FTR, I do have a minor in physics, not that it means much as concerns geology. My "occasional college visits" are more serious than most. They started when my kids began to go to college, and continued after they graduated. I would pick two to four days a month or so in the future, and write to any professors leading classes I thought might be interesting indicating that I was seeking permission to attend, wanted the expected assignment for the day I would sit in so that I could properly prepare, and that I would enjoy participating or be content to sit on my hands as the professor preferred. In a few instances I've actually led discussions after the professor could tell I could handle it. Some days I would go from 8 AM until after 5 PM without a break. I would guess that I've taken more than 150 classes in this fashion. Mostly they tend to be in subjects like history, philosophy, religion, law, and others where controversies arise. For the most part I avoid the sciences except geology and evolution where I believe the conventional wisdom is largely wrong. (I've also sat in on a couple of "global warming" classes which pretend to be science.)
I am almost always granted permission to attend, and I am always treated as a serious "student."
ML/NJ
FTR, I do have a minor in physics, not that it means much as concerns geology. My "occasional college visits" are more serious than most. They started when my kids began to go to college, and continued after they graduated. I would pick two to four days a month or so in the future, and write to any professors leading classes I thought might be interesting indicating that I was seeking permission to attend, wanted the expected assignment for the day I would sit in so that I could properly prepare, and that I would enjoy participating or be content to sit on my hands as the professor preferred. In a few instances I've actually led discussions after the professor could tell I could handle it. Some days I would go from 8 AM until after 5 PM without a break. I would guess that I've taken more than 150 classes in this fashion. Mostly they tend to be in subjects like history, philosophy, religion, law, and others where controversies arise. For the most part I avoid the sciences except geology and evolution where I believe the conventional wisdom is largely wrong. (I've also sat in on a couple of "global warming" classes which pretend to be science.)
I am almost always granted permission to attend, and I am always treated as a serious "student."
So in other words, you are sitting in on the college classes of your choice as an “audit student”? Meaning that you do not have to turn in course work or take tests, you receive no grade, earn no college credits and participate only with the permission of the professor? Do you have to pay to take these classes? What type of college is this; a state university or private or community college?
I’m not trying to be smarmy here, I am genuinely curious. I am at an age where I don’t want to pursue a degree but have some money and time and the interest to take classes on subjects that interest me but don’t want to hassle with college admissions and earning credits.
You say you “avoid the sciences except geology and evolution where I believe the conventional wisdom is largely wrong”.
Could you explain further and tell how the conventional wisdom is wrong and how your opinions are greeted in the classroom?
What part of the physics of geology do you not beleive? From that comment I am assuming you are a creationist and a young earther. BTW...MD expat was right, the professor was just being nice to you. He was telling you "Show me the math". Bless your heart.
If your theory was correct, then the sun and all stars would not have a fusion reaction going on in their cores. The pressure caused by the huge mass of hydrogen creates the heat necessary to start the fusion reaction and maintain it.