[CaptainCarbon]

Hi all. I'm new to the forum and I wasn't sure where to post this because it's not directly related to the high school related course, but it seemed the best fit.

So anyway, right now I am a junior in high school, coming up on me senior year next semester. Currently I am doing well in AP Chem, after taking a regular chemistry course last year. I enjoy chemistry a lot and would like to continue learning about chemistry, possibly diving into slightly more advanced topics. Next year I will have the opportunity to take what is called a Directed Study during one of my free class periods, in which I will be able to choose a topic, create an open-ended curriculum (so I have a general idea of where I'm headed but can change it along the line), and learn about the topic myself. However, before my parents will allow me to take this course, they want me to have some idea of what I will study so that the class won't be a waste of my time.

So my question is, what topics do would you guys recommend? What would I be able to teach myself without the help of a professional? I do have money, so I will be able to buy some textbooks if needed. I will have two full semesters to teach myself, and I can go as advanced as I want to. I also may have the opportunity to perform some labs, but I will have to discuss that with my chemistry teacher later along the line. Thanks!

[Corribus]

Over the summer between high school and undergrad I taught myself multivariable calculus. In general I think math is a good way to go for this kind of thing - easy to learn by just reading a book, if you have the aptitute for it. And it will give you a leg up on your college chemistry courses. If you're lucky you might be able to pass out of some of your college math placement exams, leaving your schedule open for more interesting college courses (this is what I did).

If you want a more chemistry-related topic, that will depend a lot on (a) your personal interests and (b) your high school curriculem. Chemistry can be a more difficult subject to learn on one's own than math, because chemistry is more conceptual.  I would look back over your AP class and think about whether there was a topic you enjoyed and would like to learn more about. You can also look through your textbook and see if there were chapters you didn't cover (there almost always are). Usually uncovered material includes materials chemistry or organic chemistry. These might be good topic areas.

[CaptainCarbon]

Awesome, thanks for the ideas. I forgot to mention that there is no higher math or chemistry course available at my high school, so that's why this is my 1st choice.

Any good, cheaper text books for multivariable calculus?