University Definition and 1000 Threads

A university (Latin: universitas, 'a whole') is an institution of higher (or tertiary) education and research which awards academic degrees in several academic disciplines. Universities typically offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
The word university is derived from the Latin universitas magistrorum et scholarium, which roughly means "community of teachers and scholars".The first universities were created in Europe by Catholic Church monks. The University of Bologna (Università di Bologna), founded in 1088, is the first university in the sense of:

being a high degree-awarding institute;
having independence from the ecclesiastic schools, although conducted by both clergy and non-clergy;
using the word universitas (which was coined at its foundation);
issuing secular and non-secular degrees: grammar, rhetoric, logic, theology, canon law, notarial law.

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  1. A

    Schools Things I should know before starting University Physics

    I live in Canada, and plan to start my Bachelor of Science - Majoring in Physics (Obviously) this upcoming semester. What things should I be knowledgeable about before I start so I am fully prepared? I will be taking Physics 1050 first, which is the starting class for people that did not take...
  2. Astrum

    Schools General Physics vs. University Physics (and help in class selection)

    I'm taking General Physics I (already taken and passed) and II at a CC this year (in other words, algebra based). The adviser told me that it would make no difference when transferring to a university. Now I'm not too sure. From my understanding, Gen Phys 1 is not much different than calculus...
  3. K

    Schools Is it realistic for a white male from a large university to apply to good REU's?

    I really want to do an reu this summer and experience research from a new perspective. I have a fine resume. Near 4.0, rising senior, and almost 2 years of experience leading to a 2nd or 3rd author publication in the works. I know NSF puts a lot of emphasis on accepting women and minorities...
  4. J

    Schools Anyone who goes or has gone to Iowa State University?

    One of my options for school (EE major) is ISU. The people i have talked to say that it is one of the top ten engineering schools in the US. What about some of you guys? Does ISU really deserve all the hype that i have been hearing?
  5. S

    Schools Mathematicians opinion on university modules

    Hi, I'm wondering if anyone could suggest which out of the two below universities would give me the "better" mathematics major. By better I mean the most rigorous, the hardest and the one which will prepare me most for a phd. 1. http://www.ucl.ac.uk/maths/courses/undergraduates/ I won't be...
  6. C

    Schools Postdocs in a university without a physics graduate program?

    Suppose for a moment that you found just the one professor that you wanted to do a postdoc with. However, that professor works for a university that does not offer a physics graduate program. Can you still attempt to get a postdoc with that professor or you'd be better off finding another...
  7. A

    Schools How is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Physics Program?

    I have just been accepted to the university of Nebraska at Lincoln. How is their physics program?
  8. S

    Schools Does University Ranking Impact Post-Graduate Studies?

    I am choosing between a rank 24 uni and a rank 45 uni, should rank have any effect on my decision?
  9. S

    Is it true that only 6.7% of the world hold university degrees?

    This website http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/19/percent-of-world-with-col_n_581807.html claims that only 6.7% of the world hold university degrees but that's hard to believe, I know so many people who have university degrees. If it is inaccurate what is the real percentage?
  10. S

    Schools How does high school maths compare to university maths?

    I am in my final year of high school, I am doing the highest level of maths available but I don't find it difficult at all, so I was wondering whether or not I should cover some university level mathematics before doing bachelor of science (Advanced) next year. For this BSc I am allowed to do...
  11. Astrum

    First Year of Physics at University

    It's my first year of my physics BA. I'm doing very well in my physics class, but I can't help but feel that I'm not actually LEARNING anything. This probably sounds weird, let me explain. We go through stuff in class, I read through the chapter we're studying, I do some practice...
  12. M

    Engineering Solving a University Level EMF Problem: Need Help!

    Hello, I am trying to solve a problem in university level electromagnetic fields course. The problem is in the attachment. My answer is simple, that for the magnetic flux B\rightarrow (vector field B\rightarrow), the Amperian loop will have a current equivalent to 0 because current through...
  13. P

    Schools Theoretical Physics at McGill University?

    Hi all, I still have a year of undergraduate studies left but I'm very, very interested in mathematical, theoretical physics. I would love to do research in string theory; does anyone know if McGill University is at least decent for this as a graduate school? It's probably a naive question to...
  14. M

    Schools University in Czech Republic,do you have any Feedback?

    Hello, although i was planning to spend a semester in Sweeden or England i changed my mind and i submitted all the necessary documents and 99.9% i will be a student at Uni. of West Bohemia (Czech Rebublic) for spring semester.I don't speak their language, i know that we will communicate in...
  15. J

    Schools Quick simple question about University math

    Currently taking mathematics12/precalculus12(Canada) i think its equivalent to algebra II in the US(someone correct me if i am wrong.) So, question is: 1) Will topics like Logarithmic Functions + Exponential Functions, Arithmetic sequences and series, etc. be covered and explored in depth...
  16. M

    Schools Are 2.5 hour lectures twice a week effective for student learning?

