The problem I see in science for laymen, is that I don't think anyone ought to be a layman. The only reason there are laymen in science is that people have not heard of the way of learning fast--saying the words and going on. Then finishing the book in that way four times. Then going back to do review in depth. If people would do this, they would automatically become way above laymen level--even if the level of expert might still be a bit farther away. [But I think one needs to focus on real science, not pseudo science--see steven dutch's site for explanation of how to tell the difference. And even then it can be hard to know what is worthwhile as opposed to dead ends. Dead ends are not pseudo science -but still paths that have already been looked into and lead nowhere. ]
The fast learning applies also to the two Talmuds and all the midrashim, and along with that an in-depth session --as is the general practice of the great Litvak yeshivot.
