What is Semester: Definition and 256 Discussions

An academic term (or simply term) is a portion of an academic year, the time during which an educational institution holds classes. The schedules adopted vary widely.
In most countries, the academic year begins in late summer or early autumn and ends during the following spring or summer. In Northern Hemisphere countries, this means that the academic year lasts from August, September, or October to May, June, or July. In Southern Hemisphere countries, the academic year aligns with the calendar year, lasting from February or March to November or December. The summer may or may not be part of the term system.

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  1. P

    Semester Project concerning Feynman Diagrams

    Hi there everyone. I'll try to keep this short. I'm currently a sophomore at a local college. I'm in Honors Calculus 1 and part of the honors course requires a research project at the end of the semester. I'm studying to be an ER Doctor/Particle Physicist, yes I know this will take some...
  2. S

    12 hour/week Job with Busy Semester

    Hello, This semester I will be taking quantum, statistical, and classical mechanics, along with a mathematical analysis class and one other (non-math/science) course. They come to a total of 17 credit hours. The quantum and statistical classes are meant to be the standard sort of first courses...
  3. H

    Re-taking a failed semester in collage and dropping the previous recorded one?

    Hallo everyone!Ok, my best friend and I are in the same university together. We know each other for 7 years... The guy is smart and he pretty much can get a very good gpa 3.5 - 4/4. Problem is! His a undeclared undergrad majoring in Electrical Engineering. So he just passed his freshmen...
  4. R

    The benefits of an extra semester to graduate?

    Looking for some practical advice on adjusting my class schedule. As it stands, I can graduate this year (although I would be taking 18 credits a semester) with a degree in Physics and a minor in Math. My physics degree is still a B.S, however graduating this year would have me miss out on a...
  5. jbrussell93

    Courses 5 Engineering/Math/Science courses per semester?

    So basically, I feel that I have kind of made a mistake in my scheduling strategy thus far, and I'm wondering if anyone else is in the same boat. My plan was to get all of my gen eds (9 cr social/behavioral & 9 cr humanities/fine arts) out of the way as soon as possible so that I could focus on...
  6. S

    Numerical Analysis and Real Analysis in one semester?

    Hi, I am thinking of taking Intro to Numerical Analysis and Real Analysis 1 course next semester, but was wondering if maybe that'll be too much of a load? Is numerical analysis a tough course? These courses will be taken alongside 2 other statistics courses and maybe a history class...
  7. L

    Courses How many physics and math courses would you take each semester?

    I am going to be transferring to a University in the Fall with the intent on completing a math and physics double major. My only issue as of now is that while I am trying to plan my courses for the next year, I am unsure how many upper level math and physics courses it's possible to take each...
  8. N

    Taking Intro to Linear Algebra, Probability, and Vector Calc in same semester?

    Hi, is it a bad idea to take Intro to Linear Algebra Vector Calc for Applications (Marsden) Intro to Probability (book called first course in probability by ross) .. in the same semester? This semester I took discrete math and Calc 1 at the same time and it was pretty time consuming but...
  9. S

    Need help setting up next semester

    I have made the decision to pursue engineering, I just passed Trig and now I need to set up next semesters classes but I'm having trouble figuring out what order is best.. ultimately I would like to finish all my pre-req engineering classes at my current school and then transfer out. I was...
  10. W

    What to do with a semester off?

    First of all, it's not what you think. I'm going to graduate with a BS in Physics in December, and I'm wondering what to do in the following Spring semester before I enter graduate school in the Fall of 2013. Any ideas? I really don't know.
  11. M

    Is it worth staying in college an extra semester to double major?

    I'm a second semester freshman, and maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but.. Right now, I've declared a Physics BS and a minor in cognitive science. I've been thinking about declaring another major- Computer Science BS. i did some math and saw that some classes canceled out with each other, and...
  12. M

    Will 5 classes for a semester be doable?

