What is Universities: Definition and 269 Discussions

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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    Schools Which Canadian universities have good physics programs?

    I need to apply to three for Physics. Just Physics! I have 2 U of Toronto U of Waterloo And I need a third, but I am not sure which. I heard that York has a good physics course and also I've heard good about ryerson. Any tips?
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    Schools Best Universities for PhD in Fluid Mechanics

    Hi, I am currently doing my masters in mech engineering specializing in fluid mechanics. I am interested in pursuing PhD after my masters. Can anyone suggest the universities which do the best research in fluid mechanics in Europe and US?
  3. W

    Schools Determining Worthy Universities

    Hi, I'm a Geology major at University of Arizona. An excellent geoscience dept.! Ranked #1 for grad schools. I was impressed and signed up. I'm an out of state student paying out of state fees with help of FA. My problem I've run into is it seems the math and physics depts. are in absolute...
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    Schools Which Offers Better Engineering Programs: Drexel or Stevens?

    I checked out Drexel last saturday and i love the school for many reasons and most importantly because i like what i hear about its engineering programs but I have also heard that the professors for the school aren't so good. Anyone who goes to this college, please tell me more!?
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    Schools Universities for physics master with 2.4 gpa

    Hi, I want to do master in physics in an English-speaking country. (USA, UK, Canada or Australia) (though I prefer USA as a first choice) I am senior physics undergrad student. However my gpa is very low, around 2.4. (However most probably I'll increase it to above 2.5 at the end of the...
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    Schools Vacation programmes @ Universities

    Anyone recommend me vacation enrichment programmes at universities? Preferably about maths / sciences, maybe involving basic research assignments... Please provide the web link with details too. Thanks!
  7. K

    Schools What do Universities look for?

    Hello, I was wondering, especially for those that got into top tier universities, what universities are looking for in prospective undergraduates who want to study physics. Is it good grades for math and physics in particular? Or good grades all around? Or perhaps grades are only a small...
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    Schools Opinions on Dutch universities

    Hello All, Whilst searching for masters level courses in theoretical physics, I found out that not only are they offered by a lot of universities in the Netherlands, but there are some rather nice scholarships that can be applied for. Therefore, I seek people's opinions about the following...
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    Schools Physics PhD programme in the states, what Universities to go for

    I would like some advise about what universities to apply to in the states for PhD programmes in physics. In particular what level of university (as defined by school rankings etc). I've been told that the high end universities can be overly stressful and that they foster a highly competitive...
  10. N

    Schools Find Scholarships, Financial Aids for US Universities' Tech & Physics Depts

    I'm looking for a university in America that has a good technology and physics departments. I have BS in physics and EE and I'm looking for a school for further studies(preferably in physics). I was eyeing Berkeley, and I called and asked. They said it was around 45.000$ per year for an...
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    Schools What are the top universities for Cosmology?

    What are the top undergrad universities for a major in Cosmology minus Ivy?
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    Schools How to get into top US universities?

    How to get into top US universities?? I am from India.I finished my 12th this year and am going to pursue a bachelors degree in computer engineering. I would like to pursue my masters in one of the top 10 American universities. I have 4 years in hand inorder to work in that direction.What...
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    Any universities do this type of research?

    Hello, I'm a former grad student with a Master's in Mechanical Engineering (emphasis on Dynamics and Controls) and I'm thinking of going back to school for a Ph. D. I'm very interested in technologies involving the use of endurance UAV's (UAV's designed to stay in the air for weeks at a...
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    Schools Are there any U.S. universities accpeting GPA 2.3 undergrad for physics research?

    Are there any U.S. universities/colleges accepting GPA 2.3 undergrad for physics research(free of charge)? I heard that MPhil and Phd is free of charge(no tuition fee) as working as a T.A. or R.A. Can you give me some names/lists? If this is not right can you send me a message? Thanks...
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    Two Universities in China succeeded in quantum teleportation

    Recently ,it is reported that University of science and technology of China and Tsinghua University together have succeeded in conducting quantum teleportation between the distance of 16km.Are quantum information prospectinve? And how long it will be applied as commonly as the present one ...
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    Schools Public engineering universities in PA

    What are the best public universities for engineering located in Pennsylvania?
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    Schools Benefits of switching universities?

    I'm currently finishing the second year of a (Canadian) pre-med program, math major/bio minor, and am intending to switch my program of study from this to a physics major, my interests aligning mostly with astrophysics (I took a calculus-based intro physics course to satisfy the physics...
  18. O

    Schools Good Universities in US for computational science

    Hey All...I hve gone thorough various threads given over computaional science and definitely it has promised a great career in this...bt i just want to know about the various univs. in US who are offering a MS or Phd in computational science. I have done masters in Physics and after that i am...
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    Schools Why are some of the oldest universities in the world ranked so poorly?