    I was thinking as a student, is there some sort of thought that goes into have 2.5 hour lectures twice a week? I am thinking that this is not the best layout for learning, and was wondering if this has been studied by anyone to see what lecture times maximize student learning. For me, in a...
  17. SrVishi

    Schools What university has the best physics program in Florida?

    This is very important to me. Responses will be greatly appreciated!
  18. M

    Do University Physics Departments allow EE Ph.D.'s to teach Physics?

    I'm a 2nd BS Physics student with a strong interest in Computer Science. I probably won't have time to double major, so I'll have at least a CS minor along with the Physics degree. I'd like to enter doctoral studies afterwards, and it's a toss-up between Applied Physics and EE. My career goals...
  19. J

    Schools Highschool Physics VS University Physics

    Hello, i am currently taking physics 11(first high school physics course, I'm from Canada i don't know what level that is in the states or UK) i am doing well i have >90% but the thing is i find it extremely boring... the class is going way too slow for me so i teach myself every chapter which...
  20. Z

    Schools Mathematics undergrad university choices help

    I've applied to five different universities (UK) and have started to receive offers. I'm having a hard time to decide which of the university to choose, as before applying I always had the idea in my head that your mathematics education doesn't really matter, and if you're good at maths then you...
  21. A

    Schools Should I take Vector Calculus before General University Physics?

    I'm currently in my first semester at a community college with intention of transferring to a 4 year. At some point while still at my current school I will have to take General University Physics. My curriculum is saying that I should take both Uni. Physics and Vector Calculus in my third...
  22. K

    Meaning of life (when you're 24 and fresh out of university)

    Who are you going to call when you're mooning about your purpose in life? Generally level-headed and polite members of Physics Forums! Anyway, I graduated in July, and at the start of September started working as a loader, pretty much (complicated story involving social anxiety and, possibly...
  23. SrVishi

    Schools Question about Florida Atlantic University.

    How is the physics program at Florida Atlamtic University? Is it a good program? Is the school good in general? I ask this because I am most likely going to end up at this university and I am concerned with the quality. All responses will be greatly appreciated!
  24. M

    Exploring Engineering Education: UK University Rankings

    Recently, i had conversation with a professor who completed his Msc and Phd in a UK university about 7 years ago ( i think it was Central Lancashire,i'm 95% sure, if my memory is right) and i am surprised by his words.All below are about engineering field. According to him, it does not matter...
  25. I

    Schools How much does your PhD university count?

    Hi, I am a student in theoretical/fundamental physics that finished his masters couple of weeks ago. I'm still looking for a PhD starting asap. I am quite interested in an opened position at a UK top 10-15 university, the project seems interesting enough to invest 3 years in it. But I have...
  26. D

    Schools What do you think is needed to get full tuition at your average university?

    I was thinking it was something among the lines of 1300/1600 SAT or 29 ACT and Top 10% of your class or 3.5 GPA, but I'm not sure and am looking for confirmation. Thank you.
  27. Greg Bernhardt

    Duke University Astronomy 101 Online Course

    Duke University is hosting a free course (video lectures) on "Introduction to Astronomy" by Ronen Plesser. Starts Nov 27th. Free to sign up! https://www.coursera.org/course/introastro
  28. O

    Schools Deciding undergrad physics university in Canada

    Hello, I am from Israel (English speaker, so don't take it in account) looking to study towards an undergrad degree in Canada. Eventually my dream is to become a theoretical physicist. I am NOT looking for a so called "re-known" university. Don't understand me wrong, I am not a slacker looking...
  29. E

    Schools University of PA - worth the cost?

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  30. I

    Schools Chapman University: Taking General Physics I Without Ever Having Taken Calculus

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  31. A

    Schools Significance of the undergraduate university you join for physics

    How important do you think is the "reputation" of the college that one joins after high school, especially for physics ? I've seen a lot of "fools" going to big name colleges , which charge exorbitant fees ,and getting those top jobs, whereas the talented and hard working from relatively...
  32. S

    Schools The importance of gaining perspective in a university eduacation

    Hi all, Just looking for some advice regarding university (again). Here's the 411 on my situation: I'm just your average mathematics major at a big public university in Canada. I've gone through freshman year with excellent grades and am about to start my second year in the math honors...
  33. D

    Schools Taking First-year University Physics w/o Grade 12 Algebra?