    I'm registering for next fall and I am planning on taking: Differential Equations OChem 1 Linear Algebra Statics Chemical Process Princ & Calculations (chem eng) I usually only take 4 classes. Any insight would be great, thanks.
  13. M

    Should I take a semester off to

    This is a very serious question to me and I would like some advice... I am thinking of taking an entire semester off (4 months total) to study math on my own. Currently I am taking calculus 2 averaging 97%, although many people might consider that gratifying, which I'm not saying it isn't, I...
  14. S

    Engineering Summer internship/ vocational training after 4th semester engineering

    Hi, I am a 4th semester engineering student of electronics and communication discipline. My semester is going to end and I am very worried about the vocational training. I am from a small town and I don't belong to a very rich family. Should i collect money and move to a big town like New...
  15. X

    Advice on what math I should self study and take next semester.

    Alright so far I took calc1-3 which included vector calc and I'm currently taking LA. The LA class is only a quarter long and afterward I'm taking DE and Complex variables. I'm wondering what math should I take next year. I'm thinking either taking Analysis or Abstract Algebra. What do you think...
  16. S

    Does this potential fall semester schedule sound too intense?

    This is my first post on here, so I apologize in advance if I'm in the wrong section or something. I was thinking about having this as my schedule for the fall semester. -Analysis I -Discrete Mathematics -General Physics I -Data Structures I'm not sure if I'm being overly ambitious...
  17. B

    2nd Semester OChem vs. my life

    I'm a transfer student in 2nd semester Ochem. I'm actually intending to study computer science, but I love all areas of science and I'd like to work in a scientific capacity someday (rather than just crunching code in silicon valley). My question is this: I got an A in the first semester...
  18. J

    Spring Semester Sophomore looking for guidance.

    I'm in my spring semester of my sophomore year at college. I was inspired by a speaker who came to my intro to engineering course to try for an internship for an engineering job. He said at the beginning of his sophomore year he did it and it left a great impression on the company that he was a...
  19. S

    Testing Pass out of Calc 2 by exam or take the full semester of Calc 2 in the summer

    Hi, I've been debating with myself if I should pass out of calculus 2 by an exam or I should take the full semester. I am currently taking calc 1 this semester. Is there a pro or a con to either of these routes? I also would need to brush up on certain calc 2 topics since I have not taken...
  20. W

    Courses Just passed the first semester. What should I expect of the course from now?

    I've passed calculus 1 and physics 1 scoring little less than 1 stdev for electronic engineering. Is this enough for me to relax I'll do well on the course or things will get harder?
  21. S

    What was your most challenging semester?

    As the title states. I'd like to hear about all of your most challenging semesters. Things to include: number of classes and credit hours per class; the types of classes; impact it had on your social life; the final outcome.
  22. A

    Missile Motion: Calculating Time, Distance, and Direction

    HELP! Semester Exam on Monday! Homework Statement A missile is fired horizontally from an aircraft carrier in the ocean. Assuming the missile was shot from a height of 50m and a horizontal velocity of 200m/s... a. How long is it in the air? b. How far away will the missile land...
  23. F

    Schools C grades last semester - Applying to grad school

    Hello, I'm making this post because I'm concerned about my chances of being accepted to graduate school. I just finished my B.S. in Physics this semester and I was planning on applying to some Electrical Engineering programs. Before this semester my GPA was 3.4, but now it currently sits at...
  24. S

    Taking Calculus and Linear Algebra in the same semester

    Hey all!. :) I am a freshmen and am wondering if it would be advisable to take Calculus w/ Analytical Geometry 1 and Linear Algebra concurrently (in the same smester). Though I have not taken Cal 1, 2, or 3 yet I remember when I learned (taught myself) Linear Algebra that there was no use of...
  25. G

    Need Advice. Feeling Lost. Awful First Semester, screwed.

