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. Anatalbo

    Normal forces for small car performing a vertical loop

    Homework Statement A small car with mass .800 kg travels at a constant speed of 12m/s on the inside of a track that is a vertical circle with radius 5.0m. If the normal force exerted by the track on the car when it is at the top of the track is 6.00N, what is the normal force at the bottom of...
  2. BL4CKB0X97

    Schools University opinions of online A Levels

    Hi I am going to be getting my A levels through an Online service, as no college in my area does over age A-levels. I started my A levels in sixth form but got hospitalised through illness for a few months. Never got to finish because of it and when I got out I was still to ill to return. Now...
  3. DigitalPanda213

    Schools Will university live up to my expectations or should I consider other options?

    So just to as quickly as possible give an overview of my situation, I'm currently a Highschool Senior part way into my second semester at my local community college, and to be honest, I'm starting to hate it. I was homeschooled my whole life and while I don't think that was ideal, I never hated...
  4. O

    Schools How did you learn/study programming in University

    Hey everyone, I was wondering if you were completely new to programming when you went to University, how did you learn to program? I spend a lot of time reading the books my University requires, but it all feels very dense and difficult to follow. I retain little to nothing. I started out with...
  5. binbagsss

    Schools Ok to apply for two phds from the same university?

    < Mentor Note -- OP deleted this original post, which has been restored by the Moderators. Thread will remain closed. > same professor. different topics from what i can make out - one more linked to partial differential equations, analysis, one using lagrangian/ hamiltonian dynamics and...
  6. Alyssa P

    Schools Research positions outside home university

    I'm a freshman physics major at a small research university in Philadelphia. The majority of the university is geared toward the health sciences, so we have very limited opportunities for research in physics. I'm just starting to develop my interests in specific fields in physics, and I'd...
  7. CARLOS VELASQUEZ

    Schools What University offers an online master degree?

    Hi guys I want to study an online master degree in Physics, and I want to know if someone know about Universities that offer this option. I live in Ecuador. I want to study more but I can not travel to other countries for a very large time due to personal responsabilities. I am a Physics...
  8. J

    Schools University of Zurich Nuclear Engineering

    Hi guys. I am a mechanical engineering student working on finishing my junior year. I have always been interested in nuclear engineering (and slightly regret not doing my undergrad in it) and am looking to obtain a master's in it and go work. I am in the U.S. so there are plenty of really good...
  9. J

    Schools University Physics without high school preparation

    Hi First time poster here. I recently applied to the University of Toronto in which I intend to do the Math and Physics Specialist, this university has a particular bad reputation for killing GPA; however, I'm confident that its mostly myth and with hard work anything can be achieved. The only...
  10. akaliuseheal

    Calculating EMF in order for the powers to be equal

    Homework Statement In a circuit of constant current shown in the image, values are Ig=0.2 A AND R=750 ohm. What is the value of EMS of an ideal voltage source V for the powers of an ideal voltage and an ideal current source to be equal? Homework Equations Pv=PIg The Attempt at a Solution I...
  11. akaliuseheal

    Calculating voltage which voltmeter is showing

    Homework Statement Schematic of circuit is not given, only the text which I translated into English. Using a voltmeter with internal resistance of 6k ohm, voltage between two points, 1 and 2 of a circuit of constant current, is measured to be 8v. Then, using a voltmeter with internal...
  12. BL4CKB0X97

    Schools Help -- Suggestions please for preparing for university physics

    Hello people. I'm going to cut to the chase. I have always had a deep set interest in physics and maths. It's always been a secret dream to become Dr of physics. I'm 19.I did well in secondary school,got a lot of gcses, the English here will know, and started doing A level maths, literature and...
  13. Hypercube

    Schools PhD in theoretical physics at “prestigious” university

    Hi! I want to (eventually) do PhD in theoretical physics, and although universities like MIT, Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, etc. are incredibly competitive, I was wondering if being self-funded student makes things any easier? My current situation is following: I am nearly 29 years-old student...
  14. ELHPhysics

    Schools What should I focus on to excel in university physics?

    Hi, this fall I'll be attending university for Theoretical Physics (Canada). I'm hoping to continue education to graduate level, and become a physicist myself. Firstly, I'm wondering what I should have under my belt, to not only be successful in school but also become an expert in physics...
  15. C

    Help: Physics vs Engineering Physics vs EE / ME

    I'm a final year high school student trying to figure out what he wants to study in university. I have decided on an applied math double major with one of the above. My dilemma is between deciding to purse the passion I have for theoretical/ pure physics or an applied science as I would really...
  16. O

    Schools George Washington University Statement of Purpose Length

    Long shot, but has anyone applied to the GWU Physics PhD program? If so, how long was your Statement of Purpose? There is no information about it on the application, I ran across this page: https://www.programs.gwu.edu/graduate/physics. This says 250-500 words, but asks for "your academic...
  17. bland

    Rice University gets Newtons 3rd Law wrong

    I couldn't remember which number was which in Newton's laws of motion, and so I clicked the first link I found, but to my amazement it seems that while Rice University got the number right, they got the facts of how it works wrong. Ironically it seems they have made the same mistake as that...
  18. K

    Courses Maths for Experimental Physics?

