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. T

    Undergrad research opportunities outside of university

    Given the state of affairs with COVID and its effects through closures of "unnecessary" services and colleges working more online for the time being, does anyone have advice on how to go about gaining physics research experience outside of the university? At this point, I'm about 18 months...
  2. K

    Other Will I be looked down on? (CS degree from Western Governor's University)

    Lately I was considering getting a CS degree from Western Governors University. I was wondering how would employers treat me if I was to end up with a degree from there? How would other schools treat me if I decided to get a graduate degree someday?
  3. K

    Schools Can I Get a Computer Engineering Degree at 25?

    I'm 25 and still at a community college taking general ed classes. I haven't taken any pre engineering classes and I'm currently in algebra and will be taking calculus 1 in the fall *fingers crossed*. I want to get a degree in computer engineering and I was wondering how long do u think that'll...
  4. Barracuda

    Looking for advice to improve my grades in my Senior year at university

    Hello, I'm in my final year of physics major in college. I have a semester left, and have to get straight A's this semester in order to have an average grade at best to further my education. I am not an "A" student. I've always been between the 55% and 45% percentile not because I'm dull, but i...
  5. P

    Erasmus studentship at University of Warsaw

    Hey there! I am offered to go on an Erasmus studentship to Warsaw on September. I am studying Bsc in Physics and that will be my last year. I was willing to know some reference about the University of Warsaw (concretely, Physics) in terms of difficulty, how the courses are organised, and some...
  6. K

    What interests you about mechanical engineering?

    Hello everyone! I am a third year undergraduate student studying mechanical engineering. I hope to engage in meaningful conversations and explore interests on the forums!
  7. S

    Axe Throwing Venue Opens Near University: Is It Popular?

    A front page story in my local paper says an "axe throwing venue" has opened near the university. There is a photo of a man, appropriately masked against the coronavirus, throwing a hatchet. Is this type of establishment becoming popular?
  8. Connor

    Programs Western Governors University: Legit Online Degrees?

    Lately I stumbled upon Western Governors University and they happen to offer online degrees in computer science and they also offer a degree in cloud computing. I was wondering does this online university seem legit? They seem to be regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges...
  9. Effective_User

    Schools University of Minnesota Twin Cities Physics Program

    Hello everyone, I would like to know about the physics program here on campus. Do students get a lot of research opportunities? How are the class size in general (Is there a lot of interaction with the professors)? Do top performing students get place into high rank grad schools?
  10. T

    Testing I in studying and taking tests at university

    Hello there.I am and undergraduate student in math and I have problems, a little anxiety and doubt about taking tests in math courses at my university.I am trying to pass my exams and i have improved myself at that.So, what am I doing wrong about the preparation before taking tests?I am reading...
  11. Manphysics

    Other Publishing in physics after no longer having a university job?

    I'm a university physics professor. I'm currently employed, but next year that can change. Can I easily publish academic papers on Theoretical Physics without any institutional affiliation at all? It seems to me that good peer-reviewed journals tend to extra-officially consider the university...
  12. C

    Access to a compute cluster without a university affiliation?

    I am temporarily an orphaned researcher with no university affiliation. Is there any public access compute cluster I can run some DFT on? I know that, for instance, Brookhaven Lab allows free access to its state of the art micro/nanofab facilities if you write and get your proposal accepted. Is...
  13. R

    Gaining Access to MCNP: University of Tehran Researchers' Journey

    I was reading papers on neutron flux traps. Some people in the University of Tehran used MCNP to determine effectiveness of different neutron moderators. Context out of the way, my question is regarding the situation. How did researchers paid by an organization like the University of Tehran get...
  14. P

    Tackling a Classical Mechanics Problem at Pisa University

    This problem is hard. It found it listed among problems discussed in a classical mechanics course for physicists at the university of Pisa and don't have a full solution. It's not 100% guaranteed that there's a nice close-form solution, but probably yes; and if not, there should be some trick to...
  15. Phylosopher

    Other How to find an internship through university staff?

    Hello everyone,I would like your advice on the matter of internships... Usually every year, no matter the situation, I apply for internships/training for the summer... Sometimes I succeed in finding one and sometimes I fail. It became a habit to always search for internships (Hopefully a good...
  16. bhobba

    Fermi's Application To University

    When Fermi applied to a very competitive Italian university to be an undergrad student, he had to, as part of the application process, submit a paper. The admission panel rarely if ever interviews applicants. But they had to interview Fermi. Why? His paper was suitable as a doctoral...
  17. K

    Physics Do you need a Master's degree to teach physics at an American university?

