I'm pretty happy so far. Been trying to get the algebra back on track, I seem to be getting there.
Going through
http://www.astronomynotes.com/ slowly. A couple of nights ago I decided to try and work out the parameters of a simplified Hohmann orbit from Earth to Mars. I got close enough in my predictions to the flight times of the MSL to conclude that I got my calculations right!
I guess the proof will be in the pudding, but I'm hoping that by the time the course starts I might be almost ready.