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. L

    Schools Is it easier to get into a University in Colorado than it is to in California

    Since schools in California offering engineering M.A.s, B.A.s, and P.H.D.s are for the most part very competitive, would it be easier to get into a university in say Colorado?
  2. C

    Schools Opinion about the University of Missouri - Columbia?

    Hello! I'm applying to different universities in the US. Can you please give your opinion about the University of Missouri - Columbia? (http://www.math.missouri.edu) They have several professors with PhDs from prestigious universities so I think it's a good option, isn't it? what do you think?
  3. L

    Schools How can someone do well at a University if they repeat classes at 2 yr college

    If you've repeated math classes just at 2 year college and want to transfer to university but feel afraid? due to, you've had to repeat math courses at junior college and junior college is supposed to be far easier than 4 year college , it feels scary to think about taking upper level classes at...
  4. P

    Schools Physics at the University of California

    Hello all, I am about to apply to the UC system for exchange. I will have to choose 3 campuses to apply. Berkeley is out of question, if I will be eligible to apply, it will definitely be my 1st choice. But I am undecided about other 3 (or 2) alternatives. Is there anybody here that has any...
  5. J

    Schools Masters at current university, and then somewhere else for PhD

    I am a senior and I want to get my PhD in mechanical engineering. Until recently I was applying to graduate school to go directly for my PhD in what I will call Topic A. This semester I began working on a project with a professor in Topic B that is completely unrelated to Topic A. I am really...
  6. L

    Schools Question about classes at 2 year college vs. university level courses

    How much more rigorous are the science and math courses at a university compared to science and math courses at a 2 year college. On this website called assist.org , it shows you all of the classes you would need to take at a particular 2 year college to get to transfer to a 4 year college...
  7. R

    Balancing Work and Engineering Studies: Tips for Success

    Hey guys, i am getting ready to transfer to either UT or UTSA for EE next august, i was wondering if any of you guys ever worked or had a job while going to university. i will have to work to pay rent so i was wondering how hectic it is trying to work and get good grades in engineering. i...
  8. F

    Schools First Year, College or University. Also a question about if Chemistry is needed

    I am planning to become a physicist. But here is my question. Next year I will be heading to a post-secondary institution; however, I am unable to decide whether I should go to a college or university. Here are some problems 1. Money isn't a BIG concern, but it's always good to save up...
  9. F

    Schools What are the admission requirements for UofT and UBC for a Physics major?

    This is my question. I am going for a major in Physics. I am still in High school. Can someone tell me what were you grades when you got into either of those Universities? I mean your overall grades. List them out for me. Also, Is it more difficult to transfer from an university to another...
  10. Chewy0087

    Schools UK University Choice: MSci Physics Course Concerns

    Hello again everyone, looking for some advice from people who are/have studied at university; The problem I'm having is that the university I'm seriously considering studying at for an MSci (in physics) is UCL however I'm not sure about the course... Indeed UCL has a fantastic reputation...
  11. Z

    Schools University with most brutal math course?

    The difficulty of the courses is one of my major priorities in my selection of the universities I intend to apply to soon. I don't want any easy "plug-and-chug" crap as I would be bored easily and lose motivation to study. So I am asking you guys, which university has in your opinion the most...
  12. S

    Schools Which Engineering University Is Better?

    Which Engineering University Is Better? I want to complete my UNDERGRADUATION in Engineering in Canada. I want to apply in the 5 universities of Canada which are the following. 1. Toronto University 2. Ottawa University 3. Charlseton University 4. McMaster University 5. Ryarson...
  13. T

    Schools The University of Hawaii, Manoa

    Hi folks, Simple question: does anyone here have an idea of the quality of physics graduate study at the university of Hawaii? I am interested in fundamental physics, quantum gravity, quantum field theory etc. The professors there mostly research elementary particle physics and have...
  14. M

    Schools Is the University of Minnesota a good school?

    I have
  15. N

    Achieving Success in University Without Attending Classes?

