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 Entrance in Princeton University for Post doct. in cosmology

    after having an integrated m.sc and p.hd from any institute of India qualified through JEST exam ,what i have to do to have an entrance in Princeton university for post doctorate in Cosmology?
  2. winx

    Aerospace Engineering in Canada: Scope, Employment & University Comparisons

    Well this is my first post, i am currently in the last year of school, looking forward to apply for universities in Canada (on a student visa). Though earlier i was very adamant to do aerospace engineer particularly for its 'astronautical' part, well, i know its not easy to get into space...
  3. R

    Schools Community College Physics vs University Physics

    I apologize if this is the wrong place to put this in advance. Hello. Well, recently I completed the Calculus based Physics(General Physics I and II) at my community college. In both classes, my grade was a B. My dilemma is that I am wondering whether I whether getting a B here means that I am...
  4. D

    Schools Choosing a University for a Masters in Nuclear Engineering

    I'm a Mechanical Engineering student here in Australia, having lived here my entire life. I'm finishing up my last topic in second year over the summer/Christmas holidays and have spent the last 12 months working for a gas/energy startup (are we still a startup now we're listed?) as a junior...
  5. B

    Schools Best undergrad school I got accepted to?

    I was recently accepted into 5 universities Penn State University ( 2 years at Behrend then 2 years at main), Ohio University, Waynesburg University, Kent State University, and the University of Akron. I got into the physics programs in all of those schools. I was wondering which school would be...
  6. I

    Mechanics, First year university Physics

    Homework Statement A space traveller lands on a small planet whose circumference is 12,500 km. He releases a hammer and a table tennis ball simultaneously from rest and from a height of 1.6 m, timing their fall to take 0.66 s. Determine the density of the planet. What can you conclude about its...
  7. N

    Transferring to a decent school from a California CC

    Hey Y'all! I apologize for the length of my post, but it is an issue that has been causing me a lot of stress! I'm currently a sophomore student at a California community college and I intend to transfer into an undergrad Physics program. I really would prefer to go out of state and have always...
  8. M

    Is a Masters in Nuclear Engineering Worth It for a Mechanical Engineer?

    Hi guys. I'm a mechanical engineer, due to graduate this year if everything goes according to plan. I'm considering doing a masters in nuclear engineering (first honours then masters of course). Now, I not sure how useful this will be, or even if it will be of any advantage at all. The work is...
  9. J

    [Uni Physics 2] Inductance Problem

    Homework Statement Two identical long wires of radius a = 2.90 mm are parallel and carry identical currents of i = 5.00 A in opposite directions. Their center-to-center separation is W = 17.0 cm. Neglect the flux within the wires but consider the flux in the region between the wires. What is...
  10. J

    I love biology and physics but I'm not sure what to study

    Hi, I love biology and want to go into research but I also love physics and want to become a physicist. In the UK you can only study one at degree level and there are no joint or double majors. So, I need some advice. Thanks
  11. S

    Schools How do I prove my AI idea at University if I cannot make it?

    Hi, so, I have this AI creation I want to make, which, like some experiments i.e. the LHC/ect it is either too big, too nano, too much, too code-wanting, to make, and I can't and won't be making my AI invention, or more precisely, I won't be coding it up or connecting the camera gizmos ect...
  12. YogiBear

    Optics and waves, mirage. University physics

    Mirage: we consider the x-y plane describing vertical y and horizontal x directions, with an inhomogeneous index of refraction n(y). In this case, using calculus of variations, Fermat’s principle for the trajectory of a ray of light may be re-written as n(y)/√1+(dy/dx)^2 = A. Where A is a real...
  13. S

    MHB Need Help with University Question? Let's Discuss!

    Hi there, I'm currently doing one of the questions off a practice sheet given to us at uni, however am stuck due to not fully understanding the concept of the question. I've tried attempting it different ways but just cannot find a place to start. Can anyone please help me out here? I've...
  14. O

    Easy university force/motion problem

    1. A block with the mass m=2,0kg is dropped from 0,5 meters above an incline with an angle of 30 degrees. The incline stands on a table , as shown in the following picture. The table is 2 meters high. The friction is negligible. a) Determine the acceleration of the block while sliding on the...
  15. T

    Asymptotic notation is taught in which course in university?

