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Ask HN: Where can I do a self-study math degree online?

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Ask HN: Where can I do a self-study math degree online?

#1

Post by piqalq »

My background is in CS and I’m currently working as an ML engineer, but I’m very eager to go back for a PhD soon.

In the mean time, I’ve noticed my maths isn’t as strong as I’d like it to be. That aside, I’ve also taken a big interest into calculus.

Are there any online courses (free or non-free) that would allow me to learn mathematics either through self study, or as a MOOC? I’ll gladly take undegrad level courses. I just want something structured.

I’ve found that even trying to really study through books things like number theory, proofs, and integration takes huuuuge time investments. I feel like this will be less so with a structured course and teacher.

Re: Ask HN: Where can I do a self-study math degree online?

#2

Post by ziddoap »

This channel[1] (by the sounds of it) isn't exactly what your looking for, but I feel like it's appropriate for the topic and might act as a supplement to whatever course(s) you end up taking, depending on where you are having difficulties.

He has an amazing ability to break math down into intuitive visuals which highlight the underlying nature of math, rather than being hyper focussed on a specific problem. For myself, the videos have allowed me to pick up other/adjacent math concepts significantly easier because I've developed a signficantly better understanding of what's happening "under the hood", so to speak.

Might be worth a quick look at least!

[1]https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYO_jab_esuFRV4b17AJtAw

Re: Ask HN: Where can I do a self-study math degree online?

#3

Post by dhkxh »

> I’ve found that even trying to really study through books things like number theory, proofs, and integration takes huuuuge time investments.

Yep, that's how to do it if you want to do it well. Practice. There's a reason why these degrees take so long. I would advise against just about any online course where you only watch videos and get the feeling that you've learned something while in reality you retain close to nothing.

Re: Ask HN: Where can I do a self-study math degree online?

#4

Post by kyllo »

ziddoap wrote: post #2

This channel[1] (by the sounds of it) isn't exactly what your looking for, but I feel like it's appropriate for the topic and might act as a supplement to whatever course(s) you end up taking, depending on where you are having difficulties. He has an amazing ability to break math down into intuitive visuals which highlight the underlying nature of math, rather than being hyper focussed on a specific problem. For myse…

Grant Sanderson has made a lot of great contributions to Khan Academy as well, particularly in the Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus sections.

Re: Ask HN: Where can I do a self-study math degree online?

#7

Post by chrisseaton »

> I’ve found that even trying to really study through books things like number theory, proofs, and integration takes huuuuge time investments

Well yeah, it's like three years of full-time study to get to an undergraduate level. Doing that part time is going to take you a decade or so. You need to put the time in. I'm not sure there's a shortcut.

There's no 'Royal road', as they say.

Re: Ask HN: Where can I do a self-study math degree online?

#9

Post by arshadtskur »

Not sure what you mean by online. Do you mean distance courses?

I am based in the UK, and we have the Open University. I am currently taking a Mathematics and Physics degree with them.

The content is not directly equivalent to an undergraduate degree (probably around 40% of a normal undergraduate here in the UK). But they have lectures, assignments and examinations and you get a proper degree certificate at the end.

I have friend who is Spanish and he has been taking a distance Mathematics course with a Spanish University. That again seemed to be an excellent course (he is heavily into Category Theory).

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