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.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. J

    Schools What university has the best physicse education in the world?

    What university offers the best physics education in the world, can you name the top 5? Is it cambridge, MIT, or are there any good ones in europe or japan.
  2. C

    Schools Aerospace Engineering University

    Usually i would only come to PF to read and browse the contents here rather than to participate. LOL but i guess I'm desperate for some advice. Alright, here's the deal. I got offered to study aerospace engineering from University of Southampton and Sheffield University. Originally, i plan...
  3. M

    Schools Manipal University for B.Tech. programme

    Hey everyone. I have just got into Manipal University for B.Tech. programme and i have seslected Electrical & Electronic Engeneering. I am really keen to study in USA for my M.Tech. I have seen some good universities ; wherein there is a stream called EECS(Electrical Engeneering & Computer...
  4. I

    Industry to University: University Position Without Post Doc?

    Is a post doc a requirement for a university position? Has anyone heard of a person going from industry to a university?
  5. D

    Schools University of Toronto: Bad for undergrad?

    If I want to go to graduate school in either math or physics? I've been advised against going by my teachers, guidance councilors, and friends who have siblings that are currently UofT students. I've heard all the stories of students coming in with 99 averages into the math and physics stream...
  6. N

    Schools A question about university courses

    I am going into my first year of university in science, it is a general first year and I want to leave the door open to go into either physics(particle) or biochemistry. The courses I took are general chemistry, biology, integral and differential calculus, linear algebra and finally physics...
  7. I

    University admission and mental illness

    I was wondering if Universities discriminate against people who suffer from one or several mental illnesses? What about MIT, Berkeley, Stanford, Princeton, Caltech, etc etc ? I ask this because I will be soon applying to University in about 1.5 year and sometimes they ask for any health issue...
  8. R

    Reaching NASA: Advice for Calcutta University Students

    What is the best way for me to reach nasa?i am doing b.sc from calcutta university,INDIA.please some one help me.
  9. C

    Schools What can I do to prepare for Calculus over the summer?

    Hi everyone, I am beginning my freshman year at UC Davis in the fall. I am a double major in Evolutionary Biology and Chinese. I really struggled with math in high school (C- in both precalc/trig and AP stats). However, I am required to take 3 quarters of Calculus (More specifically, Math...
  10. M

    Schools Looking for a decent math/physics/astronomy university to transfer to.

    I am currently a sophomore math major at Utah Valley University. I want to transfer to a university where I could get a good physics/astronomy degree. I've been looking at MIT, but I was wondering what sorts of universities others would recommend.
  11. N

    Schools Getting into top tier university

    I would like to get into a top tier university such as MIT which is my goal, but I'm also applying to other universities such as stanford, princeton, California institute of technology, etc. My plan is to attend Rutgers University (campus in New Brunswick). I did some quick research and...
  12. S

    Schools Queen's University Engineering, Canada

    This is my first posts on PF. I've perused it before when looking for answers to assignments others have posted up, but never thought to join until now. I'm going to Queen's University in Kingston, Canada for Engineering this September and I was wondering if anyone had some info about the...
  13. Y

    The Struggling Life of Common Moorhen at University Lake

    Here at National Taiwan University, there is a beautiful lake called the Drunken Moon Lake which is basically right next to my office at Astro-Math Building. I have been observing a family of Common Moorhen for months. The first time I noticed them was probably back in March, when the pair had...
  14. D

    [Help] Grade 12 University Prep Physics Design Project

    1. The Project I must build a boat that is able to propel itself via elastic or gravitational energy 1.0 metres. After it has moved 1.0m, it must automatically shoot a projectile 2.0m perpendicular to the movement. 2. Rules The boat cannot touch the bottom of the 10 cm deep pool. Any...
  15. LTME

    Schools Community College vs University: Comparing Experiences

    I will be starting classes this summer in a community college to pick up a few pre-reqs in order to start a Mechanical Engineering program. My original plan was to transfer to a four year university (PSU) as soon as possible, but after talking to a few people I am not so sure. I have heard mixed...
  16. N

    Schools General university question (canada)

    is there a mandatory general education courses in Canadian universities? specifically in Uof toronto? also is it too much to take 34 courses in 4 years of university? consisting of 4 astronomy classes, mostly physics and math , and one humanity how many courses do people generally take in...
  17. B

    Schools Transition to (abstract) university mathematics.

