Understand modern physics ?

Question

Hello, I am a software professional from 8+ years but have retained some passion for physics and mathematics. I read some books on modern physics as time permits, but the idea of not being able to spend enough time and not being able to understand mathematically bugs me.

1. Can any one suggest what is the best way to ramp up and be able to appreciate latest papers ?
2. Are there any published study plans / groups that you are aware of ?
3. Do you think self study can take me anywhere near reaching my goal ?

Answer 1

You will be able to understand books on the subject written for a general audience. Stick with experts in the field like Lee Smolin, Joao Magueijo, Kip Thorne, Roger Penrose, Leonard Susskind, etc. Brian Greene is popular, but after reading what he writes, you still won't understand the subject.

Check the reference for MIT Open Courseware. Take some upper division or graduate level physics courses at MIT.

Without spending the time and learning the math, you won't get beyond the general audience books, and you certainly won't be able to understand the current papers in physics. You can still feed your passion and learn a tremendous amount. But it's unlikely you'd be able to contribute to the field.

Answer 2

You could Join the A.A.A.S. or the Publishers of the Journal "Science" as the writers at that publication do an excellent job or putting the complex mathematical results into very good-readable English (and other?) understandings.

http://www.aaas.org/

or....

http://www.scienceonline.org/