Perhaps your university has independent study. I think what Lajax did is easily the equivalent of two semesters of a typical university class. You might be able to do your own version of what Lajax did and get credit for it.
Imitate -> Emulate -> Innovate. First you've got to do #1, then #2 will come along, and finally #3. #1 you do need books for. #2/#3 not so much, those will come naturally!
Your comment reminded me of the movie: Anaconda, 1997. Great movie -- and era, mid/late 90's The markets are kind of like that movie...to make an analogy...if you go for the Big score...high reward/high risk...it might kill you.