    Hi all, I'm currently a second year Applied Maths and Physics student. I will be specialising in Experimental physics next year. With this, I will have no more core (mandatory) mathematics modules. So far, I have taken, Linear Algebra I, Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra II...
  19. HyperTechno

    Schools Does a University's Global Ranking Affect Job Prospects and Salary?

    If I graduate from a university that possesses the world ranking of "6977" with a 4 year Software Engineering degree {BSc(Hons),Eng} what kind of acceptance my qualification will have at the international level? Won't I be able to enjoy a good salary? Will my degree get rejected? The degree...
  20. muonneutrino

    Schools Seeking Advice for Where to Apply to University in Ontario

    Hi! I apologize in advance if you get a lot of indecisive kids like me putting spammy requests for first year university application advice and if I'm breaking any rules by putting this thread here etc just let me know. Anyway I'm an aspiring physicist in my last year of secondary school in...
  21. M

    Schools What university should I choose (Germany)

    I just got accepted into the studienkolleg in Wurzburg with one condition, I have to get to level B2 in German, I am still improving, now I have heard that after the studienkolleg (which is similar to a preparatory year ) I can choose a different university to start my studies in. Now, I want to...
  22. victorhugo

    Physics Need advice before sending my CV to my University

    A professor said: "Congratulations is in order then as this is no mean feat. If you email me your CV I will pass it around to the other academics." So I want to make sure that it is good to help me get internships and experience in the labs. Please, could you have a quick look and tell me what...
  23. Kianlos

    Schools Is the university of toronto as hard as they say it is?

    I know it has been asked before but hi, I'm currently a grade 12 high school student and am pretty scared about university. Financially, i can only go to uoft and so no other school is being considered right now other than ryerson or york. Now, is uoft really as hard as they say it is? (now i...
  24. C

    I Phase transitions university classes

    There's something that I'd like to know and haven't been able to find in any book: 1.- Is the number of second order phase transition university classes known? 2.- Do we know quantitatively know the behavior of all such second order phase transition university classes? 3.- Do we know the...
  25. A

    Schools Should I transfer to a harder/better university? (CS)

    Hi, I'm currently a part time CS student at a local university near me. It's not a bad university, but it's not the greatest either. However, I've been working 30-40 hours per week while having a part time schedule. I'm thinking about potentially quitting my job, transferring to UoFT(which si...
  26. T

    Schools Maryland STEM Colleges: Best Options for High Schooler

    Hi everyone, I'm a high schooler looking at colleges, and as I live in Maryland it would be best if I can find a suitable college in state. I plan on pursuing a double major, in Math and either Computer Science, Biochemistry, or Physics. I am unsure what kind of career I want exactly, only that...
  27. C

    Schools University advice for mechanical engineering?

    Hello PF. I apologize if this is in the wrong forum board, I thought this post would be relevant since it has to do with MechEng. Feel free to move the thread to the correct spot if it is in the inappropriate section. Anyways, I'm in a bit of a dilemma. Basically, I have an unconditional offer...
  28. Liam Lau

    Mathematical Physics or Theoretical Physics

    Hi, I am currently applying to university and am an aspiring Theoretical Physicist. I see many different courses but the two I am not sure on are Mathematical Physics and Theoretical Physics. I was wondering what would give me a better foundation to go on to be a Theoretical Physicist, thank...
  29. ShayanJ

    TOEFL or IELTS Certification for University?

    How should I choose one of them? Is it like universities in some countries accept one and universities in other countries accept the other? Thanks
  30. ElleD

    Courses How could I gain a career in biophysics?

    Hi, I am currently in the last year of sixth form and looking to go to university. However, I am unsure of which course to take since I equally enjoy learning about biology and physics. Biophysics, seems like it would be the ideal career for me but I am unsure of what pathways I could take to...
  31. F

    Physics Becoming a professor at a top university?

    How possible is it to get a tenure track position at a top 30 or above university in physics? I know that getting any tenure-track position is hard in itself, but I'm also wondering about a specific rumor I heard a bunch of times that "you can only end up being a professor at a school lower than...
  32. AlanTur1ng

    Schools Someone very close to me is struggling with university grades

    Hi everyone, this is my first time on this website and I really need help. Anyway, there is someone who is very close to me, who only achieved a third in second year of university and is about to go into her final year and she's having a crisis and I'm honestly really worried about her. She...
  33. P

    Schools I just started university, now what?