    Started uni this year. I'm going to every single class, but I feel that I don't learn anything while in my classes (it's generally been like this all through school). At the end of the day after spending anywhere from 4-8 hours sitting in front of a lecturer I rush home in a panic to try to...
  16. H

    Schools Applying to Cambridge university

    hello. I'm thinking about continuing my studies at Cambridge University after i obtain bachelor degree equivalent, and i have few questions about that university. How good you have to be, to get to Cambridge? high level of understand of knowledge lectured during bachelor studies, being...
  17. C

    Programs Applying to University of Utah for PhD in Pure Maths

    Hi all! I'm applying to several universities in the US. Among them is the University of Utah, I'm applying for a PhD in pure mathematics. Do you know what's the reputation of this university? I was told it is good, but I'd prefer to read comments from Americans or from anyone who studied...
  18. N

    Schools About Oxford University admission

    Can anyone tell me What's the last date for submission of Declaration form for november test conducted by oxford university for undergraduate course in Physics?Please send me as soon as possible if anyone know that.
  19. M

    Schools HElp me to select US University for Phd in Computer Science

    Hi ... I want to do Ph.D in computer science from US . but could not make up my mind to select the US University. Please check my credentials n let me know whether I am eligible to get 100% scholarship in top US university renowned for Computer Science or not. :shy:My credentials...
  20. R

    Schools Straight to University or Transfer?

    Over the past summer, I have really fallen in love with Physics. It is the most beautiful of subjects and I am pretty sure I want to pursue it as a career. Here is the problem i am facing right now...I am currently a senior in high school and although my grades and sats/acts are alright (3.7...
  21. Maroc

    Preparing for University: Last Year of High School Tips

    Well i am at the last year of high school and school just started today. They scary part is that we have to get ready to apply for University with 3-4 months. However, before we get there i need help on studying skills and work habits as ill be honest i didnt have the best grade 11. Thanks...
  22. C

    Schools Best university in South Africa for physics?

    What is the best university in South Africa for studying physics. I know that it depends on what research and courses in physics the university offers. I have narrowed down some universities: University of Stellenbosch (Maties) http://www.sun.ac.za" The field I really would like to go...
  23. G

    Schools Affordable College & Living Options for State Residents with Low Income

    I'm thinking of moving to a state that has a public university with a decent physics program, in which I have a chance of getting into. I don't have much money on me, so I want to keep the costs low; before applying to the college, I'll be staying in the state for a while, so I'll need...
  24. V

    Bob Jones University (BS in Physics)

    Considering that the university lacks regional accreditation, and the mission of the university entails undermining any belief that disagrees with the evangelical interpretation of Protestantism, what do you think the chances are of a graduate being accepted for Masters or PhD work at an...
  25. C

    Schools Undergrad at a research university: what's it like?

    I'm trying to wrap my head around college admissions as I start my junior year in high school. Since my primary interest is in math, I'm thinking of an applied math major (but other hard sciences and engineering are also likely possibilities). I want to do undergrad research and/or...
  26. J

    2nd year university Quatum Physics paper. Please help.

    Hello there. I am a 2nd year uni student studying chemistry. I have a paper in a few weeks on the foundations of physical chemistry. I am having a problem with some quetions and would appreciate any help. Thank you to any who help. 1.Can the expectation value of the rotational angular momentum...
  27. N

    Schools Which university? Which degree?

    Sooo. I'm entering my final year of high school this fall and by Christmas have to decide what I want to do in university. I am having difficulty deciding what to apply for and at which university. University options: 1) University of Saskatchewan. PROS- close to home, cheaper CONS-...
  28. J

    Does PhD Prestige Matter for Professor Jobs? Insights from Industry Experience

    So I have heard that the prestige of the school you get your phd matters a lot when trying to get a job as a professor at a university. Would that still apply if you work in research for a number of years outside of the university before you try to become a professor. For example I am going...
  29. F

    Schools Prepare for University Application in 2 Months

    In two months, university application will start. So I have this little time to decide what to do. I don't think it is a possibility to do everything I want so I have to narrow it down to one. What can I do?
  30. S

    Schools How Did a Physics Student Become Editor of an Art and Literary Magazine?

    I am going to transfer from a CC to the state flagship university
  31. C

    Schools Preparing for University Physics: Worth it?

    Hey all, I'm beginning university in Physics in a month. How it works in Quebec is that you have 2 year's worth of CEGEP, in which you have a general science program, and then you move on to university for a 3 year baccalaureate. I was wondering if I should start reviewing the maths and...
  32. thrill3rnit3

    Schools Does Starting at a Community College Affect Your Chances at a Top University?

    What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to a Community College right after high school and then transferring to a university? Would it give me better/lesser chances of being admitting to a top university?? I'm asking because I have many things to consider right now, which includes...
  33. Cyrus

    Dear University of Maryland Family

    Great... anyone else in Academia getting such emails?
  34. L

    Schools What are the differences between community colleges and universities in the US?

