From Mechanical Engineering to Cosmology to Breaking into the Field

[varun atri]

Hi guys,
I am a mechanical engineer. and i am working as a naval officer.. but i want to get into the profession of cosmology can anyone suggest me how to get into that profession as i hv done mechanical engineering.

 

[CloudyTrees]

Theoretical Cosmology is an area where many sub-divisions of physics play important role, such as relativity, QFT, statistical, etc. (Not very much familiar with experimental aspect but I assume it's very much close to astrophysics.)
I would suggest you to have a look at Scott Dodelson's Modern Cosmology, since that pretty much gives you a taste of what research in cosmology feels like. Cosmology by S. Weinberg is also a good read, though it is more concentrated on the theoretical side.

 

[varun atri]

thanx cloudy but cud i chang my profession.

 

[CloudyTrees]

I think a lot of factors have to be taken into considerations before such kind of big decisions, like age, family, financial considerations and many more.
I'm just a PhD candidate trying to finish his phd years so I can't give any advices on career path. From what I learned on this forum and facts from former graduates in my department, it's tough (really really tough) to find a permanent job in this field (theoretical cosmology).