    Which course/book introduce asymptotic notation a deep and rigorious level, yet assume students did not know asymptotic notation before. It should nvolve proof of big O notation like superpolynomial and subexponenial.
  16. O

    Easy university problem Newton's 2nd law

    The question is basically, a block with a mass "m" is sliding up and down on a incline plane with an angle of inclination that is β. The leaving velocity (Start velocity v_i) is v0 and the frictionskoefficient is between the plane and the block is μ. Determine the velocity "v" when the block...
  17. M

    Personal Statement Undergraduate

    I'm applying for joint honor course in Mathematics and Physics and single honor course in Theoretical Physics at universities in the UK. I am struggling with putting into words what I enjoy about physics and mathematics in my personal statement. I have the other paragraphs in place (I think)...
  18. S

    Schools University Guidance: Study Engineering in 2nd Tier Colleges

    Hi, I want to study engineering (Probably Biotech or IT) but find that undergraduate in most schools are very broad and steer away from specificity. What colleges (or recourses that can help me find the answer) do you know where I can study an engineering field almost purely? *Assuming second...
  19. J

    PID loops or Complementary filter for University project?

    I am studying "maths III" in my university. And the course has this project you have to do called "Practical differential equations". You are basically supposed to describe some practical system that uses differential equations. My thought was PID loops, but I'm not sure if they use...
  20. ujjwal3097

    Schools University of Toronto and university of British Columbia

    I was wondering if anyone can tell me what are my chances for university of Toronto and university of British Columbia I am indian student with 12th standard percentage of 94%(maths 95/100 and physics 93/100) and i have other core extra curricular activities and I am member of 2 NGOs my SAT...
  21. N

    Schools Which university out of RMIT and La Trobe is best ?

    I'm looking for a double degree in applied science and nanotechnology and have no clue about universities in melbourne australia
  22. O

    Physics and Engineering Undergraduate workload.

    Can anyone give a comparison of the workload's in terms of hours your likely to have as a Physics undergrad compared to an Engineering (EEE specifically) one? (UK university's incase it's country dependent) I'm trying to decide which course to take and although I'm more interested in Physics...
  23. B

    Physics: pressure of mixing gases

    Homework Statement 96 grams of oxygen and 50 grams of hydrogen gas occupy separate, equal sections of 200 liter tank. The divide is removed and the gases are allowed to mix and react with each other. Temperature is kept constant at 120 degrees celsius 2. Homework Equations [/B] b) find the...
  24. jtbell

    Does your university have a water park?

    Making a Splash on Campus: College Recreation Now Includes Pool Parties and River Rides (New York Times) The college where I work filled in its indoor swimming pool several years ago, and replaced it with exercise equipment.
  25. A

    Schools Summer project at top US/European university

    I'm 1st year student of masters in physics at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. I'm looking forward to do 2016 summer project at some top US/European university. I can fund my travel, stay & food using my savings. I just want to work with top physicists and gain good research...
  26. J

    [Physics 2 w/calc Uni] Cylinder inside of a cylindrical shell

    Figure (a) shows a narrow charged solid cylinder that is coaxial with a larger charged cylindrical shell. Both are nonconducting and thin and have uniform surface charge densities on their outer surfaces. Figure (b) gives the radial component E of the electric field versus radial distance r from...
  27. A

    Cosmology - Is it a smart choice?

    I am interested in studying cosmology or physics during university (as an Australian) and hope that this can lead on to a job further involving cosmology. What are the chances of actually succeeding with this endeavor and is there any chance of employment as an Australian?
  28. D

    How much of the mechanical engineering entails maths?

    I am currently in a gap year, as i wanted to be 100% sure on what UNI course i was going to go for in 2016. I've been looking into mechanical engineering as a possible option, but my main worry was regarding the extent to which 'maths' is used during the course, and during your actual career. I...
  29. C

    Schools Reputation of the university for graduate admission?

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  30. D

    Need help picking university course -- Physics vs Comp Sci

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  31. M

    Accepted without reference letter

    Hello, I will be applying to universities in England for fall 2016 entry and I have one particular concern. I have studied independently instead of attending an ordinary high school, but I've taken and will be taking various exams. Because of this I have no one who can write a reference letter...
  32. Brahmajala

    Schools How does university work in the States?

    Hi everyone! I'm a freshman in the Physics BSc at the university of Rome, and I've been reading here and there threads talking about courses, minors, majors and else, and I was just wondering how does this work, because I can't get out of my confusion while trying to understand it lol. In my...
  33. P

    Undergrad Research: Finding the Right Professor

    The university I go to offers a lot of undergrad research opportunities and I am currently trying to get one. I read about every physics professor in the department that does research and then I read some of their papers and researched them some more. I narrowed it down to a group of about five...
  34. Brunnun

    Interested in teaching at the University level

    Hello! Here's the deal: It seems for me, after researching through these and other forums, that one have two (and I'm strongly generalizing here, but you get the drill) career prospects as a teacher in Physics; either to teach at High School, or to teach AND RESEARCH at a Research University. I...
  35. L

    Does University matter for research positions?

