When can I read and understand research papers?

[Ahmed1029]

I'm wondering how much I'm supposed to know in order to start reading theoretical physics research papers. Any advice?

 

[Astronuc]

I'm wondering how much I'm supposed to know in order to start reading theoretical physics research papers. Any advice?

What is one's academic level?

Usually, at the MS level one should be able to read research papers in one's field and more or less understand the theory equations, experiments and data. One might need the assistance of a 'subject matter expert'. Certainly, the more academic achievement and experience, the more one should understand.

 

[Ahmed1029]

What is one's academic level?

Usually, at the MS level one should be able to read research papers in one's field and more or less understand the theory equations, experiments and data. One might need the assistance of a 'subject matter expert'. Certainly, the more academic achievement and experience, the more one should understand.

I'm learning physics on my own. I know calculus 1,2,3, linear algebra, differential equations, intermediate classical mechanics and electromagnetism, and currently studying general relativity and quantum mechanics. I'm wondering at what stage of learning I will be able to read articles and search for theoretical problems to work on, because that's essentially what I want to do.