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 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...
  2. J

    Schools Need help with my physics choice at university

    I'm going to do physics at university and I really want to do a masters and go into research. Currently, I've just finished my AS Levels so I'll be going to university in 2013. I really want to do research because I want to try to solve and work on new, cutting edge research, not look at proven...
  3. N

    Schools Prestige vs Grades Which university should I pick?

    Hi, i plan on one day going to university, either University of Toronto or University of Waterloo. Waterloo is not internationally known while U of T is but it's programs are apparently extremely hard and the bell curves are ridiculous (knowledge from months of forum discussions, couldn't be...
  4. S

    Schools Top University League Tables for Global Physics Performance

    Hi there Can anyone recommend what is the best freely accessible (global) league tables for University's performance in all fields of physics? Thanks
  5. K

    Schools [UG]} UBC OR University Of Toronto For ECE(Engineering)

    Hello I am currently deciding between UBC or Toronto for Electrical engineering. I have spent my first year at toronto, and I neither like nor dislike the university. I applied transfer for mainly two reasons: 1) my parent wants me to stay vancouver with them 2) high living cost at Toronto...
  6. M

    Schools Which engineering discipline should I choose for my scholarship in Ukraine?

    Hello, I've been awarded a scholarship to study engineering in Ukraine. Its the end of the academic year and I most make a decision where to head to. I have two choices. 1. Petroleum engineering There is only one university in Ukraine which offers this course and its the university of oil and...
  7. 4

    Schools Chapman University vs. Lawrence University

    Okay... probably no one knows both of the university. They are both extremely small school. But please read this post, and I think anyone can help me out here. Before I describe my situation, I thank you for your help. Like many of you here, I am a physics enthusiast. When I first took...
  8. T

    Schools Which University Offers Better Prestige and Job Opportunities?

    Hello, I would like to ask you for advice regarding my university choice, as I do not know personally anybody who could give me an informed opinion. I won a scholarship for a Master's degree in Computational Science and Engineering at ETH Zurich and a scholarship to follow a similar degree...
  9. R

    Schools What Educational Path Should I Follow to Become an Astrophysicist in the UK?

    Hello, i live in the UK and am wondering what courses i have to take at university to become and astrophysicist. I realize that its advisable to do a PhD/Doctorate at some point but do i have to do a full bachelors and masters degree individually or can i just do a masters?
  10. binbagsss

    Schools Durham or Warwick University for Physics

    - in general which is better for theoretical physics , considering factors: teaching style, enthusiasm for the subject, course content and the way the maths is taught - I've read that it's more applied in Durham whereas in Warwick it's more pure and abstract. I'm not too sure though to what...
  11. D

    Schools Does anyone know who administers courses in a university?

    The reason I ask this because I have about two conflicts for my timetable and it's holding me back from completing my degree sooner. Does anyone know who, in a university, handles course conflicts? I know it depends on what university I go to, but could someone give me a general idea...
  12. G

    Schools Military-related project proposal in University

    Hi I am an applied math/physics undergrad, I am interested in developing/inventing a new technology that will benefit for the military. Is it ok if I propose a research project that relates to military in my university? I want to point out that I don't want to be involve in killing human...
  13. B

    Schools Needing help choosing a university for eng Big decision

    Needing help choosing a university for eng! Big decision! Hey guys, long story short I am a 17 year old in southern Ontario kid who has been admitted to every university I applied to mechanical engineering. To make things simple, I have narrowed the my choices to two universities: Queens and...
  14. T

    Schools Help choosing an UG university for a 2nd Bachelors

    I've been accepted to study as an undergraduate at the University at Buffalo, Ohio State University, and Arizona State University. I'm waiting to hear from Purdue University. I'm going to be studying physics, and only physics. I already have my B.A. in English from Binghamton University, so...
  15. S

    Physics Experiment for high school physics relating to University physics research

    Hi I need to do a presentation at university; relating to high level physics research presented to final year high school students and it needs to include an experiment or demonstration Any ideas ? Experiments ?
  16. S

    Schools Can I study in USA after I have dropped out in EU university?

    Hi, I am from Spain. I have dropped out from a university (2 years of medicine in Spain without any degree) and now after 4 years I would like to study a completely different subject and that's physics (or theoretical physics if possible) in the United States. Is this possible or I have no...
  17. V

    Schools Physics - Imperial College London vs Durham University

    So I really need some advice on whether to pick Imperial or Durham as my firm because I'm torn between the two. I really liked Durham and the collegiate system because it would probably be easier to make more friends this way. It also has a very good Physics department. I always read...
  18. B

    SPH4U University Grade 12 Physics - Coulomb's Law?