    So, my university has finally started. I hope to become an Astrophysicist one day and I plan to work as hard as possible to make sure that I do so in a decent place. For the first semester, I couldn't get any Physics classes as they were full, but it's all right since I'm able to cross off the...
  34. S

    Engineering Students Academic Discussion

    Hi guys, I am doing a quick survey here. I am not sure this is appropriate in this section but here it is. If your are an engineering students, could you guys please comment on: 1) Who do you ask when you stuck on study-related questions (eg. lecture note, tutorial, assignment questions...
  35. Matejxx1

    Schools Tips for new university students

    Hi everyone, I have finally finished high school and have been accepted into a mathematical university. I'm really excited and also somewhat nervous about this whole thing since It is my dream to one day become a mathematician and I don't want to mess it up. I'm now wondering if you guys have...
  36. M

    Schools Which university in Canada is best for mining engineering?

    Hi. I am wondering which university in Canada is best for mining engineering. Waiting for your replies!
  37. VoloD

    Job Skills Revised: Importance of Degree and University for Jobs

    In my experience, it seems that going to a better (ie more rigorous) school is not worth it in the long run. I went to a state public university (I live in the US) than is well known for its science and engineering programs. I earned my BS in Physics, but I was no longer interested in...
  38. VoloD

    Job Skills Why is University never considered in the hiring process

    Why do people base a new employees skill set based solely on degree and not the program they attended. For example, engineering is considered to be a marketable field. However, not all engineering programs are created equal. I understand that elite institutions will be preferred over the...
  39. brymcfly21

    Engineering Physics or engineering? Going into university this fall and still unsure

    So I will be entering my big state U in two weeks as a freshman. I have down physics as my major because I have such a passion for the sciences and math however I am very torn if this is a right choice. I applied to my schools engineering school for the spring semester yet look through job...
  40. D

    Thermodynamics and Carnot engines - university exam question

    Homework Statement A block of radioactive material is ti be used as a power source for a deep space probe which may be treated ideally as a single Carnot engine. Radioactive decay generates heat in the block at a rate Pin = dQin/dt and heat is extracted from the block to operate the probe at a...
  41. S

    Engineering University student with no direction

    Hi, I've been lurking here for quite a bit for a while now (reading old threads, stickies, etc.). I figured it's time I finally make a PF account to join the community. A little about myself. I'm currently a 6yr student (I know...) at a medium size state university close to my home. I...
  42. Garlic

    Schools The university I wanted rejected me and I'm feeling so sad....

    Hello everyone, I couldn't visit the PF lately, as I was too busy because of the my university enrollment processes. I wanted to tell this to you later when everything is complete, but.. I finished my High School (German High School in Istanbul) this year, and want to study physics in Germany...
  43. Alexswash

    Schools HS Senior seeking advice for university studies :)

    Well hello there, My name is Alex, I'm a belgian high school student (currently going to start my senior year), and I'm 17. I love this forum, it helps me a lot when I need an info about physics, the physics major and the jobs associated with physics. I joined this forum because I myself...
  44. P

    How do I link PF to university page?

    In the beginning the forum says, "Have a university web page? Consider linking to Physics Forums. Every little bit helps!" Well, I'm a student at a university. How do I do this?
  45. J

    Geometry is important for vector analysis?

    Hello from Italy I'm switching from CS to Physics BS because i personally find it more various and interesting (and in Rome there is one of the best physics school in the world). Mathematical analysis is a common subject and my credits will be recognised but i didn't study Linear algebra yet...
  46. J

    Foundations A math book for first year at University? (Similar to Tipler)

    Hi folks, I was wondering if there exists a generic book that explains all the math for a first year at the university. I am thinking about a book like Tipler in Physics, but for Math. The topics I need to review are: Vectors in 3d. Scalar, vector and mixed product. Trigonometry...
  47. M

    Schools Preparing for University: Balancing Academics and Social Life in Physics

    In about a month I will be studying physics in university after graduating from high school. Are there general advice you guys can give me? I don't know what to expect and I'm anxious about failing. What should I do meanwhile during the holiday, and during school time? Should I simply study...
  48. M

    Schools Tips for a freshman mathematics university student

    Next year, I will study mathematics at university. I think I'm well prepared, I already did some linear algebra (I got some books from my brother who studies physics and the mathematicians and physicists share some courses in the first year) and with effort it seems to work out. But, are there...
  49. Liam C

    Admissions What are the chances of getting into an Ivy School from CA

    I live in Canada but I want to go to a university in the US after I graduate HS. Does anyone have any experience similar to this? What are my chances of getting into an Ivy league school compared to those who already live in the U.S? Any data, statistics, personal or secondhand experience...
  50. P

    Studying Which books should I read before starting university?

    [I know that I've already posted the question, but I'm just looking for more answers.] I just graduated from high school and will begin university physics classes in 2 months. Even though I got decent grades in high school and understood most of the things, I feel as though there are still some...
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