Hello everybody. I am trying to find an independant study curriculum to make use of the projects I do on a regular basis. Is there a curriculum that focuses on the design and implementation of an invention? I word this vaguely, because this can apply to a variety of projects. For example, a computer program that minimizes energy expenditure in long range transmissions, or a revoloutionary type of car suspension that cheaply and mechanically adapts to the terrain around it.
I have been making things with real life value for a while, but by using an independant study curriculum, I think I can accomplish more. Do you know of any independant study curriculums that would work?
Are you talking about an independent major at a college or something?
There are lots of existing majors that focus on the design and implementations of inventions. Engineering majors do that; other choices are industrial design and operations research (the inventions are more abstract, but still). Depending on how broadly you interpret ‘invention’ there are other majors that may be applicable here. Someone interested in computer programs that minimize energy expenditure might be interested in electrical or computer engineering; someone interested in the car suspension problem might be interested in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
Most colleges do also offer an individualized or independent major, where you work with a few professors to put together a curriculum that is tailored specifically for your interests. But usually, you have to demonstrate that none of the existing majors at your college will satisfy what you want to study - and if you go to a college with an engineering school/major, I think it may be difficult to do that.