That does not imply mutual exclusivity.
And I recognize the thinking of a colleague in the person in question. If you want to study the sciences, by all means don’t be afraid to either do some coursework, either at an institution or online.
Based on the context of what the person (who claims to be a scientist) said, you're wrong.
You forgot the supercillious sniff.
So... science can't be studied except online or at approved courses?
Did that just spring out of nothingness? Or was there an original tenured professor?
Science is, and always has been, and always will be humans blundering about, chasing down blind paths, until they figure out which one leads forward.
Cooks know these metaphysical things.
/johnny