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. A

    3 Math and 3 Physics Classes in the same semester?

    Hello all, I've been thinking about/planning my classes for my third semester at college. So far here are the ones I have in mind with their descriptions: Intro Physics III - Electricity and Magnetism: Electrostatics, circuits, electric and magnetic fields; electromagnetic waves. Classical...
  2. B

    Schools How much does your course load each semester affect grad school admission?

    I'm currently double majoring in ChemE and physics with the intent of going to grad school. This semester I'm taking 6 courses this semester totaling 19 hours, with about 10-15 hours per week spent in a research lab. I was considering dropping one course and taking it another semester, but I...
  3. S

    2nd semester calc question : calculating volume of solid of revolution

    Homework Statement The solid formed when the region bounded by y = x^2 and y = 2 - x^2 is revolved about the x-axis Homework Equations disc method with respect to x-axis the integral of : (pi * (f(x)^2 - g(x)^2)) The Attempt at a Solution When I square each function and...
  4. L

    Courses Which courses should I take this semester?

    Hey guys! I'm currently scheduled to take General Chemistry 1 w/ lab, General Physics 1 w/ lab, Calculus w/ AG 3 and Differential Equations this semester. But I was reading on a site that Linear Algebra teaches you tools that are very useful when learning DE and Calc 2/3. So I'm considering...
  5. M

    I would really like to get a jump on calculus before next semester

    I would really like to get a jump on calculus before next semester when I take calculus... The calc book that I am currently reading is ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/0486404536/?tag=pfamazon01-20 . I want another calc book to read to. I don't want calculus for dummies or any book like that... I...
  6. S

    Could really use some advice for last semester of undergrad

    Hello! I will soon be starting my final semester in my undergrad career, studying Aerospace Engineering with a focus on air-breathing propulsion. I would highly like to pursue a career in the propulsion field (as well as find a place that will pay for masters), so I'm looking to make myself as...
  7. J

    Applications to REUs, before or after the semester?

    Applications to some summer research opportunities are now open, but the current semester isn't over. I expect to get grades back by the end of this month. Right now, I still have a 4.0, but I fully expect to lose that this semester (I expect a B in my lab class, might also get a B in the junior...
  8. A

    Courses Freshman Year Second Semester Course Selection

    Hey everyone, I am a first year physics student and just signed up for my second semester classes around a week ago. This is what I am taking: General Chemistry II - 4 credits Calculus II - 4 credits Physics I (Mechanics) - 4 credits German I - 4 credits Freshman Composition...
  9. L

    How Can You Maximize Your Return on College Textbooks?

    What's the best way to get rid of these books? I bought them from the college, and I'm not sure how much they'll buy them back for, even though I've kept them in mint condition. I spent quite a bit on these things, so I'd like to get as much back as possible. I got them new and they're still in...
  10. P

    Is this too many math classes for one semester?

    I currently go to a community college and they only offer these math classes during the spring spring and fall semester ( not during the summer semester). I just completed calculus 2 and I was thinking I could take differential equations, multivariable calculus, and linear algebra. Anyone else...
  11. Char. Limit

    Balancing Course Load for a College Freshman's Spring Semester

    I just wanted to see what you think of these classes for a college freshman's spring semester: Math 220 - Introduction to Linear Algebra - 2 Phil 201 - Introduction to Logic - 3 EconS 102 - Introduction to Macroeconomics - 3 Biol 107 - Cell Biology and Genetics - 4 Chem 345 - Introduction...
  12. C

    Taking Calculus III and Real Analysis During Same Semester

    Is it wise to take Calculus III and Intro to Real Analysis during the same semester? Or should I complete Calculus III and take Intro to Real Analysis afterwards? I ask because I do not want to stretch myself too thin, because I work over forty hours per week and have a family. If it makes...
  13. N

    Which class should I take next semester?

    I'm a freshman ChemE major. I have 15 credits lined up for next semester but want to add one more class since one is a PE, one is a non-intensive honors class, and one is economics. Should I take Java or an intro to Linear Algebra class? I have no experience with Java, and the intro class...
  14. J

    How hard would Physics 2 be over a three month summer semester?

    I am a freshmen who is interested in studying physics, but I did not take the first semester physics with my Calc 1 this semester. My plan is to take Physics 1 next semester and Physics 2 over the summer semester. The summer semester is longer then a normal one because it is about three months...
  15. B

    Preparing for a Semester Test: Find the Answers!

    EDIT: I actually solved the first problem correctly...I must've entered it in wrong earlier. I could still use help with the second problem though. I have my first test of the semester tomorrow and I'm just trying to get everything I don't fully understand out of the way tonight. Any help...
  16. D

    Taking Electrodynamics this semester

    I am taking Electrodynamics this semester and we are doing the course with the aid of "david griffith's Intro to electrodynamics" there has been a lot of word that the course is extremely difficult... can anyone tell me ways to prepare for it?
  17. I

    Is My Textbook Enough for My First Semester in EE?

    my first semester is approaching in The EE field and I already have a textbook sitting around the house its called Electrical Circuits Fundamentals author Floyd ISBN0132197103 should I just jump into this book now in order to get ahead or is it sort of out dated and wouldn't help me
  18. S

    Courses Is a 17-Credit Semester with Advanced Math and Science Courses Manageable?