    Homework Statement SPH4U University Grade 12 Physics - Coulomb's Law? I have to determine the answer using Coulomb's Law. Please help me figure out how to do this ! Three point charges, q₁= -5.00 μC, q₂= -4.00 μC, and q₃ which is negative are arranged as shown on three corner of side...
  19. A

    Schools Anybody attends university of Toronto for physics?

    I got accepted to University of Toronto for physics So I would like to know more about my future undergrad It would be amazing if upperyear students from university of toronto (preferably st.geroge campus) tell me about the school ex) 1. School life 2. Research opportunity 3. Competitions...
  20. S

    Exploring Math/Stat Paths: University vs. Competitions?

    Hello everyone. I am an international student who wishes to pursue a bachelors degree in mathematics or statistics. I am doing quite well in my senior year (90+% or 7 in IB HL Maths), although I do realize that high school grades do not matter much in studying the 'real' mathematics. I have been...
  21. C

    Schools Rutgers New Brunswick or University of Maryland?

    Hello everyone, first time poster here. I'm a high school senior from Chicago interested in studying physics. The two schools I've narrowed it down to are Rutgers NB, and University of Maryland in College Park. I'm completely torn because both schools are so great. RUTGERS: PROS -more...
  22. S

    Schools Which university is the best for a physics degree

    I was just wondering which university, in england, would you say is the best for a physics degree. I was hoping to go to manchester, but they've put up their entry requirements too high, so I am thinking probably birmingham. Are there any other unis that you would suggest?
  23. QuarkCharmer

    Schools How should I handle my university dropping me from a crucial course?

    I am always on top of my schedule. I use the GI bill to pay for school, and it is based on time, so it is crucial that I finish my undergraduate degree in a small amount of time. This requires proper course planning as you can imagine. As soon as my registration opens, I pick my classes. I...
  24. R

    Schools Very concerned about transferring to four year university

    Hello everyone! I am having a bit of an anxiety stricken moment and would really love some advice. I apologize in advance if I type a bit lengthy, as I am quite expressive in real life... I am currently an undergrad student at a local community college in my city. I received my...
  25. T

    Schools How do I choose a good university for myself?

    I'm currently studying pre-IB, which means that two years later I should have graduated from secondary school. Physics and English are my favorite subjects (science and English have always been my favorites), and I want to study physics in university somewhere in the States. I'm not really sure...
  26. C

    Schools Nanoscale Engineering at University of Maryland: Worth It?

    I got accepted to this program and to University of Maryland's materials engineering program (where I would also be studying nanoscale properties), and was curious how the nanoscale engineering program there is regarded, since it is never ranked (since it doesn't fit in any engineering...
  27. N

    Schools REU -> Grad school at that University

    This summer I am going to participate in a REU program at a top school for my field. I'm not a super spectacular student but get decent grades and do some quality research (but no publications yet). Honestly, I'm not quite sure why they picked me, as several of my peers with better grades (but...
  28. S

    Schools I can't afford University yet, prep suggestions please

    I attended a certain engineering school in Philly for 4 years switching from Computer Science to software engineering to not going there anymore. I have attained an AS (wahoo!) in info systems. I know that's relatively useless other than the C++ training. I don't enjoy this kind of work and I...
  29. S

    Schools Preparing for Engineering University: Tips and Advice for Future Students

    Are there any particular things that one should do in preparation before enrolling in engineering for university (apart from high school, of course)? Anything in particular that people wish they had done?
  30. P

    Seeking Complementary University Resources for Mary L Boas' Math Methods Book

    Sorry if this is the wrong section, it wouldn't let me post in the Science Learning Material area. Basically I started self-studying Mary L Boas book Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences. I've seen a lot of great things about the book and I know it's very popular in Mathematical...
  31. S

    Schools Prestige University or Regular accredited university?

    Hi, I'm a undergraduate, major in physics at Weber State University in Utah. I have a very serious debate about whether is better for me to graduate here at Weber or make a transfer to the University of Florida (since am a resident in Florida). I began by getting my GED at seminole Sate...
  32. I

    Grade 12 University: Algebraic vectors help

    Hi everyone! 1. Homework Statement α=90° β=31° \gamma=121° 2. Homework Equations I need to determine the magnitude of one of the sides? 3. The Attempt at a Solution I don't understand how to solve for the magnitude.
  33. W

    Schools Is College Holding Back Self-Learners Who Are Ahead of the Curriculum?