    Hello everyone. I am graduating high school in about a few days (yay!). I'm going to enter university this fall, majoring in math. I just want a few advice on what to do this summer to prepare myself for college mathematics. How can I prepare myself to tackle abstract math, without any prior...
  18. J

    Schools University - Physics or Mech Eng

    Ryerson: Mechanical Engineering BEng University of Toronto: Physics and its Applications Hons BSc Which would you pick?
  19. L

    Schools University Physics: Comparing Honours & HL

    How big is the gap between Honours level university physics and IB physics HL ?(or honours math and HL math or further math)
  20. Q

    Studying Why university examination papers easier than problems in text books?

    Well I have been reading and solving problems in physics for scientists and engineers (R.A Serway).But my examination problems are way easier than problems in the textbooks.I always expect to have challenging problems in exams like in textbooks.Why they don't make some hard problems at least one...
  21. J

    Schools Preparation for University

    Hi, I am currently enlisted in the military and have 1 year left in active duty. When I separate I plan on going to college to study physics or electrical engineering with the ultimate intention of graduate school. I haven't taken math since I took Pre-Cal in high school three years ago...
  22. G

    LaTeX Printing Latex Code from University Computers

    Not sure where to post this. I'm trying to write my dissertation, and both the examiners and I would prefer it if I used latex for the required notation. The frustrating thing is that even though I do know how to produce latex code, I don't know how to save it into a format that the computer...
  23. T

    How I learn in cambridge university

    I am student in Algerian 3 secondary school I live in Algeria the next year I will go to university , and I want to learn in Cambridge university Can I !
  24. romsofia

    Schools University professors emailing back?

    Back in February I started sending out emails to professors who were doing research, the first three reply back saying they would be in Europe and that they couldn't use me for the summer. After that I've emailed ~8 other professors (Not all at once, but I wait a week for a response) and none of...
  25. A

    Schools I with choosing a university in Canada.

    I'm some Canadian guy in his last year of high school, without much of an interest in anything except physics (specifically astrophysics). I've applied to physics programs in a whole bunch of places. And shortly after, a whole bunch of places replied to me going all "okay dude, you're a...
  26. Simfish

    What title would a programmer have in an university?

    http://seedmagazine.com/content/article/earth-like_planets_arent_rare/ So Kasting said that he would hire a full-time computer programmer if he had more money. For some reason, I've never seen a full-time computer programmer listed as staff in an university though. I'm sure some professors...
  27. Z

    Schools Which University is Best for Aerospace Engineering Studies?

    Hey..I'm about to finish my school and will begin university this fall to study aerospace engineering. I have the following courses to choose from (i.e. where I was accepted to). -McGill: http://www.mcgill.ca/mecheng/undergrad/curriculum/aeronautical/ -MEng from Bristol...
  28. H

    Schools McGill or University of Michigan

    Hello, I am a master's student in electrical engineering at one of the top 3 schools in Canada (prefer not to disclose just for privacy). I have applied to a few places for a PhD and have heard back from a couple. I am trying to choose between two schools, McGill or the University of...
  29. G

    Schools How should i prepare for studying Engineering in University

    I'll have to start the 1st semester at the university in 2 months in Mechatronics engineering. I used to study physics and calculus before in high school so I have some knowledge about their foundation but not really good at it yet. I wonder that in the last two months, how should i prepare for...
  30. E

    Schools Withdrawing from a course at US university?

    As a GTA, do I have to pay for a course if I withdraw from a course right now(>5 weeks into program). I registered late for the course and I realize that professor K teaching Quantum Mechanics 2 is not that good a teacher, and a really tough grader.
  31. F

    Is it just me or are university libraries' books useless?

    All the Math and Science texts in my library are useless. That is to say outdated. I don't think I have met a single person who even uses old dusty unrelated books, the textbook is more than enough. My school (according to the librarian) spends more than a million dollars (that's the typical...
  32. U

    Schools Iowa State Univ Physics Dept: Pros & Cons

    Hi all, I would like to some details about the physics department of the Iowa State University. My main interest is about material physics. So if you know the the Physics program please give me pros and cons about that. I got admission for the Iowa state. I have applied to couple of...
  33. S

    Schools Which university should I choose for chemical engineering?

