[sonjaonline]

Hi Everyone

My name is Sonja and I am new here, as you may be able to tell from the number of posts I have made prior to this one!

I am looking for a place online that I can study chemistry. To be honest I am in my thirties now! But I still believe you are never too old to learn anything. I really enjoyed chemistry and physics whilst I was at school but my fitness career and having children took over!

A good friend of mine recommended this forum for advice and website links of reputable online schools or books for a newbie

I didn't really know which forum topic to post my question under, so I hope this one is okay.

Thanks for your time

Sonja

[cliverlong]

My view.

Well done that you have the interest to study something new (or at least revisit a subject).

I feel it is very difficult to keep the discipline and focus to study a subject completely independently.

If you need to study from home or flexibly because you cannot attend lectures at particular, regular times, can you take a correspondance or distance-learning course? Many, many universities offer such courses. The most famous in the UK is the Open University.

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/science/chemistry/index.htm

I would guess many US colleges have continuing-education departments very happy to enroll you. 

I believe it is much better to follow a course designed and structured so the material is approached in a logical order. Also the obligation to hand in work will help discipline and focus.

Regarding some texts to read to check your ongoing interest before enrolling have a look at the recommended list on this forum: http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=4114.0

I also like the following online resource: http://preparatorychemistry.com/

Good luck.