    I'm a self learner. I've been programming since I'm 10 years old. I'm cursing Electronics and Computer Engineering on the best university of my city. But there are many problems. 40% of the curriculum consists of things I already know, 40% consists of things that are either irrelevant for me or...
  34. Z

    Schools University of HK VS The Chinese university of HK

    Hi, I'm looking for opinions on these universities about graduate physics program (quality of courses, labs etc ...). I'm interested in doing research in relativistic astrophysics. I can't find anything on Google, so maybe some of you have already studied there and could tell me more ...
  35. T

    Schools Which Alberta University is Best for Undergrad Physics?

    I'm planning on going to university in Alberta for at least my first year as I want to remain closer to home at first. I'm majoring in physics and was wondering if U of Alberta or U of Calgary would be the better choice. Right now my preferred choice is Calgary as I enjoy the city a lot more...
  36. L

    Schools How good is edinburgh university astrophysics department?

    hi guys, i have completed my Masters in physics from India.i have applied for phd in edinburgh university for cosmology?how good is it when compared to their european counterparts?
  37. D

    Choosing a University for an AA in Physics & Astrophysics

    I am currently working on my AA in physics at a state college, with intentions to transfer to a university to get my bachelors and then hopefully masters and so on. I'm not sure if I should attend The University of Florida or Florida State University. Maybe there is another university I should...
  38. R

    I'm prepairing for university entrance examination and

    Homework Statement i have some multiple choice questions that I'm not sure about the answer,therefore i need help here. Could anyone suggest the choice of each question with a brief explanation to help me. Question 1. The oscillation of a pendulum is simple harmonic when the amplitude is...
  39. L

    Schools Getting started physics at university

    Hi, I am final year student at gymnasium. I am planing to start studying physics at university and my biggest hope is to get to one of the UK universities. I have sent my ucas application and I am thinking about which university of my chosen is the best for studies of physics. I have selected...
  40. N

    Swansea University puts up toilet instruction posters

    It's Friday night, I'm bored and too fed up with everything to do anything constructive. As such: "Swansea University puts up toilet instruction posters". http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-16983788 The picture is epic.
  41. C

    Schools Engineering at Dalhousie university

    Hello! I am in grade 12 and will be attending engineering school next year. I think I'll either do electrical or computer engineering. I haven't totally decided on what school to go to yet. I'm thinking about either Dalhousie or perhaps Waterloo. I know Waterloo is more prestigious, but I...
  42. N

    Schools Is Rice University the Best Choice for Physics Research Opportunities?

    I have been seeing a lot of exciting research being dished out from Rice University. I've considered that university before but ultimately planned for Rutgers university because of close proximity and prowess in physics and mathematics. But I'm a bit worried that Rutgers university won't foster...
  43. K

    Schools Has anyone attended University of Colorado?

    Boulder campus for engineering? Did you like the curriculum and campus?
  44. C

    Exploring Multiplexing ADC for University Project

    Hi For my final year university project, I have an array of 9 hall effect current sensors producing a maximum current output of 25mA each. They're producing an analog output which I need to convert into digital signals so I can process them using an evaluation board and C++ code. At the...
  45. P

    What is the odds of being a professor at a top tier university?

    I have wet dreams( not necessary wet) that I will be a math( or anything) professor at Harvard(or any of the top tier schools). I did some research, and look at the faculty of those top universities. Most of them are rather old. I look at when they got their PHDs, I discovery that in these top...
  46. D

    Schools Teaching at a University in Subject Other than PhD Dissertation

    Hello everyone, I love reading the posts on PF. I enjoy hearing the experiences and thoughts from engineers, scientists, hobbyists, etc. who love science. I have a question regarding academia: does anyone know how easy or difficult it is to become a professor in a department outside of...
  47. P

    Schools Finding the Right Canadian University for Physics Masters with Subpar Grades

    Hi all, Could anyone recommend any Canadian university offering a master's in physics that is likely to accept students with subpar grades in their upper year courses but who do have some research experience? I guess the top tier schools like University of Toronto or McGill are probably out...
  48. G

    University Honors Program Yes or No

    Hi, When I was in high school I took a lot of hard courses and was also involved extra curricular activities with a full 12 seasons of sports, I was also in a couple of clubs. As a result however I was absolutely miserable and hated high school, due to a lack of sleep among other things. All...
  49. G

    Career at your University - Ideas?

    So I had an idea pop into my head. After completing my degree do you think it would be a good idea to try to get a degree related job on campus? That way I would never have to leave =). It's pretty screwed up but some kids I went to high school with got free tution to my university who...
  50. G

    What kind of job could I get BEFORE university?

    I've posted here before regarding wtf to do about education. I've found the perfect thing... a preperatory course that sets me up to study physics... and it's FREE! :biggrin: It's a night course so I can still work full time. But I want to work somewhere that I can gain additional...
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