What is University: Definition and 1000 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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  1. G

    Schools Final University Choice UK : Manchester Or Nottingham

    Hi guys, Well I now have a few weeks to make up my mind in which to put as my first choice (not sure if I have a second but even if I did it would be sort of irrelevant as all offers are AAA or AAB :D). I've basically numbered it down to Manchester and Nottingham, I had offers from both York...
  2. R

    Adult Education Center: Finding the Right Balance for University Admittance

    Here is my current situation, as a high school drop out, I can continue my education at a so called Adult Education Center. This means I can choose my schedule that best fits my needs. Here is the thing, should I do only 2 classes a day and try my best to get close to 100% in my classes, or...
  3. S

    Schools How to get other university thesis?

    When you need to get other student's Ph.D thesis for your reference, how do you get it? Some people upload their Ph.D. Thesis to arXiv.org, but not everyone do so. Many University librararies have their alumni's Ph.D. Thesis in PDF format. However, students from other universities...
  4. S

    Schools University of Manchester or Bath

    I've got conditional offers from the University of Manchester and Bath, and they're about the same difficulty (5 on AP Calc.BC and AP Statistics, Bath accepts 5 for Chemistry) I'm planning to drop one of them from my choice since I need a safety (which probably will be the university of...
  5. T

    Hohman orbits University Physics I

    Homework Statement Im not sure how to solve this one... Hohmann orbits are the lowest energy orbits to move things from one planet to another in a solar system. In order to send something from the Earth to another planet in the solar system, you launch the object when the Earth and...
  6. J

    Schools Transferring from a 2 year college to a 4 year university

    I've got a few questions related to transferring to a 4 year university from my community college. After the fall semseter, I'll have 60 credits, which is enough for my general studies associate's degree. That would give me "priority admission" to Towson University, which is where I intend on...
  7. V

    Schools University, Reapplying and Gap Year Options

    I'm a student in the UK, and have already applied, been rejected/accepted by various universities, and accepted a firm and insurance offer. I was accepted at Southampton, after rejections from Oxford and Imperial. I was happy with my decision, but after talking to my head of physics, I'm...
  8. S

    Schools Selecting a university for a Physics PhD

    Hi all, I am a physics graduate from Sri Lanka. I applied for several universities for Physics PhD program(Fall 2009). I want your help to select the best university for me. My research interests are Condensed Matter Physics and Nanophysics. My credentials are as follows. UGPA - 3.91, GRE...
  9. R

    Schools Astrophysics or Aerospace Engineering (Princeton University)

    Hi! I don't know what to pick as a major. I am extremely interested in both fields (moreso than any other major at the school), however, I don't want either discipline to occupy my entire life as an undergraduate (I'd like to have some free time). I already satisfied most of the...
  10. A

    External Review of University Physics Department: Public Availability?

    Does anyone know whether it is possible to get one's hands on the external review of a University's physics department? Are they available publicly?
  11. M

    Schools Studying Physics at Concordia University

    I applied to Concordia University and Mcgill University in Montreal, Quebec. I already got an acceptance letter from Concordia I was wondering if it's a good idea to study physics at Concordia. I don't really know much about universities to begin with nor do I care that much but if I'm...
  12. C

    Schools University of Florida Physics, Math and Computer Science 09-10 Fall

    I'm enrolled for 09-10 Fall to begin my BS in physics at UF. Anyone else here on PF going to UF for physics, math and/or computer science?
  13. Q

    Schools George Mason University v. Virginia Tech

    I'm having a hard time deciding where to go. George Mason would be much cheaper since I wouldn't have to pay for room & board since it's like 10 miles away, but Virginia Tech is obviously a lot better. Is it really worth it to get private loans and be much more in debt for an education at VT...
  14. C

    Quantum Physics Question - Second Year University level.

    Hi there, I have some questions which I cannot solve from my Quantum book. I would appretiate some hints as to how they should be solved. Thanks.
  15. T

    Choosing Your University: London UCL & Ideas

    I'm finishing my GCSES and now I have chosen my A level options (physics, chemistry, biology and maths) and now I'm wondering what universities I should be looking at, at the moment my main option is London UCL. Has anyone got some suggestions, and what is your opinion about London UCL?
  16. L

    Schools Comparing Prestige: National Labs vs. University Summer Programs?

    Hi, I was recently accepted into two summer programs. One, an REU at U Chicago and two, an internship at the Lawrence Berkeley National Labs. A friend of mine says that the National Lab internship is more prestigious, that is, that the mentors are slightly more amazing at the National Lab. Is...
  17. R

    Studying How important is it to buy textbooks for university courses?

