Don’t you just love the feeling of accomplishment you get when you’ve learned something new? I think it starts in childhood, like the first time you tied your shoes all by yourself or rode a two-wheeler unassisted.

Well, you’re never too old to feel that way again. And the Penobscot Valley Senior College has taken that feeling to a whole new level. Their motto is, appropriately, “Learning for the fun of it.”

The PVSC, which is affiliated with the University of Maine Center on Aging, is but one of 15 senior colleges sprinkled throughout the state, and membership in this senior college system has many a perk.

The annual fee, $25 for one person or $40 for two people living at the same address, buys a year’s worth of guaranteed fun.

For example, with membership one gets the notice of courses in advance and before the general public, invitations to free one-day programs and a free annual meeting luncheon with a guest speaker. Membership also offers the opportunity to enroll in courses at any other senior college.

There are no entrance exams and no academic requirements – and no test at the end of the course. In fact, the only actual requirement is that you have reached, and perhaps relished, your 50th birthday.

This fall’s semester runs Fridays, from Sept. 29 to Nov. 3. The two-hour courses are either mornings or afternoons and are held at the UMaine campus in Orono, Dirigo Pines in Orono and various sites in Bangor.

So just what will your $30 per course tuition get you?

. DNA for Beginners – and the Curious. Dee Virtue will take you on a tour of the history of DNA, its chemical structure and behavior, ethical issues and how it is used to solve crimes.

. Exploring Taoism. Paul Grosswiler will assist you in your search for harmony and balance using meditation, tai chi and chi kung. You’ll also explore Taoism’s philosophy.

. Not your Grandfather’s Court System. A retired justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court is coordinating this course, which will take you through the world of justice in the 21st century, including the relationship between the state and federal court system. If you like watching the crime drama “Law and Order” on TV, this session is not to be missed.

. Introduction to Marine Biology. John Dearborn will show how lucky we are to live in Maine by discussing marine habitats, plants and animals and the impact humans have on the marine environment. This course includes demonstrations and hands-on activities.

. Write Now. Barbara Wicks will help you celebrate your memories, special events, family and friends through writing. There is no better history for generations to come.

. World Music: A Guided Tour. Let’s just say you haven’t really heard music until you have heard it through David Klocko’s ears. Trust me. I took a class from him many years ago and will never forget it.

. Into the Melting Pot. Our world gets smaller every day. If you are curious about other cultures and the heritage of such, join John Frawley, coordinator of this course. Genealogy will also be discussed.

This is but a small sampling, a tease if you will, of some of the offerings from PVSC this fall. The others are just as interesting. For more info on senior college, log onto www.mainecenteronaging.org and click on Senior College, or call their message phone at 581-1947. Catalogues are available at Eastern Agency on Aging, 450 Essex St.

And if you want to tell all your friends how great Senior College really is, the PVSC folks love talking about their passion and would welcome the chance to make a presentation to your civic, senior or social group.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, log on www.eaaa.org or e-mail info@eaaa.org. For TTY, call 992-0150.