need help with picking out class

[maxkitty]

i'm new here, so i hope that i'm posting this in the right spot.... <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />anyway....<br /><br />i've always been facinated by space, etc (who isn't <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> ) and i want to start taking college classes (mostly for "fun") but i have no idea where to even start thinking about what kinds of classes to take. i dont really want to talk to colleges at this point b/c all they're going to do is send a bunch of junk in the mail and tell me about all these other classes i "have" to take. anyway, any help would be appreciated. what are some fun/interesting classes to take? what were your favorite classes? what degrees are there and what could i do with them?<br /><br />thanks!!!<br />

 

[qso1]

Believe it or not, not that many people are fascinated with space but those of us here for the most part are.<br /><br />Astronomy classes.<br /><br />Aerospace engineering, science.<br /><br />Thats the only two I can think of at the moment. Some colleges may not have that big an offering of classes. As for degrees, I'd think maybe a degree in astronomy or physics, aerospace engineering, maybe a degree in something along the lines of astrobiology.<br /><br />My two cents which after inflation is half a cent, LOL. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><strong>My borrowed quote for the time being:</strong></p><p><em>There are three kinds of people in life. Those who make it happen, those who watch it happen...and those who do not know what happened.</em></p> </div>

 

[maxkitty]

LOL!!! thanks? <br /><br />just curious, do you (or anyone else, for that matter <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> )know anything about Rice Univ. in houston TX?? i've heard they're pretty big in all that space stuff <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[maxkitty]

oh! also...this might sound like a dorky question, but what are some of the math classes i should look at taking? <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" />

 

[qso1]

Unfortunately I don't know much about Rice University other than its a high profile college.<br /><br />On your math follow up, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus...basically any and all math will only help. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><strong>My borrowed quote for the time being:</strong></p><p><em>There are three kinds of people in life. Those who make it happen, those who watch it happen...and those who do not know what happened.</em></p> </div>

 

[observer7]

There is an excellent program at the University of North Dakota that offers a Master of Science in Space Studies. As a graduate of this program I can highly recommend it to anyone interested in space. The program takes an interdisciplinary approach to learning about space covering topics that include:<br /><br />-Space Science: remote observation, observational astronomy, asteroids, the planet Mars, space resources, and life in the universe.<br /><br />-Space Engineering: orbital mechanics, space mission design<br /><br />-Space Management: management of space enterprises, commercial space, space economics<br /><br />-Space Policy: international implications, space policy and politics, ethics, public administration of space programs<br /><br />Please visit http://www.space.edu for more information. The list of topics I have presented is just a sample of what you might look into if you're interested in a space education.<br /><br />Regards--<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <em><font size="2">"Time exists so that everything doesn't happen at once" </font></em><font size="2">Albert Einstein</font> </div>

 

[drwayne]

"oh! also...this might sound like a dorky question, but what are some of the math classes i should look at taking? "<br /><br />Depends on what you took in High School where you start. In most colleges, you will start with Calculus, though you might take remedial courses in algebra and trigonometry if you have not done so previously.<br /><br />In the semester system, there are usually 3 semesters of calculus - nominally centered on differential calculus, integral calculus, and anlytical geometry. Somewhere along the line - people may take a course in Linear Algebra.<br /><br />Learning to program is an excellent way to improve your problem solving skills. These days, most start with either C++ or Java. I prefer C++.<br /><br />Now, I also recommend a good course in Numerical Methods - which shows you how to solve a lot of interesting and important problems through numerical methods, i.e. mainly on the computer.<br /><br />Now, many Physics departments offer a course in Math Methods of Physics - if you have taken Physics courses, and I recommend you do, at least through what is usually referred to as "Modern Physics" - then such courses are usually an excellent idea.<br /><br />Get to know majors (or graduate students) in various departments - you can get some insight into who is a good instructor and what courses are not as good as they should be.<br /><br />Wayne<br /><br />p.s. Look into the "Shaum's Review Series" books. They are relatively cheap, and they are a lifesaver on technical courses. *Excellent* learning resources <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>"1) Give no quarter; 2) Take no prisoners; 3) Sink everything."  Admiral Jackie Fisher</p> </div>