    For example the University of Vienna (Austria) is ranked around 87th in the world yet it's the oldest institution in the german speaking world (1365), why is this? Is language a reason?
  20. W

    US & European Universities Offering Graduate Plasma Physics Programs for Fusion

    What are some U.S. & European Universities that have a good graduate program for studying Plasma Physics? I am specifically interested in application to fusion. I know Princeton has the plasma laboratory, but that might be too competitive for me.
  21. J

    Schools Which are the easier to get into universities in Wales / Scotland

    Some, such as the University of Aberdeen ar pretty selective and hard to get into, Which, actual universities are there, that offer a fairly good education, not like a trade school or something, and which universities would you say should most students not bother applying to, due to high...
  22. B

    Schools How do universities work - Places and attendance

    I got into a chemistry course in university as a mature student and I'm blessed because I love the course and I'm doing well in it. What I'm wondering is if your in are you in for good as in if you fail an exam or module do you get to repeat for sure or can they throw you out to make room for...
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    Schools Where should I apply for undergraduate physics programs in the US?

    A brief introduction: I'm a senior, international, applying to universities in the US (and Cambridge). So far, I've applied to Cambridge, Caltech and University of Chicago (the last 2 were EA). But these are all, I would think, nearly impossible for me to get into - I have the scores (meaning...
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    Exploring Aerospace Programs at Canadian Universities

    Im planning to go into aerospace next year (im in grade 12 now) and I am debating between the different universities in Canada (Toronto, carlton are the 2 main ones but also mc Gill, Ryerson University, York, Ottawa...) Ive heard from some that Carlton is second rate (but they have what...
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    Schools Best UK Universities for Physics & Engineering

    Best UK universities? I'm planning to go on a student exchange to a UK university next year. I'm studying physics and engineering at the moment but the focus of my exchange will be for physics. I was wondering what are the best universities to go to in the UK for 3rd year physics (and...
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    Schools Is there a big difference between these universities?

    Hello I am an international student(mechanical engineering) and i want to apply for Us universities for Phd position, the point is my chance for going to MIT, Berkley and Caltech is not high but after that i have a good chance.I just want to know is there any big and vast difference between...
  27. N

    Schools The best Engineering Universities

    Hi! Iam thinking about studying in UK and Iam going to apply for 2010/11 entrance. I get on very well with Physics and Maths and I want to study Engineering (I`m considering Mechanical Engineering). My question is which univeristies in UK are the best with Enginnering. I`m asking because I am...
  28. Link

    Schools How reputable are british universities among engineering employers in America

    I got a feeling that most discussions about university reputation here revolves around American Universities. What do US employers in the engineering field think of British universities, Oxbridge and imperial college in particular? And while we're at it, is it harder for british / European...
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    Questions about Robotics - Universities, Pre-requisites, Opinions, Career, etc.

    Hello, I would like to pursue a career in Robotics. I am aware of the various options in this but have not yet decided which path to follow(i.e. Research, Development, etc). Some of my favorite subjects in school include Maths & IT. I am also quite comfortable with Physics but absolutely cannot...
  30. N

    Schools German Universities for International Students - Science PhDs

    Hey all, I am just writing to see if anyone has any thoughts on well repsected German universities that have a lot of international students attending them. Any thoughts, just post them up. I am looking at doing a PhD in a Science related field
  31. C

    Schools Study Physics in Russian Universities

    Is it good to study Physics (Bachelor Degree) in Russian Universities? Which university is the best in Physics in Russia? How can I determine which branch of Physics should I study? Is it a must to learn Russian in order to attend the lecture? Is there any class that will use English...
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    Schools Help choosing universities for undergrad physics

    I heard it doesn't matter, but still there are differences in between schools. I was accepted into U of T Scarborough, UofT Mississauga, Queens, McMaster and Waterloo (co-op) for physics. I am interested in a math/physics major and in pursuing a career as a physicist or mathematician. Do...
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    Schools Compare Universities for Graduate Program: Stipends, Programs & Living Costs

    I have get selected for the graduate program of following universities. 1. University of Tennessee,Knoxville - Stipend $17500 2. Ohio University ,Athens - Stipend $2200 3. University of Connecticut, - Stipend $9500 as T.A and perdoctoral fellowship $9500 4. University of South Carolina - Stipend...
  34. R

    Schools How to tell Universities that I will not be attending there?

