Comparing Online Science Degrees: University of Waterloo vs. Open University

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing two online science degree programs: the University of Waterloo's 3-year BSc in Science and the Open University's BSc (Honours) in Natural Science. Participants explore aspects such as prestige, thoroughness, community engagement, and personal learning experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the prestige and thoroughness of both degree programs, suggesting that neither may be superior.
  • One participant expresses a desire to learn and be part of a community, despite facing health challenges that limit traditional university attendance.
  • Another participant suggests self-study as a cost-effective alternative to formal education.
  • Concerns are raised about the practicality of pursuing a degree given the participant's health condition and the potential financial burden.
  • Some participants note that the Open University requires starting with elementary courses, which may not align with the desire for an intensive study experience.
  • There is a suggestion that the pursuit of a degree may not necessarily lead to community engagement, questioning the motivations behind seeking an online degree.
  • Several participants express a preference for the University of Waterloo over the Open University, indicating a perceived superiority of the former.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the value and effectiveness of the two degree programs, with no clear consensus on which institution is better. Some participants agree that the University of Waterloo is preferable, while others raise concerns about the motivations and implications of pursuing an online degree.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of detailed information on program specifics, such as course content, laboratory training, and employment outcomes for graduates. The discussion also reflects varying personal circumstances and motivations that influence participants' perspectives.

Gimblestitch
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Greetings,

I'm considering two online degrees: the University of Waterloo's 3-year BSc in Science and the Open University's BSc (Honours) in Natural Science. Which is more prestigious, thorough (I want intensive),...

Any advice would be appreciated.
 
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Gimblestitch said:
Greetings,

I'm considering two online degrees: the University of Waterloo's 3-year BSc in Science and the Open University's BSc (Honours) in Natural Science. Which is more prestigious, thorough (I want intensive),...

Any advice would be appreciated.

An honest answer? Neither.
 
Gimblestitch said:
Greetings,

I'm considering two online degrees: the University of Waterloo's 3-year BSc in Science and the Open University's BSc (Honours) in Natural Science. Which is more prestigious, thorough (I want intensive),...

Any advice would be appreciated.
What will your experiences be through either of these two degrees? What will you know how to do? What equipment will you learn to operate? What laboratory training will you have? What materials will you handle? What organisms will you cultivate and what testing will be performed on/about them?
 
I've advanced Lou Gehrig's disease and am unable to attend a university. I simply want to learn.
 
You could always self-study the material. It'll save you quite some money.
 
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Gimblestitch said:
I've advanced Lou Gehrig's disease and am unable to attend a university. I simply want to learn.

Yes, self study in is case is probably better.
 
Thanks, but I've been studying alone for ten years; I'm ready to be part of a "community".
 
Gimblestitch said:
Thanks, but I've been studying alone for ten years; I'm ready to be part of a "community".

Well, if that's worth thousands of dollars to you, then go ahead.
 
Gimblestitch said:
Thanks, but I've been studying alone for ten years; I'm ready to be part of a "community".

Not to sound crass, but would you even survive long enough to finish the degree? ALS has a about 2-5 year life expectancy on average, if you're already at an advanced stage then what are your doctors saying? Obviously it's variable, but the debt to go to school might not be something you want to leave behind.

If it means that much to you go ahead, getting a bachelors won't make you part of the "community." Also, if you're going to do it, why not attended university? Disability never stopped anyone from attending before, you'll be accommodated, and it would probably be a better experience all around. At least that way you'll be interacting with real people, not just sitting in front of a computer all day.
 
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  • #10
OP never said that he wanted to get a degree. He wants to learn physics.
 
  • #11
Dishsoap said:
OP never said that he wanted to get a degree. He wants to learn physics.

That's not what he said.

Gimblestitch said:
I'm considering two online degrees:

However, I am puzzled why "prestige" matters.
 
  • #12
Gimblestitch said:
Greetings,

I'm considering two online degrees: the University of Waterloo's 3-year BSc in Science and the Open University's BSc (Honours) in Natural Science. Which is more prestigious, thorough (I want intensive),...

Any advice would be appreciated.

If you sign up for a degree program with the OU, you will have to start with level 1 courses which are quite elementary - they are designed for students without a solid high school background. To get an intensive study experience, you might be able to take some level 2/3 modules on a standalone basis.
 
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  • #13
Gimblestitch said:
Thanks, but I've been studying alone for ten years; I'm ready to be part of a "community".

It sounds rather contradictory, that you want to be a part of a "community", and yet, you are looking for an online degree course that makes you anything but part of any community.

Since you have indicated this, what exactly are you aiming for? Are you hoping to have a career with such a degree? Have you asked the relevant schools and departments what are the type of employment, and employment rate, of students who graduated with their online degree?

Zz.
 
  • #14
Never mind! I simply wanted to know which institution is better: The University of Waterloo or Open University.
 
  • #15
University of Waterloo.
 
  • #16
micromass said:
University of Waterloo.

Thanks.
 

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