    Hi there people. CUrrently I am in a dilemma. I am applying for a undergraduate program from an institution in my country and they are currently offering me 2 different chemical engineering degrees from 2 different universities which are: 1.)Newcastle University (UK) 2.)Technical University...
  34. D

    Exploring International University Options and Opportunities

    Hello PF, i have been registered here for a couple of months now and i like to read the forums but since my english is not very good I am not an usual poster. I have 17 years old and i like maths, physics and computers in general so i decided to study an engineer degree. I'm living in...
  35. M

    Schools University abroad: worth it? (and subject choice)

    I am considering studying some form of Engineering at university next year, when I complete my IB Diploma. I am very interested in Physics and Mathematics but I find that I am more interested in an applied form of the two subjects and having just a B.S in Engineering or BEng would make me more...
  36. G

    Schools University fpr Engineering Physics in an english speaking country

    Hello I'm a student from Germany and I'm studying Engineering Physics in the end of the 5th semester. I really want to study in an english speaking country like USA, Australia or UK. It is the biggest dream I ever had. Unfortunally I never was the best student in my courses. I would say...
  37. M

    Schools Admittance into university abroad

    I want to study mathematics and/or physics, at this point aiming for doing research in either a field in mathematics or/and (theoretical) physics, although I don't have the required diploma from secondary school. I live in the Netherlands and there are merely laborious, impractical ways to get...
  38. D

    News Whose fault is this? (sham university)

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/31/trivalley-university-soca_n_816623.html Is it the students' fault for enrolling to the university? Should the American consulate be blamed for issuing the visas? And why are the students detained with ankle bracelets? Is this U.S. law?
  39. R

    Schools Need guidance on CED evaluation for India university transcript

    I am from India. I am sending my degree mark sheets and certificates to CED for course by course evaluation to see if my 3 years Indian UG degree (BCA) is equivalent to that of US. (Ok probably the ans is no but an institution requires it) I have the following documents: 1) mark sheet of...
  40. T

    Schools Expelled from university. What do?

    Hi Forumers, >*Don't really expect an answer but merely an alternative path of thought* I've got expelled from universities twice already, and contrary to my family's wishes decided to give up on higher education altogether and try to work my way up without a degree. Spring semester...
  41. S

    Schools Transfer from University of Toronto to UWaterloo?

    So I'm in second year physics at UToronto. I'm enjoying the course material, and not bombing at all (GPA 3.32, so yeah could be better, but not terrible). But I'm not really sold on Toronto. I've got some friends in Waterloo; visited the campus several times. I've met some profs there, seen the...
  42. D

    Schools Criminal records and University Admissions

    Back a few years ago, a friend of mine got into some trouble with the law for something involving drugs (possession of some kind of psychedelic drug precursor is all I know). He was given a suspended sentence + probation, which he completed. In the years since, he has been well-behaved and I...
  43. S

    Exploring Fluid Mechanics: Project Ideas and Recent Developments

    Well, i am in my third year(junior) in my undergraduate course, and we are being advised to start a project paper, We are now on the verge of decision from wind mill(design of blades and all) to hydro electric turbine , all in all stuffs related to fluid mechanics. Can anyone help me with valid...
  44. E

    Schools University of Toronto admissions average

    I had an 83 average in grade 11 A 70 in physics I applied for mathematics and physics at UofT I currently have a 92 in my grade 12 physics course, and a 90 average overall in grade twelve I am wondering if grade eleven will reduce my chances of getting accepted
  45. D

    Schools How can I showcase my leadership experience at a career fair?

    So I have gone to a career fair at my university and there is another one coming up (I am currently a freshman in engineering). One question I have is how to deal with those questions about leadership experience? I am having trouble coming up with how to answer it. The thing is I am a leader...
  46. K

    Find Free University Courses Online - Academic Earth

    This website is a compilation of all of the university courses that have been filmed and posted on the internet: http://academicearth.org/. This would be more suitable in the Learning Materials section and if someone could move it there, that would be great.
  47. C

    Schools Imperial College London or University of Waterloo?

    Hi, I am an IB student in Norway, and I want to go abroad to study mathematics next year. A few months ago I applied to a few British universities and got an offer from Imperial College London to do Mathematics and Computer Science next year, provided I get a 7 in higher level Math and...
  48. S

    Schools High School to University (Decent Grades, Crappy Extra-Curricular)

    I am currently a Junior in High School with a 3.94 GPA (unweighted). I am currently taking AP Physics B, AP Chem, AP Language, AP Calc AB, APUSH, Wind Ensemble. I would also like to note that I hail from the 6th least brainiest city in the world as reported by the Huffington Post. Because of our...
  49. K

    Schools Which university with a cheaper Master Programme in Renewable Energy

    Hi! I am a finalist student in Applied Physics from an African University and want to pursue with postgrad programs. I have found an organization which supports students from developing countries in Master programs related to Sustainable energy development. There is an opportunity to get...
  50. A

    Schools Low marks for university Physics advice needed

    hi, i am currently in grade 12 (last year of high school) i really want to apply to physics (i live in Canada, Ontario), my school level insanely high, and and i am passing math with an average of about 55%. i hate chemistery but i still have to take it as it is required. i am also getting a...
Back
Top