    OK... This is a going to be a LONG post. My apologies for that, and anything that seems contradictory right now. I am probably going to change what I think(I am 18), so take all of this with a grain of salt. I probably don't even know what I talking about. I am not thinking straight. I really...
  26. S

    Is a Second Year Course Load Too Much to Handle?

    All second year courses: Experimental Physics (Lab based with reports) Analog Electronics and Circuit Analysis (includes labs) Electricity and Magnetism Statistical and Thermal Physics Differential Equations Mathematical Modelling Anyone with experience with a similar course line up...
  27. C

    Sophomore Physics Struggle: How I Can Recover from a 3.8 GPA?

    I'm a current sophomore, with a 3.8 GPA. Doing exceptionally well in all my courses, very good at math with A's. I knew coming into the semester Physics would be the 500-lb gorilla and have spent all hours of the day practicing as many problems and understanding the content throughly. My...
  28. C

    Courses Course-load for next semester (E&M + Mechanics)

    Next semester I will be taking the following courses - Elementary Differential Equations Methods for the solution of elementary types of ordinary differential equations with geometrical, physical and chemical applications. - General Chemistry I (with lab) Fundamental principles of chemistry...
  29. X

    Programs Taking intro Mechanics 2nd semester freshmen year as a physics major?

    In my college students who don't have AP credit for calc I are required to delay physics a semester till they are done with calc I. Because of this students take E@M sophomore year and have to take a intro waves and thermo class 2nd semester sophomore year. This means students don't take...
  30. J

    Get My 2nd Semester Grades in Time for Grad School App?

    I am hoping someone can help me out with this question I have. I returned to school for another year to boost up my gpa in an attempt to get into graduate school. I have regained the competitive drive to fight for every percent and will have very good grades to show for from this year...
  31. U

    Is this smart or overkill? Deciding classes for next semester.

    Hi all, I am an EE major and planning on transferring to a different school next year and noticed that instead of stand alone Linear and Diff Eq classes they have an amalgamated EE math class that teaches you all the math fundamental to EE. I was reading the reviews of this course and everyone...
  32. H

    Stargazing Telescope for my astronomy class next semester

    :biggrin: I need a telescope for my astronomy class next semester :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin: and a $700 budget...having a difficult time deciding which one to get :-/
  33. QuarkCharmer

    ODE's, Calc III, OrganicChem, PhysicsII in the same semester?

    This current semester I was enrolled in O-chem and had to drop it because Calc II, baby-linear algebra, Physics I, and another light course took much more time than I had anticipated. I am told that Calc III and DEQ are both easier than Calc II. I don't want to sign up for O-chem and drop it a...
  34. G

    Failed Tests, GPA of 3.6, and Recovering From Last Semester: My Story

    Hey forum, I just failed 3 tests in 3 separate courses—Stats., Actuarial Maths., and a philosophy course (last one was kinda the prof.'s fault but whatever)—at my university. This might have something to do with the facts that 1) this semester marks my return from taking last semester off and...
  35. G

    Schools Scholarships for second semester college freshmen?

    Is there a way to get scholarships as a second semester freshmen in college. I was thinking about starting to fill some out and become really obsessive about it and I'm only a first semester freshmen and don't have a degree earning transcript (I have a couple grades on my nondegree earning...
  36. Z

    Calculus III or Thermodynamics: Which is the Best Fit for Next Semester?

    I have made my schedule for next semester and I am unsure if I should take Calculus III or Thermodynamics (first ME course), my schedule looks like this: ENGR 213-Applied ODE ENGR 242-Statics ENGR 301-Economic Management in Engineering MECH 211-Mechanical Engineering Drawing Either ENGR...
  37. T

    Programs Is it acceptable to leave a PhD program after a semester or a year?

    I'm currently in my first semester of a physics PhD program, straight out of undergrad. At the end of my senior year of undergrad, I was already feeling burnt out and tired of course work, but my profs pushed grad school as the smart and best choice. So I went. Since I moved here (14 hours...
  38. W

    Rough semester. Little real world experience. Need guidance.

