where to study science and mathematics online?

May 24, 2010 12:26 AM

What are the best places to study science and mathematics subjects for university credit online?

Have you studied maths and science online?
How did it go? What can you recommend?

I want to return to university next year and study towards a Masters degree at University, but I have a couple of prerequisite subjects that I need to do before then.

The school have said they will be flexible about how I meet the requirements, which is good, because
between work and kids, life is pretty full, and the option of completing the prerequisite requirements by online study is very appealing.


I've taken one math class through Netmath at the University of Illinois, which was very good, although expensive by Australian standards.
I think they have really got their head around how offering a course online should differ from offering it in a lecture theatre. The availability of the tutors was really impressive.
I'm wondering if anything similar exists which uses sage instead of mathematica.

I am Australian, but I have an American Social Security Number, which seems to be a requirement for many US schools.

I really like the materials available on MIT OCW, but am looking for somewhere where I can get accredited grades.

I've noticed that Open Universities Australia have added some maths classes so I am considering that.

Which places do you think offer the best experience?
Which places do you think are the best Value?
Which places do you think have a great reputation? Which places don't?
What have you done that you're glad you did?

thanks

Compound eye

posted by compound eye to Education (3 answers total)

I have a friend who did his BS in computer science online through University of Maryland University College. His science classes seemed quite good, like the biology lab course that he was able to do in his kitchen with a kit they sent. In the US, at least, online courses offered by regular, non-profit, brick-and-mortar universities have better reputations than the for-profit, online-only programs.
posted by hydropsyche at 6:13 AM on May 24, 2010

How advanced are the classes you're looking to take? I've taken a few online classes at Portland Community College, and I've been very impressed with the academics and quality of professor-student interaction. As a community college, however, its math classes only go so far.
posted by croutonsupafreak at 3:44 PM on May 24, 2010

The Group of Eight universities in Australia (ANU, Monash, Adelaide, Melbourne, UNSW, Sydney, UQ and UWA) have a credit transfer agreement for all their subjects, so any online courses must be of a high standard.
Monash has some online courses
Other universities to check out are
USQ
CSU


I have not taken any personally, but all the courses are from accredited institutions. For single subjects, it's easier to find the subjects as if you were a current student, as the 'Future students' pages tend to direct people to full courses. You will need to enrol differently and you will pay more money as a single subject student. It may be worth your time 'enrolling' in an undergrad degree to take the courses cross-institutionally as then you may only need to pay HECS.
posted by quercus23 at 12:03 AM on May 30, 2010