    Hello! Do you need to have a master on top of a PhD to teach at an American university? I see that most programs for PhD start right after undergrad and they are about 5-6 years and they give your a doctorate degree. Do you also get a master degree on top, or is that something separate you need...
  18. J

    Studying Need help getting started on my path to University

    Hello everyone I hope this is an appropriate place to post. It will be two years until I can attend university and I have some questions. I have developed a love for math and more recently physics and am sure this is the path that I want to take at university. To give you an idea of what I mean...
  19. Mondayman

    Schools Comparing Small & Large University Physics Programs for Graduate School Readiness

    Hi folks, I am considering two universities. My goal is to do well enough that I could get into graduate school for physics, most likely here in Canada. I have been unable to speak to an adviser, as my school's science adviser does not meet with students until they finish their second year. So...
  20. SianRR

    Motion in Electric and Magnetic Fields -- (Uni Level Dynamics)

    I've attached my attempt at a solution below, I thought integrating it would be the best way to go but I'm just getting so confused and could use some help. This isn't my first attempt at a solution either I've been working on this for just under two hours now.
  21. binbagsss

    Engineering How important is the choice of university for postgrad research?

    i've been offered a place where the supervisor's phd students tend to publish at least four times before graduating with their PhD, however it's not a university I would have selected for my undergrad studies, to put it that way. But I've noticed a lot of such places, including this one, seem to...
  22. M

    Photograph courtesy of University

    What does it mean "Photograph courtesy of an University"?
  23. M

    Programs Module Choice advice for a theoretical physics degree (Durham)

    I'm starting at Durham on the 29th of September and I need to get my module choices sorted. I have the choice between 40 credits of maths modules designed for scientists, and 40 credits of maths modules done by regular maths students. They say that you should only do the regular maths modules if...
  24. D

    Engineering How to know if I’m more inclined towards Mechanical or Electrical Engineering?

    How to know if I’m more inclined towards mechanical or electrical engineering?
  25. xyzyx314

    Programs Physics and Philosophy BSc - What to expect?

    Hi, I'm applying for 2020 entry in the UK (coming from Poland) and the subject that I'm most interested in is BSc in Physics and Philosophy (well maybe next to Natural Sciences degree, but I feel like that's out of my grasp), with the intent to later pursue MSc, PhD and ultimately an academic...
  26. D

    Physics Inventor and physicist, what to study?

    I want to be an inventor that focuses on physics, I have the chance to study university but I don’t know what is the best career. I know inventing is much more than a degree, but I wanted to know which degree or degrees would help me more?
  27. cobalt124

    Courses UK University Recommmendations for Psychology/Neuroscience

    My daughter has had to defer university application for a year and switch to "Plan B". Can anyone recommend UK universities giving courses relating to Psychology and Neuroscience (together if possible)? Also any refererence/text books that would be useful as an introduction to similar course(s)?
  28. bhobba

    Exploring Alternative Routes to a PhD in Physics: OpenPlus at Open University

    Hi All I have decided to do module with the Open University in the UK (was going to do a whole degree, but why bother already have one in math so decided on separate modules instead): http://www.openuniversity.edu/courses/qualifications/details/s217?orig=q77&setAcc=true While looking around...
  29. G

    Schools Theoretical physics university climbing

    I'm a 4th year MPhys student currently finishing my undergrad. I will be attending a theoretical masters course next year at Kings. I have been declined by Imperial and Cambridge so I have started to get a little worried about my future. Even though I have been declined this year, is there any...
  30. T

    Schools University of Rochester or Boston University (for physics undergrad)?

    Hi, I am an international student who has been admitted to Rochester and BU. I am having a difficult time deciding which college to attend. As an aspiring physicist, I plan on going to a graduate school for physics after completing undergrad. I think the Geneva Physics Program (study abroad @...
  31. Z

    Schools Lawrence University vs UW-Madison (Undergraduate physics)

    Hi, it is hard for me to make a choice between UW-Madison and Lawrence University. Which college can better prepare me for the physics graduate school? Can anybody give me some advice? Thanks in advance.
  32. pochemuchka

    Acceleration needed to keep an object from sliding down a windshield

    I think I am on the right path but I'm having trouble cancelling out the mass of the wallet. I drew a free body diagram and know that there are three forces acting on the wallet: gravity, friction, and normal force (including the van's acceleration). The y-component of the friction and normal...
  33. H

    Schools Anyone take Physics 251L from Mayville State University?

