about the quality of education you're receiving, the
http://maxim-ic.com microcontrollers (ds89c420 for example) can be had for free (samples of 1-2).

Then you'll need :

1) a breadboard
2) a max232a
3) a 74hc125
4) 5 .1uf electrolytic caps
5) 2 18pf caps
6) 1 11.0592mhz crystal
7) a 5volt supply (or a 9volt battery and an LM7805)
8) 1 db9 connector
9) some hookup wire
10) the datasheets for all the IC's above
11) the microcontroller tool kit (MTK) software from here :
http://files.dalsemi.com/microcont...tware/mtk/
Now you have a micro and a way to program it (it's also a good idea to get a ZIF for the uCtlr)

You'll also need another breadboard for your operational system and all the components to make it work (but that's your thing, not mine).