    Hello all, I'm entering my second year of university (Physics/mech engineering major) and am wondering whether it is worthwhile spending money on the textbooks? In my first year, I found there were some subjects where I didn't touch the textbooks - primarily Calculus I and II (Calculus...
  18. Z

    Schools Queens University - Kington, Ontario

    I was just wondering if anyone here is in or has taken physics at Queens University in Canada. I am really just looking for someone to talk to about the faculty and such. Thank you.
  19. Y

    Schools Which Canadian University to do an undergrad in physics?

    My daughter is graduating from grade 12 this June and is considering studying physics at university. She has applied to Western, Queens and UBC. Which of these would be the best choice? Or, would you suggest anywhere else? She also does very well in Math, Chemistry, French, and History. She is...
  20. T

    Schools How to prep for University Mathematics

    Hey, guys I'm in my last year of high school and I am wondering how i could do some self preparation for University mathematics next year? This is the case as I have been told college math is very challenging and less directed toward algorithms. Right now I am currently enrolled in a standard...
  21. Ivan Seeking

    Google & NASA Back Futurists: Singularity University

    http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8b162dfc-f168-11dd-8790-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1
  22. V

    Programs Recent Gr 12 Physics Student Considering University

    Hi. I have a question to ask the countless physics students on this forum. I just completed my gr 12 physics course (SPH 4U) and I absolutely loved it! The teacher was awesome, he had so much passion for the subject and he would go out of his way to tell us about how he majored in physics...
  23. G

    Schools Picking a University: Making the Right Decision

    So, I'm in grade 12, my average in school is 96, I am top of the honor role (as in highest mark in my school) and scored about 2100 on my SAT so i expect to get into most if not all of the uni's i applied to (maybe not yale). In fact, i received a letter of acceptance from penn state and purdue...
  24. M

    Schools Exploring a Culinary Arts Career: Dublin University (DIT) of Ireland

    Hello, i am seriously thinking of persuing a culinary arts (!) career so as to become a grand chef someday,hopefully.I know that the best schools for that purpose are located in Italy and France but i can't speak their languages. I try to spot really good schools. Since i live in Europe i seek...
  25. C

    Computer specs needed for university

    I am going to be doing EE at university this year and i am looking at purchasing a laptop to use. So the question is... What sort of machine specs do you need to run Mathematica and Matlab quickly? --- I am looking at a Toshiba Tecra A10 (PTSB0A-00E001) Intel core 2 duo T9400 (2.53...
  26. A

    Schools Undergraduate in a Canadian University

    I'm currently a first year (Life Science) undergraduate in a Canadian University and I was thinking of trying to complete a minor in math. I kind of like math and it does somewhat interest me; but lately I have become lazy, I feel like I was much more school orientated in high school. I'm am...
  27. K

    Schools Which University Should I Ultimately Choose? [Canada]

    Hello everyone :) I'm a 17 year old Grade 12 student in Ontario interested in physics, more specifically astrophysics. I've just finished applying to university, and don't have to make the final decision until May of this year. My choices are Queen's, UBC, UVic and UWO for Astrophysics...
  28. K

    Schools New physics contest for university students

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  29. S

    Schools Is University of Maryland a Good School for Physics/Astrophysics

    I'm going to be going to Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland for two years, then I'm going to transfer, probably to UMD (University of Maryland) or UMBC (University of Maryland Baltimore County). What I want to know is, is UMD a good school for a physics degree? Can I get a good...
  30. O

    Schools Find University for PhD Physics

    Now , I study theoretical physics in graduate level, and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to pursue my PhD. I'm very interest to do the research about black hole or gravitational physics. Could anyone suggest some proper place for me? How about Max Planck for gravitational physics?
  31. V

    Schools Preparing for University: Advice for Physics Program Students

    Well, I just finished my last two courses (Physics 2 w/Calculus and C Programming) required for my transfer over to my local university for their physics program of which I will be starting in the Spring Semester 2009. I am currently signed up for Linear Algebra, Classical Mechanics, and...
  32. R

    Schools Community college -> university

    Community college ---> university Hello, I'm a high school student taking 3 courses at a community college ( computer science II, calc physics and calc III).I'm going to university of colorado at boulder next year and I'm slightly worried that I will be under prepared for the courses. What...
  33. C

    Schools Mathematics Online @ University of Arkansas - Little Rock

    After months and months of research looking for a good mathematics degree online that's regionally accreditated, and I think I may have found a program that will set me up for grad school in mathematics and/or some other science. The program I found is at the University of Arkansas - Little...
  34. B

    Schools Returning to University, learning Calculus?

    Hello all I have searched around and gathered some information before I asked this question. I wanted to ask this question directly to get some advice from the forum members. I currently am 28 years old and I am returning to College to get a Computer Science Degree. I currently have a BA in...
  35. V

    Schools Is it worth doing a PhD at an unknown University?