    Yo. I've had a rough semester. Things were actually looking up in the beginning. I am a sophomore mechanical engineering major and I was taking classes and doing well. I was especially enjoying thermo and nuclear engineering. I had even gotten my first job so that I could save up for a car...
  39. Loren Booda

    How Does the First Semester Shape Your College Experience?

    Remember the Ivy, fresh out of high school? Meeting new roommates, signing up for and attending classes, exploring the campus and setting routines. Cheering on you sports teams, exchanging traditions, coping with stress and homesickness. Not to mention the excitement of sophomores scoping out...
  40. N

    Studying Advice on selling used books to have book funds for other semester?

    Has anyone tried to sell their used books ? OK Apparently, there is absolublty no other way shape or form for selling textbooks other than using Amazon.com, it would seem. There must be a monopoly with them, because if you have books for a previous semester that you truly want to sell simply to...
  41. M

    Courses Aero Eng. & Math: Exploring Courses for Fall Semester

    I want to major in aero. engineering and mathematics. Over fall semester I will be taking Object-Oriented Programming, Calc/Analytic Geom I, and General Physics I lecture and lab. I really enjoy math and want to take any courses that will improve my math skills that is why I am taking a...
  42. H

    Courses 3 Science Courses/W Lab Too much in one Semester?

    Hello, Im planning to take Organic Chemistry I with Lab, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Physics I with Lab, Microeconomics Honors, and English (Lit). I currently hold a 4.0 GPA and wouldn't like to demolish this :D . Is this too much of a load where it will be impossible to obtain A's in all...
  43. L

    Math Student: Semester Load Advice

    I am a math student at Queens College and so far I have taken the freshman calculus sequence up to multivariate calculus, calc based probability, discrete math, linear algebra I, and ordinary differential equations. Right now I am registered for the following classes for the Fall '11...
  44. G

    Schools College Course Selection Question, Credits Per Semester

    Hello, My whole goal of going to college is to make myself as marketable as possible to employers. I'm a incoming freshmen and have to sign up for my courses. Due to taking several college courses while in high school I have reduced the number of credits for my BS down to 109. I'm going to...
  45. U

    Overcoming Low Grades in One Semester

    Hi guys, This semester I was a total failure for a lot of reasons. To make a long story short I'm getting: an F in a computer science class, a C in Chinese, and a D and C in my math classes (2nd semester Abstract Algebra and 2nd semester Real Analysis, respectively.) Luckily I'm getting one...
  46. A

    Overcoming Setbacks: Moving On After A Difficult Semester

    So my second semester is coming to an end and I didn't do as well as I know I can. I know I did well in Calculus 2 and Physics 2, but my other classes I'm afraid weren't as good. This semester was hard for me because it was a lot harder than the first and on top of that I got a concussion half...
  47. H

    Is Taking 9 Classes in One Semester Realistic?

    Hi, this is my first post here. I'm now in my first semester of my freshmen year. This semester is about to over, and I'm planning my classes for the next one. I have a huge interests in pure mathematics and theoretical physics. But my doubts are regarding time; 9 classes in one semester (42...
  48. S

    3 math classes in one semester- too much?

    I'm considering a math major, and for next semester registered for Calc 3, Intro to Linear Algebra, and Mathematical Proof & structures, I'm also taking organic chemistry and a history class...has anyone had experience with more than one math class? I mean is it unbearable? Also, I was...
  49. S

    Is this too much for a semester?

    Next semester will be my second year in college, I'm considering a double major in Math and Chemistry, do you guys think this is too much for the Fall semester: Organic Chem 1 Molec &Cellular Biology Calculus 3 Am considering Math proof and structures (or is that too much?) And maybe a...
  50. N

    Studying Selling your books after the semester vs keeping them?

    Usually which do you usually like to do after a course? Sell the book or keep it for reference?
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