This discussion centers on the challenges and considerations of pursuing online education in physics, particularly for individuals unable to attend traditional university settings. Participants emphasize the limitations of online physics programs, especially the lack of hands-on lab experiences and peer interaction. Recommendations include exploring independent study options, such as those offered by BYU, and utilizing resources like MIT OpenCourseWare. The consensus is that while online courses can provide some educational value, they require significant self-discipline and may not fully substitute for in-person learning.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for logistics professionals seeking to expand their knowledge in physics, educators exploring online teaching methods, and anyone interested in self-directed learning in scientific disciplines.
expert_engine said:majored in English when was at university. I have been engaged in logistics jobs for almost 4 years. Now I got the bottle neck of my jobs, I feel lack of professional logistics knowledge, and I am considering to take a online-education. Would anyone please give me a good suggestion about the online education?
stewartcs said:What area do you want to know about...accredidation, degrees, single courses, or something else?
CS
Troponin said:IAre there any "recommended" programs offering traditional physics degrees online?
Troponin said:I would be interested in knowing what is available for online degrees in physics as well as single course availability in physics.
bravernix said:Traditionally, physics is taught with lab courses, as such it's not really possible to do this online. Also, you certainly gain a lot from interaction with peers. Online courses tend to be extremely expensive from what I've seen and the educational value of them seems questionable to me. I would say that if you are really serious about wanting to learn more physics, rearrange things so that you can attend a university to do this. In your first post you are talking about reaching a bottleneck in your professional advancement and the desire to take an additional degree. However, you go on to say you do not desire employment in physics. Why go for a physics degree at all then?
Troponin said:I'm not going for a physics degree. I have a college education and am currently a business owner.
I would love to attend a university setting for physics, that would be absolutely wonderful. However, I have two small children, travel frequently, and there are no physics programs within a 90 min drive.
We've talked about relocating and "doing what is necessary" for me to study physics, but it is a bit too radical an idea to uproot my family to pursue a degree for "fun."
I realize the eccentricity here, and I will continue my autodidacticism (probably better than my autoeroticism...) but I can only imagine there will become a point where, however high my interest, further self education will become exponentially more difficult. This point is the "bottleneck" I implied in my first post.
stewartcs said:The class link I posted above is the first in a two part course that is taught online, however you must have your exams proctored, but that can be done at any local college or library. The labs are online as well.
Hope that helps.
CS
stewartcs said:The labs are online as well.
bravernix said:Curious! How does this work exactly?
Dr. Courtney said:I have yet to see an online course in Physics that I would recommend with any enthusiasm.