    Is it worth doing a PhD at an unknown University? Hi I am considering doing a PhD in electronic engineering, at an unknown, under acknowledged University. When local people are asked they say, "oh, do they do engineering there?". However the topic is great, really frontline smart stuff...
  36. Y

    Calc Midterm, First Year University (derivative related stuff)

    Homework Statement If f(x)=x^x for x>0, find the constant a such that f'(a)=2f(a) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution f'(a)=a*a^(a-1) =a^a 2f(a)=2a^a 2a^a=a^a ln2a^a=lna^a aln2a=alna ...?
  37. D

    Knowledge needed for the University

    I want to study aerospace engineering in an university of the United States of America, or in the United Kingdom. I have been thinking about the University of Michigan, The MIT, The University of Liverpool, The Rutgers University, The Stanford University, The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical...
  38. Astronuc

    Ready for university by Grade 10 or age 16 yrs?

    Should Kids Be Able to Graduate After 10th Grade? http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20081107/us_time/shouldkidsbeabletograduateafter10thgrade By KATHLEEN KINGSBURY Kathleen Kingsbury – Fri Nov 7, 4:50 am ET Can most children be ready for junior college by Grade 10?! This does seem to shift the...
  39. F

    Schools Anyone familiar with the University of Manchester?

    I am currently a freshman at a university in the US, however I am considering studying in the UK to get an undergraduate Masters degree and I was wondering if anyone can give me some insight on Manchester or some university/colleges and their physics departments. I am not necessarily at a...
  40. H

    Half of Cambridge students cheat. Still a Top 10 university?

    http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/10/31/Poll_Half_of_Cambridge_students_cheat/UPI-74291225507701/
  41. O

    Schools AP Physics v. University Physics

    Okay so I'm taking AP Physics B at my high school this year (i'm a senior) and I really enjoy it and I do well on all of the tests so far (I do usually get 1 or 2 problems wrong tho...my average is between 80 and 90 percent on tests). I really like Physics and all of the theories and stuff but...
  42. C

    Schools Taking biochemistry at university

    Im thinking about possibly taking biochemistry at university but I am not sure if I need to take physics as well. The program doesn't require u to take it, just biology and chemistry but is it best to take physics as well? It is a bachelors degree in biochemistry.
  43. U

    Schools University math curriculum comparison: US v UK

    Disclaimer: Although my question is targeted toward the UK, I do not wish to exclude comparison with other countries e.g. Germany or Canada. Please, if you have studied maths at universities in another country, your experience is of value and interest. Here in the United States, the usual...
  44. P

    How do you add Rational Expressions when youre in University Math?

    Cross multiply ... and then multiply by the common denominator... how do you do it do you do it in your head..by cross multiplying or the other way It seems like cross multiplying is less formal ...and I don't know if its 'right' to take the shortcut --since you have to do this...
  45. C

    Schools Exploring Carleton University: A Student's Perspective

    Anyone have any idea what Carleton University in Ottawa is like? I am really considering going there for University next year. Has anyone gone there/known someone who has? Thanks in advance.
  46. K

    Schools Advice on Course at University

    Hi, I am form Great Britain and would greatly appreciate any advice that you could give me on which course to study at university. I am currently studying for my A2's in Physics, Maths and Chemistry so I will be heading off to University next year hopefully. The problem, however, is I am...
  47. M

    Schools University of Chicago: Is it Worth 50k/Yr? Admissions Requirements

    I was looking at this school, since it's relatively close and has a top-notch physics program (or so I understand). Is that seriously worth 50k USD a year? How the hell do I go from paying 8k a year to 50k? And can I get accepted (into the undergrad program) with a 3.66 physics GPA, 3.5...
  48. F

    Second year university biochemistry - pH and Buffers

    Homework Statement This question is for a lab write up. We prepared a 0.1 M citrate buffer with pH 4.0, we then diluted our buffer with deionized water 20 fold and then 50 fold. The subsequent changes in pH are as follows, 20 fold pH = 4.10 50 fold pH = 4.14 This confuses me because I have...
  49. Shackleford

    Schools Is it normal in University Physics I and II courses to use mostly

    algebra and basic calculus skills in computation? We haven't really used any heavy differentiation or integration, save basic differentiation or whatever. Of course, I guess most things that would require that are done by software. I'm just wondering if it's the norm at universities to introduce...
  50. T

    Schools Any suggestions for a University?

    I am looking for something with very strong Physics program as well as Aerospace(Astronautical) Engineering,Electrical Engineering.Computer Science AND Astronomy...that seems about right. Of course lots of research opportunities. Something that lacks no class in a field, but also has weird...
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