    Registered my classes for the upcoming Fall 2010 semester; these classes are only courses I need in order to transfer to USF. I've already completed all other requirements except Chem I + Lab. Registered courses: (17 credit hours total) Calculus III - M/T/W/TH Physics II + Lab - T/TH...
  19. T

    Academic advice for fall semester?

    Hi PF members, I've been thinking about taking Modern Algebra I and Real Analysis I in the same semester, but I'm having doubts if this is a realistic schedule. A semester is only four and a half months long and I don't believe that I can fully comprehend the subjects I'm studying for that...
  20. H

    Classes that can be effectively learned in a summer semester.

    Long title, but basically a good summation of my question. I hate summer time, every year it's made me feel like a lousy losing loser with all this time on my hands and I never get anything done. So I'm taking 3 classes at a local community college (this is my very first semester of college...
  21. K

    Courses How many math courses do math students take every semester on average?

    As the title says. =) I still have one more year to go and then get into a math program but I'm wondering, Do most math students at the undergraduate level take 4 courses on math per semester or is it 3? This can be divided in 1st second third and 4th year.
  22. B

    Will One Bad Semester Ruin My Chances of Getting Into a PhD Program?

    Hi all, I was wondering: I just had an ill-executed second semester of my physics grad program. I found out the hard way that I'm bad at thinking mathematically and organized-ly. (?) ... and it cost me a B-. I need to raise my own standards at how I approach physics. But: will PhD programs I...
  23. C

    Is it a bad idea to take Calc III and Diff EQ in the same Semester?

    Is it?
  24. W

    Math Major: Jump to Linear Algebra or Pad GPA?

    I am currently in BC Calculus. Next year, assuming I do well on my AP tests and placement exams, I will be able to go into Linear Algebra. I plan to major, or at least minor, in mathematics. The school I am going to will not require me to take Calculus 3 next year since I have BC and will be...
  25. B

    Second Semester Physical Chemistry ACS Final Exam

    I am taking an undergrad course P Chem II: Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy...and the final is a standardized exam from the ACS. I was just wondering if you guys had any tips or knew where to find old exams to practice with. I just was looking for any advice in general too. Thanks a bunch!
  26. L

    Do you think it'spossilbe that by theend of the semester everyone hates each other

    this certainly mostly applies to 2 year colleges. (Not sure about 4 year colleges) When the semester first starts people are kind of friendly, but as the semester goes on, the "animosity" and tensions, and bad vibes, and the fact that certain people don't like other people, seems to really set...
  27. S

    Mechanics of solids question from my mid semester exam

    Homework Statement A small dam of triangular shape as shown is made from concrete. Find the stresses on the foundation at A and B. Assume concrete and water weighs 25kN/m^3 and 10kN/m^3 (All dimensions in the attached picture are in metres) Homework Equations sigma = force/cross...
  28. Shackleford

    What's going to be my hardest semester?

    I currently work ~20 hours/week. This fall my class schedule will only allow me to work 10 hours/week. My manager is going to talk to my program's director about that to see if it would be acceptable working half of what they hired me on for over a year ago. Even if, that's not enough for me to...
  29. Z

    Taking a Semester Off: A Difficult Decision

    This semester I transferred from a big public state university that was about 2 hours away from home to a top 20 private university that is about 14 hours away from home. I was doing very, very well at my old school, and I transferred because I wanted a more challenging environment. I'm taking...
  30. M

    Course on Biophysics next semester but there's no textbook

    I'm going to take a course on Biophysics next semester but there's no textbook. I heard it's because the professor is really good. Here's the description: Introduction to the structure, properties, and function of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and membranes. In depth study of the...
  31. S

    Calculating semester gpa? did my school make a mistake?

    ok i know ill come off as a smart *** here..but I am a premed major, and I am dealing with very stiff competition. every single point on my gpa means a lot to me. with that being said this semester i didnt do so hot. i got an A- in a 4 credit biology course, a B in a 4 credit math course, and an...
  32. P

    Air Navigation and Course Correction. Semester exam in 45 minutes.

    Homework Statement A pilot wishes to fly 2875 km to an airport 18 degrees east of north from his departure point(for the sake of the problem and simplicity, use the origin). He wants to make the trip in 3 hours and 20 minutes. The pilot finds that he actually has to make a change in his air...
  33. M

    Find the Best Grad Schools for Math & Stats in the Spring Semester

    Does anyone know any math/stat/operations research grad schools accepting students for PhD in math/stat or MS in financial engr/operations research in the spring semester?
  34. T

    Should one take Calculus III, Linear Algebra, DiffyQ ,E&M all in semester?

