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. M

    Schools Preparing for University: Balancing Academics and Social Life in Physics

    In about a month I will be studying physics in university after graduating from high school. Are there general advice you guys can give me? I don't know what to expect and I'm anxious about failing. What should I do meanwhile during the holiday, and during school time? Should I simply study...
  2. M

    Schools Tips for a freshman mathematics university student

    Next year, I will study mathematics at university. I think I'm well prepared, I already did some linear algebra (I got some books from my brother who studies physics and the mathematicians and physicists share some courses in the first year) and with effort it seems to work out. But, are there...
  3. Liam C

    Admissions What are the chances of getting into an Ivy School from CA

    I live in Canada but I want to go to a university in the US after I graduate HS. Does anyone have any experience similar to this? What are my chances of getting into an Ivy league school compared to those who already live in the U.S? Any data, statistics, personal or secondhand experience...
  4. P

    Studying Which books should I read before starting university?

    [I know that I've already posted the question, but I'm just looking for more answers.] I just graduated from high school and will begin university physics classes in 2 months. Even though I got decent grades in high school and understood most of the things, I feel as though there are still some...
  5. Sirsh

    Schools Admission into UC University from Australia

    Hey all, Due to circumstances, I have been researching into universities within California to attend after I complete my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering (B.Eng) to pursue a masters degree in engineering. I am under the assumption that it would be more difficult for myself to get...
  6. Liam C

    Schools Is it too late to turn around my grades (High School)?

    Let me preface this by saying I am in the ninth grade: I ended my grade 9 math course with a 60%. Why, one might ask? Because I was lazy and not thinking about my future. It's my own fault. I am going to retake the course online by correspondence and do my best. I think I have potential and...
  7. P

    Schools Should I read University Physics by Freeman & Young right no

    I just graduated from high school and will begin university physics classes in 2 months. Even though I got decent grades, I feel as though there are still some gaps in my knowledge. I have Calculus by Stewart and University physics. Which one should I start reading and hope to complete in 2...
  8. Gimblestitch

    Schools Open University - BSc Mathematics and Physics?

    Good, bad or indifferent? Any ideas or suggestions? Gimblestitch
  9. I

    Physics Interested in undergraduate research at other university

    Hello, I'm currently a second year undergrad (third once summer ends) majoring in applied physics. Currently I'm doing research at my university about muon beam cooling. However, even though this topic is interesting, I'm mainly interested in the cooling and trapping of anti-particles which is...
  10. obstinatus

    Schools Will transferring solve anything?

    I'm a physics undergrad with a year's worth of credit remaining to complete my degree, all 300 and 400 level courses as I've already done gen eds/ humanities. After graduating high school, I attended a noncompetitive state school for a year and was very alienated, the school lacking support for...
  11. E

    Schools What school is good for my undergrad?

    I live in Texas, and I'm going on my senior year of high school. I've come to a problem, I don't know what college/university I should continue my education at. I've already decided what I hope to do when I'm older- qft and quantum gravity, but I don't know what place is good to further ones...
  12. Bumpeh

    Courses Good Math Electives for Astronomy

    Hello everyone! So, I'm currently double majoring in Math and Physics at my University. My end goal is to hopefully go onto graduate school to earn a PhD in Astronomy, the specific areas of Astronomy I'm interested in are Observational Astronomy, Instrumentation and Planetary Science. Here are...
  13. O

    Schools University of Hawaii physics PhD-neutrino physics?

    Was wondering if anyone could give me some stats about the University of Hawaii. I'm tentatively looking at them for particle astrophysics or neutrino physics. Anyone know what the acceptance rate is/how hard it is to get in? Any reviews of the school? Should ranking concern me? They seem to do...
  14. K

    Math Book for All Levels: From Beginner to University

    (sorry for my poor english.) is there a math book for learning mathematics from the beggining until university level, like there's University Physics for physics?
  15. R

    Admissions What are the requirements to study theoretical physics?

    I am a high school student (still in grade 11) I want to study theoretical physics in USA or Switzerland but I am from the middle east (Lebanon) and I want to know what I need to be accept in theoretical physics what subjects I need and please tell me the grade for each subject I need example ...
  16. H

    Schools Undergraduate in university with no astronomy

    Hi everyone, I'm matriculating at a local university in Physics in a few months and my ultimate goal is to do a PhD in astronomy/astrophysics at a reputable US university after I graduate. I am aware research experience as an undergraduate is paramount in securing a good PhD spot and I have...
  17. F

    Schools College choice: UCSB or Cambridge?

    As an international student who has recently completed high school, I now need to decide what college I will go to. Since "Cambridge, duh" gets a bit irritating after one has heard it a thousand times, I decided to write up a little list of the pros and cons I associate with each of the two...
  18. CrunchBerries

    Classical University Physics with Modern Physics by Bauer/Westfall?

