Hello,

I am looking for some rather specific distance learning classes, from
a reputable institution.  In particular, I am looking for courses on:

evolutionary biology
genetics
thermodynamics
theory of computation (this is unlikely, but I might as well ask!)
probability/statistics, for computing applications
history of science

I am looking for classes which would be appropriate for someone who
has taken calculus, differential equations, linear algegra, organic
chemisty, basic biochemistry and genetics, and has some background in
data structures and algorithms.  Basically, I am looking for some
structured program of study that does not require that I enter a
classroom.  I would prefer something with mostly online registration
procedures.  Thank you.

---

Request for Question Clarification by umiat-ga on 04 Dec 2002 07:48 PST

beckin-ga,

 I am currently working on your question but it would be helpful to
know if you live in the United States or another country?
 
umiat-ga

---

Clarification of Question by beckin-ga on 04 Dec 2002 09:43 PST

Sorry I forgot to include this...I live in the northwest United
States.  I would be open to classes based in any other English
speaking country, if logistical complications were avoidable.  Thanks.

Hello, beckin-ga!

  There are certainly a number of online distance learning courses
available. Some courses are better than others, and some institutions
are more reputable. The trick, it seems, is to find all the courses
you want from one institution. This may not be possible. However, I
believe you can find the course you need.

The International Distance Learning Course Finder at
http://www.dlcoursefinder.com/ is the most productive means of
searching for distance learning courses.
  “The International Distance Learning Course Finder is the world's
largest online directory of e-learning courses from 130 countries.
This universal distance education resource has information on over
55,000 distance learning courses and programs offered from a multitude
of universities, colleges and companies.
 You may type in a keyword search for specific courses at 
  http://www.dlcoursefinder.com/cgi-bin/gensearch.pl?langdir=US. You
will have to type in the keyword searches yourself, since the search
results do not have a specific URL. Keyword searches under “Course
Name or Keyword” brought the following results:
  Keyword – Evolutionary Biology: no matches
  Keyword - Evolution: 79 matches
  Keword -  Biology:  634 matches 
  Keyword - Thermodynamics: 19 matches
  Keyword – Genetics: 51 matches
  Keyword - Statistics: 387 matches
  Keyword - Probability: 42 matches (mostly “Probability and
Statistics”)
  Keyword - Theory of Computation: 4 matches
  Keyword - History of Science: 8 matches
   
 
Other random course possibilities (though not exactly what you may be
looking for)follow.

Probability/Statistics (not necessarily for computer applications)
****************************************
Cornell School of Continuing Education and Distance Learning
http://www.sce.cornell.edu/dl/courses.php 
 Statistical Reasoning 1
  http://www.sce.cornell.edu/ss/occ/course/2298  (not exactly what you
have described)

Genetics
***********
Genetics and Reproduction – Bio 276 - Brigham Young University
  http://ce.byu.edu/is/site/catalog/descript/univ/biol276.dhtm 
Genetics - Bio 270
 Course description at Center for Distance Learning at
http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/faculty/~jrakoczy/genetics/WELCOMEGen.htm
Genetics Bio 212 - Lake Michigan College
http://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/distance_learning/distance_learning_homepage.html
 Course description at
http://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/distance_learning/internet_telecourses_winter_2003.html

Evolutionary Biology
********************************
University of California, Davis
 Evolutionary Biology of the Human Life Cycle
 http://www.anthro.ucdavis.edu/courses/w02/ant15/ 
Refer to “Study to test effectiveness of online education.” Dateline.
UCDavis (5/12/200) at
http://www-dateline.ucdavis.edu/051200/DL_Webed.html for a discussion
about this course!
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology – Bio 167
 http://www2.austincc.edu/sstrong/eeb 
 Refer to Austin Community College website at
http://www2.austincc.edu/ for contact information

Thermodynamics
*****************
  “CES 235 - Thermodynamics of Materials. 3 hours. (Instructor: Dr. D.
Edwards)
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and
their application to materials systems.
Prerequisites: CH 105, CH 106, MAT 119
http://nyscc.alfred.edu/cems/du/acad/unde/cour_desc.html#235

Also see:
The International Center for Distance Learning
  http://www-icdl.open.ac.uk/ 
Fathom Online Learning 
 http://www.fathom.com/index.jhtml?_requestid=21882  
 
 Please note that many of the major universities offer online courses.
It might be worth your while to pick out some specific state
universities in the Northeast, go to their websites, and see what they
offer for distance education. An internet search will not always pick
these offerings up just by submitting course titles.

 I hope I have provided you with some avenues to pursue. Good luck,
and keep studying!
 Don’t hesitate to ask for further help if needed.

umiat-ga

Google Search Strategy
"distance learning"
"evolutionary biology" +online course
+thermodynamics +distance learning
+genetics +distance learning
+evolutionary biology +distance learning