From chemistry-request@ccl.net Thu Jun 11 01:33:23 1992
Date:    Thu, 11 Jun 1992 8:48:57 GMT
From: B_DUKE@DARWIN.NTU.EDU.AU (Brian Duke)
Subject: Re: Computer languages.
To: CHEMISTRY@ccl.net
Status: RO

IMHO there is some confusion here. I believe four things:-

1.  Learning a computer language is not only a good idea but essential.

2.  Learning something about other people's culture is not only a good
    idea but essential.

3.  Learning to at least read a bit of another language is not only a
    good idea but essential. It would be better to be able to speak
    another language.

4.  I see no reason why any of these things should be a compulsary part
    of a Ph D and in this country they are not. A Ph D is not the only 
    thing in life or the only education scientists get. I expect people
    to learn these things without them being made compulsory.

I might add that the time I spent, 30+ years ago, learning so-called
"scientific german" was a complete waste of time. I never use it. On
the other hand I can read papers in French after learning this in High
School and spending short periods of time in France, french speaking
West African countries, and, for a very brief time indeed, Montreal.

So, rather than the silly choice between Fortran and French, I suggest 
dropping any language requirement. Certainly thinking Fortran is a
language is insane - it is a computer coding device.

                           Brian J. Duke
School of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Northern Territory University
        GPO Box 40146, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia.
Phone 089-466702   FAX 089-410460    E-mail B_DUKE@DARWIN.NTU.EDU.AU