    Good day, I made a purchase of this book by Bauer-Westfall, then realized I was looking for the Young/Freedman version. Did I get a good book or is this a paper weight? I am using this for self study from Newton to E&M along with Single Variable calculus. Any general opinions? Get another...
  19. S

    Some questions about university faculty during the summer

    Hi everyone! I saw the following thread on Reddit about university faculty during the summer. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAcademia/comments/2h729e/do_professors_get_summers_off/ Some of the respondents claim that college/university faculty do not get paid at all during the summer in the US. I...
  20. J

    Programs Prospects of physics "expert" w/o degree

    I apologize for the bad title. I did not know what to put. Also, English isn't my best language as well. If clarification is needed, I will provide it. So, anyways. I was wondering how much prospects I would have for finding any physics related job if I didn't have a degree. I am saying this...
  21. K

    Schools University Mathematics Abstraction

    I'm currently a first year MathPhys student, and next year I have to decide my stream. I can pick a combination (pure) Mathematics, Applied & Computationtal. Mathematics, Statistics, MathSci, Physics, Theoretical Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space. Naturally there are restrictions, and I...
  22. ujjwal3097

    Schools Which University is good for physics and computer science?

    Hi I have been admitted to University of Toronto[ Trinity college] and McGill University as an international student for physics major. I am planning to do double major in computer science and physics. I want to know which university is better for these subject at an undergrad level. I have to...
  23. H

    Schools Is the PhD program at University of Pittsburgh good?

    Hi. I am a perspective PhD student interested. It seems Pitt is the best offer I can get.Does anyone know about the PhD program at University of Pittsburgh? Is Pitt a good choice for my future academic career?
  24. victorhugo

    Schools Dealing with sleep as a night owl university student?

    The "10PM - 7AM" sort of sleep just doesn't work for me. I've been getting a lot more studying done by sleeping 2am-8am and napping for as long as I can (which is an unstable 00:10 - 01:20 hours) in the afternoon, but I'm noticing the side effects of sleep deprivation in my cognitive...
  25. P

    Schools How to get into a top graduate school from an unknown university?

    I am an international student and I was admitted to UT Arlington with 100% tuition scholarship for fall 2016. The reasons why I couldn't make it to a better university are lack of guidance and lack of funds. But now, I will have all the guidance in the world since I'm going to an American...
  26. M

    Schools Studying mathematics in university

    Hello all. Next year, I'm going to attend the university. I really want to study mathematics, since I enjoy doing this. My grades are quite high, but I spend a lot of time understanding what's really happening, although this is not always possible. I also spend time by learning things like...
  27. ujjwal3097

    Schools Which university should I choose for physics major?

    Hi everyone I am an international students from India. I have applied to few Canadian and American universities. I want to study physics and maths as a double major in college. I am a bit confused and not able to make a good decision. I have been admitted to the following universities...
  28. M

    In university lectures, what note-taking software do you use?

    Hi For keeping with full disclosure - I hope to use this information to determine the need for an idea I've had that would make the lives of maths/physics students easier. I have just two questions I hope you can answer... What software do you use for taking notes during lectures and...
  29. Peter25samaha

    Schools MIT university -- Good for both undergrad and graduate physics?

    MIT University is good for taking both graduated and undergraduated physics courses ?
  30. G

    Schools Which Is Better for Physics: Boston University or UC Davis?

    Hi everyone! I'm an international student who just got accepted to those two great Unis! I'm really happy, however, I really don't know where to go. I plan to major in Physics, and to continue my grad school in physics too, especially, theoretical physics. Could someone give me an objective...
  31. C

    Schools Comparing CU Boulder & University of Maryland for Quantum Information PhD

    Hi everyone, Hoping someone can give me insight on this. I am visiting two schools next week - CU Boulder and University of Maryland, both of which I have been accepted to for quantum information experiment (PhD.) Both are very highly ranked and seem to have great departments, and I'm...
  32. Zionic

    What are Zionic's interests and accomplishments in the world of science?

    Hello, Hope you are having a great day so far. My name is Dominique, but feel free to refer me as Zionic. I am currently attending a University and majoring in Chemical Physics with a minor Concentration in Nuclear Science. However, I'm transitioning into Chemical Engineering through another...
  33. E

    Studying Comparing AP Calculus to College Calculus

    Hello everyone, I was just wondering what AP Calculus is compared to a regular college class and if they are comparable. For example does AP Calculus teach computational skills over conceptual over vise-versa? Or how does the AP Calculus curriculum compare to a regular college calculus class...
  34. E

    Studying How would I self teach myself Calculus

    Hey everybody, I am currently trying to find the best way to teach myself Calculus. I would like to be proficient in the field and I would like to study physics later at college. Has anybody had experience teaching themselves calculus and if so how did you do it. Also I am open to any...
  35. T

    Testing Exam-Taking Tips for University Students

    Hello everyone, I am a first year university student studying astrophysics. I have a question regarding test-taking. I've noticed this year that during exams I tend to leave a lot of marks on the page. That is to say, I study thoroughly and devote a lot of time to doing so, but when it comes to...
  36. UrsaMinorTN

    Engineering Looking Into the University of TN-NE Program

    Hey guys, I am a brand new member here on this forum and am in need of some advice within the realm of NucEngineering within the general sense. I started college years back in 2008, but have since dropped out for lack of interest and a few other personal issues. I have been in the restaurant...
  37. C

    Do grades matter for PhD? How can I study better?

