Profession cosmologist

Cosmologists focus on the study of the universe as a whole, which is made up by its origin, evolution and ultimate fate. They use tools and scientific instruments to observe and study other galaxies and astronomical objects such as stars, black holes, planets and other celestial bodies.

Personality Type

• Investigative / Artistic
• Investigative / Realistic
• Realistic / Investigative

Knowledge

• Mathematics

  Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

• Quantum mechanics

  The field of research concerning the study of atoms and photons in order to quantize these particles.

• Scientific research methodology

  The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

• Statistics

  The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.

• Physics

  The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.

• Astronomy

  The field of science that studies the physics, chemistry, and evolution of celestial objects such as stars, comets, and moons. It also examines phenomena that happen outside Earth's atmosphere such as solar storms, cosmic microwave background radiation, and gamma ray bursts.

• Quantum optics

  The field of physics combining quantum field theory and physical optics.

• Aerospace engineering

  The engineering discipline that combines various technologies and engineering disciplines such as avionics, materials science and aerodynamics in order to design, develop and manufacture aircraft, spacecraft, missiles and satillites.

Skills

• Gather experimental data

  Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

• Define celestial bodies

  Analyse data and images to calculate the size, shape, brightness, and motion of celestial bodies.

• Write work-related reports

  Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.

• Operate scientific measuring equipment

  Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.

• Design scientific equipment

  Design new equipment or adapt existing equipment to aid scientists in gathering and analysing data and samples.

• Analyse scientific data

  Collect and analyse scientific data resulting from research. Interpret these data according to certain standards and viewpoints in order to comment on it.

• Apply scientific methods

  Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

• Analyse telescope images

  Examine images taken by telescopes in order to study phenomena and objects outside Earth's atmosphere.

• Observe celestial objects

  Study the relative positions and movements of stars and planets, by using and interpreting data provided by specialised software and publications such as ephemeris.

• Perform scientific research

  Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

• Operate telescopes

  Set up and adjust telescopes in order to look at phenomena and objects outside Earth's atmosphere.

• Carry out scientific research in observatory

  Perform research in a building equipped for the observation of natural phenomena, especially in relation to celestial bodies.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB