to research in Astrophysics with a degree in Computer Science ?

I suppose at a stretch you could look for computing jobs in physics departments. I have worked in physics departments where they have programmers working on physics problems, that didn't really have any physics background. I certainly wouldn't count on it.

ratking82 said:
Finally, does it really matter which university I did my Phd in ?

It matters that you get a good supervisor, not so much what university you come from.

ratking82 said:
Finally, would it better, or advisable to start a undergrad(postgrad/phd ?) degree in Physics at this point in my career.

You're about to start a PhD in graph theory... Why did you accept this PhD position if you're considering taking another undergrad? You shouldn't start a PhD programme without being absolutely sure you want to do it.
 
First of all, I thank you for your reply. It seems I have not been clear on my intentions, I apologise for that.

I want to cross over to physics (quantum/astro), so I was thinking if there are applications of graph theory in these areas ? If there are, I would like to customise my research towards these areas. To this end, would I need to get another degree in physics ?
 
ratking82 said:
I want to cross over to physics (quantum/astro), so I was thinking if there are applications of graph theory in these areas ? If there are, I would like to customise my research towards these areas. To this end, would I need to get another degree in physics ?

I haven't worked with physics in a graph theory way before really, so I'm not sure about the research that exists out there - but to me it seems like condensed matter physics (which is a huge topic) is likely to have quite a few applications for graph theory. Other than that, graph theory is useful for exploring large data sets, you might find that you could try to market yourself as a data miner in physics.

That said, if you want to go into physics - a PhD in graph theory isn't really the way to go. You should try to do something directly related to physics. That might involve a second undergraduate degree, which is probably not ideal- it depends what you actually want to do. What I had tried to hint at in my previous reply is that physics has lots of uses for programmers and such, so it may be possible to get a job in that way, but I wouldn't bet on it.

If you want to change to physics, why are you doing a computing PhD?
 
I have been quiet fascinated with graph theory, hence I am doing a Phd in Graph Theory. But at the same time I am also interested in Physics but I must confess it is a relatively new interest which has developed. Being a person from a non-physics background, I sought to elicit the answers from this forum. Which, I must say, has been very informative (thanks to you)
 
ratking82 said:
What I am interested in impact of graph theory in Astrophysics ?

The only thing that I can think of off-hand is optimizing N-body simulations on parallel computers.

Can I shift to research in Astrophysics with a degree in Computer Science ?

Possible. Not easy. Probably the easiest thing to do is to get a job at some supercomputing center where there is general research on numerical applications.

Finally, would it better, or advisable to start a undergrad(postgrad/phd ?) degree in Physics at this point in my career.

I think there are easier ways of getting what you want.
 
ratking82 said:
If there are, I would like to customise my research towards these areas. To this end, would I need to get another degree in physics ?

I don't think so. What you do what to do is to network and talk with astrophysicists that might be interested in your research. Someone that occurs to me is that if you could take the output of the Los Alamos server and use graph theory to figure out what physicist that you should be talking to.

You might want to take a few courses, but it's better to do that ala-carte rather than as part of a degree program.
 
Something else that might be useful is to use graph theory to calculate Feynman diagrams for ultra high expansions. All of the QFT Feyman diagrams I've seen have been hand calculated, but it would be interesting to have some sort of math engine calculate the 200th order Feynman diagram expansion of something...
 
twofish-quant said:
You might want to take a few courses, but it's better to do that ala-carte rather than as part of a degree program.

Thank you for replying. I was not aware that one could take courses al-a-carte at a Uni :smile: and what did you mean when you said get the output from the LANL website ?
 
  • #10
Hi everybody,
I have passed my M.Sc. in computer science. i want to go for a ph.d. Graph theory is a topic i have always been fascinated with. Can someone tell me where in europe can i do a Ph.D in the same with a scholarship ?
Also it will be helpful if someone gives me information on ph.d in other computer science subjects, like, algorithm and data structures, programming, operating systems etc..
 

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