Distance learning science courses

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by yak342, Apr 17, 2004.

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  1. yak342

    yak342 Member

    Has anyone taken any distance learning science courses where one can do the required laboratory work at home? Do you think it is better to do the lab at home or on campus? There are community colleges in Colorado that offer distance learning courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and geology where the lab can be done at home. Here is the link: http://www.ccconline.org/
     
  2. RKanarek

    RKanarek Member

    Greetings.

    It is possible to take science courses that award lab credit by distance. You might wish to view the following threads:
    http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11540&highlight=Lab
    http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12803&highlight=Lab

    The University of Tennessee deserves special mention, IMHO, as it is the only RA school to offer the elusive, but sometimes required, "Calculus based Physics with Lab Credit". See:
    http://www.anywhere.tennessee.edu/courselist/CourseDetails.asp?CourseID=204
    http://www.anywhere.tennessee.edu/courselist/CourseDetails.asp?CourseID=205

    As to whether it is preferable to take lab courses by distance or in person, ordinarily one would certainly prefer to take lab courses in an actual lab. Depending upon ones background and experience, and depending upon the quality of the course, studying by distance may be an acceptable, if lesser, alternative.

    N.B. I have not yet taken any lab courses by distance, but I eventually intend to take three.

    Cordially,
    Richard Kanarek

    P.S. Thanks for the link to CCC! Remarkably, it, too, seems to offer calculus base, physics-with-lab courses!
     
  3. anthonym

    anthonym New Member

    I took Genetics w/lab, a biology course, at a distance from charter oak state college and Geology w/lab from Kansas State. The genetics course was very difficult; the geology course was a little more fun.

    It's probably better to take a lab course, in a real lab setting. However, it's nice to know there are options available for those with competing obligations.
     
  4. nobycane

    nobycane New Member

    I have taken a "Weather" (Meteorology) course from Ball State University via Distance Learning, and part of the 3 hour credit was lab work...which was already incorporated into the total credit hours.

    But it does have some lab work.

    Cheers!
    Jay
     
  5. BillDayson

    BillDayson New Member

    I'm skeptical about doing labs at home.

    Labs usually involve specialized (and sometimes hazardous) materials and equipment. They normally involve learning technique that requires hands-on guidance and skilled models to emulate. And they often involve learning safety procedures.

    While a home lab might work in an introductory level course providing general education for non-majors, I wouldn't personally go that route if I was a science major. I'd look at doing my introductory chemistry, physics or biology sequences in a local community college or some place like that.

    The lab sciences may not be the most appropriate subjects for DL, at least in my opinion. If there are any classes that should be taken on-campus, it's probably these.
     
  6. Lower Division Science Lab Classes

    Coastline College in Fountain Valley, CA has lower division science classes via distance learning. Here's the link:


    http://dl.ccc.cccd.edu/
     

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