    Hello, I am an undergraduate at UNLV. Before, I was at a community college for a few years before I went to UNLV. I used to be art major for a few semester but I didn't like it very much so I changed it to general education as I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. Last year, I thought of becoming...
  38. A

    Schools Theoretical physics at Uppsala University

    I have been accepted to the the theoretical physics program at Uppsala University. It ranks around 60-120 in the world for physics and astronomy. I know these rankings aren't the best metric to determine how good a program is, but it gives me an idea. I want to know how good the program is for...
  39. M

    Schools How good is the Ohio State University at high energy physics

    OSU ranks 31 according to ARWU-Physics-2015 and 25 according to US News/Physics. That sounds good enough, except for two facts which I want to be clarified. 1) According to gradschoolshopper.com the acceptance rate at OSU-Physics PhD in Fall 2015 was 35%, which seems quite high for a school of...
  40. Amey Shukla

    Schools Good colleges with full-paid scholarships

    Right, I am poor. Consider pretty great in India, but hey if you compare that to the fees of MIT or UCLA or Oxford, don't have that much. I would like to have an undergraduate degree in Physics. But, time and time again, I am struck. There is variety, but I would like to enter the best I can...
  41. M

    Schools Why is The University of Oregon too bad at ranking

    I applied to UO for a PhD because after browsing their HEP staff webpages I was impressed because most of them had their PhD degree from top schools. But I then got surprised by their bad ranking. They aren't even mentioned in ARWU top 200 grad schools in physics. Even 300 top schools in physics...
  42. nananahahanana

    Schools Is UManitoba an Okay university for physics?

    I got into USask, UAlberta, UVic, and UManitoba. However, UManitoba is the only university offering my financial aid to the extent that I will need to take out only a small student loan. I intend to study physics with the goal of getting into a decent physics grad-school. If I go to UManitoba...
  43. GadgetStrutter

    Joining the Canadian Air Forces + Get Paid for Physics

    Hello everybody, this is my first post on here. I'd like to make my entrance by asking a question that's very important to me. I would like to ask what it's like to get your University PhD in Physics paid for by the Canadian Air Forces. I've been asking a lot of people, but I thought its time to...
  44. thegirl

    Schools A third year physics university student

    Hi I don't really know how I got to third year but I'm here and I'm a bit disappointed in the fact that I've learned stuff but at the same time feel like I haven't really learned much. I would love going through books and reading in depth about what my lecturers are teaching me, like I like...
  45. Experience111

    Schools University of Washington A&A Master's degree

    Hi, I'm interested in this master's degree with a concentration in plasma physics at the University of Washington. However, I realized that the Aeronautics and Aerospace department department is part of the College of Engineering and I don't really want to follow engineering centric courses as...
  46. S

    Intro Physics Difference between Physics and Fundamental University Physic

    What is the difference between "Physics" (1 volume, 1156 pages) and "Fundamental University Physics" (3 volumes) by Alonso Finn? Is the former 3 volumes bound as one or a revised edition?
  47. Abtinnn

    Programs Physics and Neuroscience degree?

    Hello! I am currently in grade 12. I really like neuroscience and physics (more towards physics) and would like to pursue them in university. Would it be a good idea to do a physics and neuroscience double major or something? I'm thinking of really trying to combine the two, so that I do physics...
  48. A

    I with choosing my academic path

    Hello, I am a senior high school student living in Western Europe. Although I haven't been really fond of mathematics in the past years, I have began to admire it as I advanced. This year I have been introduced to pre-calculus and I really liked it. Also my major interest since my childhood has...
  49. D

    Should I major in IT and attempt to find a career in it?

    I am currently one class away from acquiring an AA in IT. I have a 3.6 in the IT academic program (3.38 overall due to failing my first programming course this semester). Weirdly enough, math and science are my weaknesses. I was initially a Psychology major (3.72 degree audit) and chose to not...
  50. Elvis 123456789

    Schools Good transfer schools(undergraduate) for a physics major?

    Hey everybody, I'm currently at Miami-Dade College in Florida finishing up my last semester before I transfer. My classes this semester are Intr. to Diff equ, Calculus 3, physics 2 and the lab, and some bs general requirement. I have a 3.95 GPA, my only B is in a Biology course I took. I haven't...
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