    Hi, I'm looking for someone who take the university of physics which is 251, 251L from the Mayville state university.. Is it hard to study? I'm trying to find the lab result about that but they said need a kit which is 600 bucks to buy.. I'm considering do I really have to buy, or just looking...
  34. S

    Other Textbooks needed to cover everything in university (undergrad to PhD)

    First of all we are talking about theoretical physics (particle physics, general relativity and cosmology) These textbooks start from high school level physics and math and cover everything from there (both math and physics wise).
  35. K

    Schools I in choosing a university

    So I currently am in the last year of high school(in India). I have decided to do a double major in Physics and Computer Science. Now the problem is that in my country there aren't many good universities/colleges that offer a double major especially in the field of sciences or the combination I...
  36. bhobba

    University Subjects At Middle School

    This one has really got me thinking: https://edsource.org/2016/college-classes-for-middle-school-students-its-happening-in-hayward/93885 Maybe we are setting standards far too low for students even under (US) high school age? I know there are programs in the US where you can graduate HS with...
  37. Floatzel98

    Schools PhD at same University as Undergraduate Degree

    Is doing a PhD at the same uni that you completed your undergrad degree fine? Is it bad, should you avoid it? I'm currently in the 4th year of my physics degree, doing my honours year, and my supervisor has mentioned that I am in a good position to continue to do a PhD with him. While I'm happy...
  38. A

    Schools Which university to go to for a physics degree?

    I graduated from Georgia Tech a few years ago with a Bachelors in Applied Mathematics and now I am currently a software developer, however, my passion is in astronomy. I have looked at opportunities in astronomy that is towards the engineering route i.e. image processing engineer, detector...
  39. jtbell

    News US university admissions scandal

    Here's what pressure to get students into elite universities can lead to: cheating on SAT and ACT exams and even bribing university officials: Wealthy parents, actresses, coaches, among those charged in massive college cheating admission scandal, federal prosecutors say (CNN.com) Example:
  40. FlyingPhysicist

    Schools Should I Choose a UK or Canadian University for my Post-Military Education?

    Hello PF. I graduated HS in the 2017/2018 year with an average of 88% In AP physics I scored an 85%, and 82% in my AP Calculus class. I didn't attend university yet because of the mandatory military service in my country. I will finish my service in December of this year. I recently got an...
  41. Adesh

    Schools Will I get admission into the University of Denver?

    I’m an Indian student studying in class 12th and I need admission in UG courses (BS PHYSICS, BS MATHS) and I want University of Denver. I mailed my query about admission sort listing and they replied they would consider students for admission process if they get more than 90% in their academic...
  42. Anthony Beckwith

    Schools Has anybody else studied with the Open University?

    I have recently embarked on a BSc physics course with The OU. Has anybody eles studied with the OU?. So far I have found them helpful and supportive. Any advice?
  43. H

    Physics Is Leipzig University a good option for studying physics?

    Hello, I am considering this university as an option for when I will need to take admission in a university next year. From what I have seen on internet, the courses are difficult there because of teachers not helping much. How difficult is it? If I take an advanced mathematics course before...
  44. archaic

    Schools Transferring to a new university

    Hey guys, my mother had a talk with me about a potential emigration to another country, job stuff. I've had a look at the universities' websites and it seems that they follow the American system, or perhaps British, i.e B.Sc B.A etc, which is not the case where I live. We're following the french...
  45. Adesh

    Schools Can an average student ever get good university?

    Hello everyone, I want to ask can an average student get admission in good universities? By average student I mean a student who is not gifted with some great abilities and doesn't have any powerful family background but just yearns to achieve higher education. By good universities I mean...
  46. morrobay

    Schools University of Penn. School of Engineering?

    https://catalog.upenn.edu/undergraduate/engineering-applied-science/ My nephew is interested in 'engineers without borders' What are the applications related to The University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering ? The courses seem to be a blend of other specialties with engineering. To put...
  47. E

    Schools Choosing a university in Canada

    Hi everyone. I am a Colombian student looking to study in Canada. I am trying to apply for physics undergrad programs in universities like SFU, UoCalgary and mcmaster. I am interested in astrophysics and also quantum physics Since you know a lot I would appreciate if you give me advice and...
  48. Lalala

    Schools Engineering science at the University of Toronto for A levels students

    Hi I'm doing A levels now and I'm planning to go to University of Toronto next year September for engineering science, my question is what are the grades needed for my AS and A2 level to get into engineering science? My trial results are A in Chemistry and Math, A- in physics and B in biology.
  49. A

    Studying Starting UGrad Phys, haven't studied Maths/Phys for a year

    Hoping I can find some help here, anyway a bit of context; I studied Maths/Physics/Computer Science at A-Level (Finished at 18 years old, not sure what that is in America), and passed them all with good grades, and decided to take a gap year to work on some own personal aims/goals of mine...
  50. R

    Classical University Physics textbook topics

    Does anyone have the latest University Physics (Young) textbook and know if there is a discussion of "jerk" in it? THanks, JP
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