    Hi, I am approaching my A-levels in 1 time (currently in Year 11) , and so I would have to pick my A-level subjects which will then lead me on to my University (2 years later). I am practically obsessed with Theoretical Physics and I have already learned high-level mathematics and so on, not to...
  36. X

    Schools Is ranking universities by scientific journals accurate?

    I am going to be a senior this year and I am considering on studying physics. I want to know what universities to apply to. I found a web page that shows universities ranked by scientific journals. A couple response would be nice. Link to web page-...
  37. Itrio39

    Master Degree in High Energy Physics in Europe: Find Universities

    Hello! I'm in my 3rd year of my bachelor degree in physics engineering and I'm thinking about taking a master degree in High energy Physics somewhere preferably in europe, could you recommend me some universities with a good program? Thank you
  38. robbie.kpm

    Schools How Difficult Is University Physics?

    Hey I'm new to this and I'm just wondering about physics in university. I know this has been asked a lot so I apologize to anyone who's thinking not this again. I'm 17 and in a couple of months I'll be applying to different colleges and I'm just wondering how hard a physics course actually is...
  39. L = K - U

    An olympiad student interested in Cambridge

    Hi to everyone, this is my first post in this forum. I am really stressed and confused at the moment. I really need help from a Cambridge student/teacher/alumni. (This is going to be a long post, so bear with me) I am a Thai student, who was in the top finals of Thailand's Physics Olympiad...
  40. G

    Schools Pre University Mech Eng maths prep

    Hello there, I'm currently waiting on results from my A2 exams as well as AS retakes so I can then find out whether I'm going to Plymouth Uni for Mech Eng with a Foundation Year. I don't know how many people on here are veterans of a Foundation Year for Engineering but considering the fact I...
  41. Moelf

    Schools Choice for particle physics between LAC and university

    Hi guys, I don't know if there's any similar thread (I didn't find any, but in case I missed it); if so please suggest them to me. It's time to apply to college again. I personally think particle physics (experimental) would be my top choice (I understand that only phd has the specialized...
  42. Aivadna

    Advancing My Education: Advice on Applying to University of Chicago

    Hi I am a student from a developing country where I attend a British based university which is fully accredited by the royal charter. I am currently an undergrad studying for a double degree one in medical physics and the other in applied chemistry. I am working towards qualifying for a position...
  43. M

    Is a Career in Academia or Industry More Financially Viable for Scientists?

    Now I'm in the middle phase of finishing my master degree in physics with focus on photonics. The next step I would like to pursue is actually a PhD position, but there is something that I also need to consider regarding the choice of field I am going to choose for my PhD research. The thing is...
  44. L

    Intro Physics Which book is better for physics: Young or Tipler?

    I'm looking for a university physics book that is comprised of excellent pedagogical exposition and is very comprehensive.I've considered these two candidates: 1. Tipler 2. Young/FreedmanWhat do you suggest?
  45. M

    Classical Need a book to help practice introductory university physics

    Hello, I am taking an online introductory year 1 university physics . We are using Giancoli physics 6th edition. My course is algebra based. I want to do some additional practice questions and be able to verify my answers and/or see the solutions. I am hoping that this will help me prepare for...
  46. T

    Are the Physics exams in Uni long or short?

    I'm asking because I'm slow when it comes to mathematics in Physics exams , and I was wondering if Universities cater for people who are slow thinkers by making Physics exams longer than high school exams?
  47. I

    Python Preparing for University: Maths and Python in 5 Months

    I am applying to University in January 2016 for either maths or computer science. I have taken the Gr. 12 prerequisite courses and did alright in them (calculus 89, physics 96, etc), but I feel I still do not have a solid foundation in maths to really feel comfortable going into a degree...
  48. D

    Engineering What can I do with a Physics BS besides engineering/CS....?

    I am a rising sophomore pursuing a physics BS with 3.75 GPA at a top 30 private university. After working in a lab as a undergrad research assistant, I realized that studying physics and doing physics is a completely different experience. While I love the subject matter, I can't imagine myself...
  49. O

    Schools Problem sets for Young and Freedman University Physics (Y&F)

    In the last year, I took a few Mooc online and I felt like my Physics was a bit rusty. So, I found myself a copy of Young and Freedman University Physics (13th edition) to do some self-study. The thing is, there is so many problems to do, I think that I’m on chapter 5 since the beginning of May...
  50. T

    How can a Physics major relate to clean energy?

    Hello, I am incredibly interested in Physics, so that is what I am majoring in Physics. However, I also want to do work in clean energy resources. Can I get a job in clean energy with a Physics degree? If so, how?
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