    I have decided to not attended three of the Universities that I applied to. How can I tell them that I have to decided to enroll at another school?
  35. K

    Schools MS Courses in the U.S for British Students - Good Universities

    Hi all, I'm currently enrolled on a four year MSc course at Durham University in the U.K. Instead of completing this course in its entirety I am hoping to be able to move to the States (after completing my BSc) for a year or two and complete either an MSc or (as I think it'll have to be) an...
  36. T

    Schools Canadian Universities for Theoretical Physics?

    Hi, right now I am a grade 11 student in Ontario, Canada. I've been captivated by theoretical physics for some time now and I really want to try persuing a career in it (ideally in string theory/ other beyond the standard model stuff but anything in quantum mechanics would still be great). So my...
  37. P

    Schools 1st Year Physics - Canadian Universities

    Hello all! I was just wondering if the Canadian students here can give me some insight. I already have my BSc. from U of T, but for application purposes to another professional program, I need to take 1 year undergrad physics with lab. (I didn't take it during my BSc. undergrad). I heard U of T...
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    Schools Which Universities have the best graduate programs for theoretical physics?

    I'm an UG right now, but I plan on doing research in theoretical physics (probably particle physics. I want to work on finding a TOE. Possibly QM or QED instead). Which schools are best for these pursuits? Thank you.
  39. N

    Schools Finding a Respected Online University - Advice Needed

    I'm thinking about pursuing further education online (haven't decided what program yet), and was wondering if anyone could suggest good online universities, from which a degree would be respected by other institutions/employers? Thanks
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    Schools Well-valued Universities in the States

    I am looking for resources about the values of undergraduate degrees in States. I mean by value the high quality of teaching and low tuition fees. I have found this site: http://www.ncf.edu/news/?p=868 , but I am unsure whether they apply to foreign students. Collegeboard.com shows that...
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    Schools Best Universities for Superconductivity Research

    I was wondering: I have the rankings for condensed matter physics schools, but I would like to know what school is best for superconductivity research. Is it University of Maryland? BJN
  42. Amith2006

    Physics Top Universities in UK for Quantum Computation

    I hope to pursue a research career in Quantum computation. Could anyone suggest some good universities in UK where active research is going on in this field?Any information is most welcome.
  43. B

    Schools Physics Universities in Canada: Specifics

    Hey, I've been having an extremely hard time lately in deciding a good program to go for, so I'll tell you my whole situation, and any help/opinions would be greatly appreciated! I'm in my final year of high school in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, and I've pretty much fully decided that I would...
  44. H

    Advice on Transferring Universities for Physics/ME B.S.

    Hi, I'm studying at CU-Boulder now and going to transfer to another university. Actually, I'm hesiteting between university of wyoming and university of alabama at huntsville. Is there anyone can advise. I'm going to study Physics and mechanical engineering. One thing more I'm undergrad student...
  45. S

    Schools Canadian Universities for Astronomy and Physics

    Hi, I'm looking to go into astronomy and do a little physics as well. My question is which are the top astronomy schools in Canada? I've looked at University of Victoria and it looks pretty solid, as well as Western. I was also wondering what are the chances of becoming an astronaut? The...
  46. R

    Schools Anyone in Australia - Advice on prospective universities?

    First of all, yeah, newbie here, "Yo wassup dawgz!" and all that. Not really much of a forum user, more of a lurker, so sorry in advance for any ignorance I may portray forum-wise. Anyway, I know this is a pretty specific question, but I figured I might as well post and see what I get...
  47. K

    Schools Exploring US Universities for Materials Science & Polymer Chemistry

    Hello! I am a junior in a high school. Currently, I am exploring different different colleges and universities, only in the United States and America. Right now, materials science and polymer chemistry is really interests me and I want to know if anyone here can recommend a university...
  48. B

    Gender Ratio of Commerce Degree Students at Universities

    what do you think are there more female or male students in Commerce Degree Programs at any university? what would be the ratio?
  49. V

    Schools Universities offerring Aerospace research oppurtunities- please suggest

    Hi I am currently pursuing a graduation from Indian Institute of Kanpur,India in Aerospace Engg. I would like help from fellow members to provide me with information on good colleges/universities in Europe and USA which provide interesting research programs in this field, or rather...
  50. S

    Schools Good Universities for Quantum Gravity (phd)

    Can you tell me about good Math and physics departments has good faculties of mathematical physics or quantum gravity ? I will contact prof about phd information.
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