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Applying for experiment without hands on experience

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 9:36 pm
by deathinacan
I have done research in two different summer projects, and both of them involved computer modeling. I don't have any real research experience with equipment other than computers. Does this put me at any kind of disadvantage if I want to apply for experimental physics? I appreciate any input.

Re: Applying for experiment without hands on experience

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 1:18 am
by hb
If those projects were physics projects, then I would not say no. Computer literacy/programming and modeling ability are very good skills for both theorists and experimentalists to have. I am an experimentalist and there is a guy who works in my lab whose job is to model and maximize certain experimental setups before we build them.

Faculty on selection committees should know how useful computer modeling skills are, but if you're worried, then I wouldn't hesitate to mention in the SOP how your computer skills could translate to experimental work.

Re: Applying for experiment without hands on experience

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 9:43 am
by twistor
No, this will not hurt you because you will be expected to learn whatever skills you need to succeed in your chosen field. The fact that you have already learned skills in one field speaks to your ability to do this successfully.