    Hey everyone, I'm a philosophy major hoping to pick up physics as a minor. However, I do not have the grade 12 maths from high school (I goofed off a lot :)). I was wondering if first-year university physics is doable without the knowledge of the algebraic equations and applications? I...
  34. L

    Schools Looking For Guidance In Choosing University

    Looking For Guidance In Choosing University! Please Help! Hello everybody, I am a Grade 12 student from Canada about to apply for university. I am hoping to get into university for Aerospace Engineering and am considering several different Universities.. I am considering the following...
  35. M

    Discussion Questions in University physics by young

    Hello I took a general physics course 2 years ago, and now I am trying to refresh a bit on my knowledge of physics so I started solving discussion questions+problems in University physics by young My problem is I can't verify my answers nor can I look for the correct answer if I don't know...
  36. S

    Schools University Degree Choosing Help. (Engineering vs Theoretical)

    I'm leaving high school to choose a degree and I'm having a hard time choosing and I thought I wouldn't loose anything by asking here for opinions and maybe similar experiences. I have mediocre grades overall, though I get very good physics and maths sometimes, others I get average (14/20...
  37. M

    Schools How much notice should I take of the University Rankings?

    I'm applying to do particle physics next year, with the hope of eventually getting a PhD, although I have been told that if I do theoretical physics it won't really matter because they're very similar and I can still do a PhD in particle (I know someone starting her PhD in particle with a...
  38. D

    Schools First Quarter Classes at a University

    Hi everyone, I went to my orientation yesterday. Overall it was very enjoyable. During high school I did both Calculus 1, and Calculus 2. Due to my grade in Calculus 2, my adviser suggested I retake it to keep my GPA as high as possible. She explained that I need to maintain a 3.5 in my...
  39. A

    Schools Is University of Cambridge good?

    Hi, For my undergraduate degree, I intend to study at the University of British Columbia. For my Masters and PHD I am hoping to study at Cambridge. How good is the Physics program at Cambridge? I am interested in Particle Astrophysics. I noticed that on their website they don't (at least...
  40. D

    Difference between University Physics and College Physics (by Young et al)

    I currently have College Physics by Young/Geller. My friend (who is superb at physics) told me that that book is not good and University Physics by Young/Freedman is a better choice. I would really like to know what is the difference between these 2 books? Should I invest in the Uni Physics...
  41. C

    Schools Is Texas A&M University a Good School

    Is Texas A&M University a "Good School" Hi everyone, I'm going to be a senior in high school this year and will probably be attending Texas A&M pursuing a major in bio or physics the year after that when I go to college. I'm kind of upset that I feel like I've "wasted" my time in high school...
  42. L

    Schools Help choosing a university in Arizona

    Hello everyone! I just signed up and spent the entire morning searching and reading threads on the forum. I've been doing research on universities in Arizona that offer degrees in Aerospace Engineering. I'm currently attending Yavapai college and have been for the past few semesters as it is...
  43. A

    Schools University- Wisconsin Milwaukee.

    Is the physics program at university Wisconsin Milwaukee any good? What about university of San francisco? And Regis university and Marquette university?
  44. M

    Schools How much the previous university matters while applying to graduate program?

    Will I be in disadvantage while applying to american top universities (MIT, Harvard... you know...) if I had an undergraduate degree from an South African, Portuguese or Chinese university? please, answer about each case.
  45. P

    Schools Taking an honors physics class at a local university while in high school.

    So I am participating in a program that allows me to take classes at a local university and the counselor suggested that because I plan to go into physics when I go off to college (I will be a high school senior next year) it would be a good idea to take the honors introductory course that is...
  46. veronica1999

    MHB POTW for University Students week 13

    I know this problem is way beyond my level, but I worked really hard. (1 full week) After seeing the solution I see my work is nonsense. Is it all rubbish or is there a tiny bit that can be saved?
  47. X

    Schools Transferring from OttawaU to the University of Toronto

    hey guys, I am a high school student who recently graduated from high school. I am entering my first year of University at the University of Ottawa, doing a bachelor of science specializing in biochemistry. But, after first year I desperately want to transfer to U of T when entering second year...
  48. B

    Schools What's chemistry like in university? Lots of math?

    Hello, I am planning to major in chemistry and I just wanted to know if a lot of the material is, or requires, mathematics. I love math and I would say I am pretty good at it. It would be my second choice for a major. However, I heard that chemistry is not really a mathematical science, more...
  49. P

    Do You Guys Keep Your University Textbooks or Sell Them?

    I use to sell a lot of my university textbooks (mainly because I was just following what other people around me were doing. Basically I was following the herd so to speak), but it wasn't until recently (as in the past couple of weeks) that I realized that it can sometimes be a very bad idea to...
  50. A

    Schools I got kicked out of my University. Do I still have a chance at Grad school?

    I got kicked out of my University. Should I still invest farther time and money to get a college education? Do I still have a shot at Graduate school? I got dismissed from the University of California, Davis due to my unsatisfactory grades I got there during my freshmen year. I admit I didn't...
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