What does a Cosmologist do for a living?

[JuniorAstro (Jason)]

Hey guys, a bit out of place here but had to ask the question as it was bugging me.

I'm really interested in a career in Cosmology, my maths and physics is very good and I love learning about space and what might have started the universe but my parents don't really support it as they don't know if I can actually earn a living after studing it in Uni.

Thanks guys!


-Jason

[JuniorAstro (Jason)]

I would love to assist in the search for how this Universe was created, It really interests me, why are we alive, where did we come from.. Did we come from another planet and what else in this universe holds life like us?

-Jason

[bartman (Bart)]

Mmmm good question Jason,
I've been watching the lectures from Leonard Susskind about Cosmology and am engrossed by it!
Its been 20+ years ago when I did that sort of math and physics, but a lot has come back to me!
I guess what Hans said is about right.......
Go for it I say, I wish I did!
As for the parents, just let them know that after Fame, Fortune will follow! ( hehehehe).
Good luck mate!
Bartman

[AstralTraveller (David)]

I doubt there are many (any?) jobs out there as a full-time cosmologist, and to get to them you will have needed to do the following anyway. You need a degree in physics (with appropriate subjects) or astronomy - a good degree. Good enough to get you accepted into a PhD and awarded the APA scholarship you need, unless of course you are independently wealthy. Don't thing about working your way through, you may graduate but it is unlikely that your thesis will be good enough or completed quickly enough for you to take the next step. That step may be directly to an academic position but it is more likely you will need to look for a pos-doc first. If you want to be a cosmologist then you will have done your thesis on an appropriate topic under a suitable supervisor at a good institution. You then look to continue your research while doing undergrad teaching, postgrad supervision and administrative ho-ha.

[bartman (Bart)]

Originally Posted by AstralTraveller

I doubt there are many (any?) jobs out there as a full-time cosmologist, and to get to them you will have needed to do the following anyway. You need a degree in physics (with appropriate subjects) or astronomy - a good degree. Good enough to get you accepted into a PhD and awarded the APA scholarship you need, unless of course you are independently wealthy. Don't thing about working your way through, you may graduate but it is unlikely that your thesis will be good enough or completed quickly enough for you to take the next step. That step may be directly to an academic position but it is more likely you will need to look for a pos-doc first. If you want to be a cosmologist then you will have done your thesis on an appropriate topic under a suitable supervisor at a good institution. You then look to continue your research while doing undergrad teaching, postgrad supervision and administrative ho-ha.

Really? WOW!
I think it would be easier to become a US citizen, become a senator and then President.......
I understand more of what Susskind said in his lectures than what the pathway to becoming a cosmologist entails !
But do what David says, I think he knows what he is talking about
Bartman

[Octane (Humayun)]

Some cosmologists do cosmology, while others make TV shows...

/me running away... quickly...

H

[mishku]

For shame, H!! Making catchy pop tunes is EQUALLY as important as landing the right postdoc fellowship!

Originally Posted by Octane

Some cosmologists do cosmology, while others make TV shows...

/me running away... quickly...

H

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by JuniorAstro

I would love to assist in the search for how this Universe was created, It really interests me, why are we alive, where did we come from.. Did we come from another planet and what else in this universe holds life like us?

-Jason

If it is your dream, go for it Jason.

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

he works hard with me .
What happening?
Brian.

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

Jason have a look at my answer to .. the ,
'What if I could travel at the speed of light ' thread here .
then we will talk . A thinker Jas ?.
Brian. QUOTE=JuniorAstro;791249]Hey guys, a bit out of place here but had to ask the question as it was bugging me.

I'm really interested in a career in Cosmology, my maths and physics is very good and I love learning about space and what might have started the universe but my parents don't really support it as they don't know if I can actually earn a living after studing it in Uni.

Thanks guys!


-Jason[/QUOTE]

[bartman (Bart)]

Brian , your link was/is a bit mucked up ....could you please re-post to clarify.....
Cheers
Bartman

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

Sorry Bart , basically it says . If you hit the speed of light , your mass is infinate , you started at zero with mass , eg , your 100kg . avearage.
. so Bart and Jason what are you at the speed of light?
Infinate + 100 kg , so , ..

Look for ,'What happens if I could travel at the speed of light ' . ?
What you gonna do with the extra 100kg?
Food .. Fuel ?
see ya at 99.99999999999999 % .
Brian..

Originally Posted by bartman

Brian , your link was/is a bit mucked up ....could you please re-post to clarify.....
Cheers
Bartman

[bartman (Bart)]

There you go Jason , Brian just gave us something to think about/ figure out.....
Thanks for the headache Brian
Bartman

[higginsdj]

Is Cosmology really a valid scientific field? Isn't it the 'philosophy' section of Astrophysics?

Just my 2 cents worth.....

[sjastro]

It's been awhile since I was at Uni but Cosmology was offered as an honours degree subject in Applied Mathematics.

If you have the talent go for a PhD in Applied Mathematics.
Cosmology requires individuals with exceptional mathematical abilities.

Regards

Steven

[sjastro]

Originally Posted by Octane

Some cosmologists do cosmology, while others make TV shows...

/me running away... quickly...

H

I thought you had to be a particle physicist with flashy white teeth.

Steven

[Dave2042 (Dave)]

Can I offer a personal perspective. Like me, you are incredibly lucky that what you are into and good at is maths and mathematical science. You can go to uni and study this, and have an enjoyable few years winding up with a degree as I did.

When you have that degree, you will then have choices - more than your parents seem to think.

You can pursue research, getting a PhD and then a research job. This is not easy - you'll have to be very good. It pays OK, but not a lot. But if you love it, this is a great life - I know people who've done it and are happy.

Alternatively, there is a world of commercial employers out there who fall over themselves to get a bright graduate with maths or computing skills. I took that path (starting with Physics/Pure Maths and Honours in Astrophysics) and have had an enjoyable and well-paid career in banking (structured finance if that means anything to you).

My point is not to get into specifics of what you ought to do, but more to point out that getting a degree in maths and science doesn't close off options later in life, it actually opens them up, at the same time as doing something you love.

So do what you want, do it well, and remember that you're allowed to change your mind.

Dave

[JuniorAstro (Jason)]

Thanks guys for the help, Brain can I have a link to that, thanks!

My Email is Conquer@aapt.net.au

-Jason

[renormalised (Carl)]

Originally Posted by sjastro

I thought you had to be a particle physicist with flashy white teeth.

Steven

and a former member of a rock group

[Suzy]

Steven & Carl, this is the requirement list :

Flashy white teeth
Kissable lips
Member of rock band with huge hit
Perfect hair that gravity and elements defy
Tall
Good looking
Hold a job at the LHC
Have your own tv series
Publish Big books with full page pin-ups of yourself
Have a huge facebook/twitter following
Speak to your audience in a slow and romantic manner
Use whatever objects you can find to show demonstrations and move them about in a slow, graceful way, all the while peering at the audience under a wisp of hair that gently brushes at your lashes.


AND,
if you wear a harness like this, you will get a lot more attention- guaranteed.

We are talking about none other than the famous Brian Cox of course.

Jason, let your passion drive you.
You wouldn't be in it for the money, but for the love of it, and knowing you have made very real contributions to science. And.. you may become famous!