    Am I setting myself up for disaster? Here is my current Fall 09 schedule: Calculus III (Honors) differential equations (Honors) E&M (Would do honors if they offered the section this Fall) Linear Algebra (Honors) Mind you, this is at a community college (so think of honors as somewhat...
  35. Z

    Programs Fall Semester 2009 of a MATH major

    Hello everyone, So there is only one month left between my glorious summer and the beginning of my fall semester, also the beginning of my intensive mathematics major. This fall I'm planning on taking a total of FIVE advanced math courses in the undergraduate school where I'm at. Besides from...
  36. M

    Credits per semester and GPA distribution

    I have two questions: 1. What is the average number of credits one takes per semester in Grad school in the US? To be more precise: how many courses does one usually take per semester and how many hours of lectures/tutorials does it correspond to weekly? 2. What is the distribution of grades in...
  37. M

    Interesting End of Semester Project ideas wanted

    We are to find a scientific argument and either prove it or debunk it through research. This was an introductory Physics class and he would prefer to stay somewhat within the scope of the class. Does anybody have interesting debunk-ings?
  38. J

    Second semester physics and third semester calc

    Right now, I'm taking the first semester of a 3 semester set of calculus-based physics, and the 2nd semester of calculus. Since I go to a community college, my options are limited as far as classroom times and dates to take some of these slightly more advanced classes. There is likely only going...
  39. I

    Semester one assignment: Find the angular speed

    Homework Statement A thin rod of lenth 1.5m is oriented vertically, with its bottom end attached to the floor by means of a frcitionless hinge. The mass of the rod may be ignored compared to the mass of and object ixed to the top of the rod. The rod, starting from rest, tips over and rotates...
  40. E

    Taking a semester off of physics

    Hi, I just would like to hear some insights from you guys about my situation. Last semester I took Physics - Mechanics (1st sem physics for engineers). I passed it with a high B. I felt comfortable but not superior at the subject after taking the final. Now this semester I was supposed to take...
  41. S

    Schools How can I improve my studying methods for a challenging college course load?

    Well i have one semester of college under my belt and overall i was pretty relaxed throughout the first half of the year. This semester my course load is 100x harder which is what i expected because i signed up for it! lol My schedule is as follows: Organic Chem Genetics Microbiology Physics...
  42. T

    Two Poly Sci in Same Semester?

    What do you think about taking two poly sci classes in the same semester? They're both the freshman level (American Government/State and Local Government) with the same teacher, in the same class room, back to back from 11 to 250 and at a community college. What's your opinion on it?
  43. M

    Beginning a new semester - tips

    Hey, For most of us undergraduates, it's that time to start a new semester of school. I was just curious as to what "rituals" you may have found successful in preparing yourself for a new term. Anything related to organizing yourself, overviewing the material in any particular way, talking to...
  44. J

    Is two research too much for one semester?

    Ok, so I am in kind of a dilema. This next semester I am planning to take Thermodynamics, Intro to Computational Physics, Intro to Mathematical Physics and Atomic/Nuclear Lab. I am a junior doing my BS in Physics. Besides this two of my previous professors have asked me to work with them on...
  45. Shackleford

    Schools This was my last semester at junior college

    I'm transferring from San Jacinto College, and I'll be at the University of Houston starting in the spring. I've taken Cal I-III, Linear Algebra, and University Physics I and II. It looks like I might get an A in both Linear Algebra and University Physics II which means I received an A in all...
  46. 2

    What Should I Actually Use Next Semester?

    My university has released their book list for the courses this Spring and I'd figured I'd check against people who know the topics about what books I should actually use to understand the material. My Physics department is usually pretty decent with their book choices, but I've yet to come...
  47. 1

    Schools Preparing for E&M physics (2nd Semester College Physics).

    Hello everyone, I made a similar post to this last semester when I went onto take my Introduction to Mechanics (1st semester of College Physics) course and asked for some books that will give me some insight to supplement the first few sections of the Halliday and Resnick (1-15, 8th edition)...
  48. O

    Is This Course Load Too Much for a Spring Semester?

    analytical physics 1 chemistry 1 biology 1 calculus 1 if anything else, maybe a psychology or something along those lines. but for a spring semester would this be too difficult?
  49. B

    Courses Second year, First Semester Courses

    So I just started my first semester in second year and most of my courses seem really interesting and I love what I am studying. My major is a specialist in Biotechnology at UofT(mississauga), and I am currently taking 5 courses: Intro Cell and Molec Bio Intro Physiology (with lab) Fundamentals...
  50. K

    Sorry I need so much help, my tutor is done for the semester

    Homework Statement A spring is hung from the ceiling. A 0.483-kg block is then attached to the free end of the spring. When released from rest, the block drops 0.176 m before momentarily coming to rest. (a) What is the spring constant of the spring? (b) Find the angular frequency of the...
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