What is the best way for me to beat my shyness?

I’m starting a course very soon, on which I know absolutely nobody, but am looking forward to. I have crippling shyness, and I will never, ever speak to someone unless they speak to me first. I get very shaky, sweaty and can feel my heart rate go through the roof when someone starts chatting to me, or even if my name is called out on a register somewhere. Sounds silly, but on the taster day for the course I broke down in tears before going into the room where everyone was seated. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for me and I wouldn’t miss it for anything, but I will have to overcome my shyness if I want to get to know anyone and get any work done (The subject takes a lot of teamwork) .
So if anyone has any ideas about how I can begin to overcome this problem, I’d be very, very grateful!