    What is the opinion of this school in the UK and world wide, is it a descent school? I am a US student looking to take a Msc course there in Mathematical Computation or Mathematical Physics. Any insight help!
  35. M

    Schools Best physics university for undergrad?

    I know this forum is for grad school, but which are the top few colleges for undergrad physics? I am also looking forward to learning quantum mechanics, the layman books just intrigue me! Which colleges teach that topic well?
  36. M

    Schools How can I decide on a university to attend?

    Hello, everyone. My name is Stefan, and I am currently trying to decide on a university to attend. I am an Oregon resident, and was hoping to stay in the area. As of right now, I am leaning towards Pacific University, a private school in my area. My main goal in majoring in physics is to...
  37. G

    Engineering Is what katz say right for university jobs in engineering too?

    hello i was reading JONATHAN KATZ topic about not becoming a scientists here: http://wuphys.wustl.edu/~katz/scientist.html what he says is just right about university jobs in math and physics or it is right for university jobs in engineering too? i mean if someone gets his Phd degree in...
  38. G

    Schools Renewable Energy; Which University Major?

    If I wanted to become involved in the renewable energy field, which university major would serve me best? I've been accepted into an engineering program, so I was thinking ChemE, or MatE, but maybe even EE (solar panels?). Or would a degree in physics or chemistry serve me best?
  39. J

    Schools Penn state erie or rutgers university?

    my major is mechanical engineering and I am not sure which school is better. Penn State University is always listed higher in rankings, but now i reallized that the side-campuses don't have the same reputations according to a few sites that i found... is a BS degree from rutgers actually better...
  40. S

    Getting into Aerospace when university doesn't offer program

    Hey guys, I'm sure this topic has come up but I feel I have a little different case than most. So, I am currently about to enter my third year as a civil engineering student, but I've recently been very attracted to a career in the aerospace industry. My university doesn't offer such a...
  41. M

    Schools Best university for theoretical physics

    As I think this would be the right place to ask, I'd like to know what's the best university on Earth that teaches (theoretical) physics and mathematics, which I both want to study, because I want to become a theoretical physicist. What would be the minimum requirements (also diplomas) to be...
  42. J

    Schools Picking a University: U of T vs. U of W for Math PhD

    I've been accepted to both the University of Toronto and University of Waterloo for pure mathematics. I plan on working towards a phD in that field. I've heard that U of W is better for engineering and physics, while U of T is better for maths (applied & pure). However, I've also heard from...
  43. M

    University is giving me ulcers They dropped the wrong class from my GPA

    Once again, this stupid university is frustrating me beyond all end. First, I had a death in the family and missed two crucial weeks of a class. They make exceptions for family deaths and I retook the class, but then they decided to make me submit 'proof' that someone who was like a parent to me...
  44. R

    Looking for Powder XRD Purchase - University Research

    Hi everybody, we are looking for powder XRD purchase to our University. Is anyone tell me what firm is better, what kind of accessories to purchase? I heard that Panalytical made some device for nanomaterials size measurements. Anybody knows how does it works and is this good? Thanks a lot.
  45. P

    Schools University of Toronto or Waterloo?

    Hello, I am in my final year of High School in Ontario (Canada), and I must soon choose which University program to attend in September. The following programs are what I am trying to decide between: - Engineering Science (University of Toronto) - Physics (University of Toronto) [or...
  46. T

    Schools A Physicist Working at a University

    I've heard that working at a university gives you more options as a physicist but tends to get paid less than one working in an industry. Can someone tell me the differences between the two and which would you prefer. And I'm talking about a researcher not a professeur.
  47. L

    Schools Is university physics much different from upper level mathematics?

    i haven't taken any U physics, i got A+ up to calculus II and B+ in linear algebra, I'm taking calculus III and ODE next semester, i also have to take Mechanics physics. How is this physics? i signed up for an accelerated 1st year physics course covering 2 semesters of work in one as well as the...
  48. L

    Schools Civil Engineering - University of Waterloo Vs. University of British Columbia

    Civil Engineering -- University of Waterloo Vs. University of British Columbia Im currently a high school senior in Panama. I will graduate in one month with an IB Diploma. I am considering two universities right now, Waterloo and UBC both for civil engineering. In Waterloo I got into the...
  49. A

    Schools University of Kentucky math department

    Hello: I'm wondering if anyone here (especially any current students) has heard anything about the University of Kentucky math department, particularly about the environment (supportive/nonsupportive, etc).
  50. U

    Schools Ohio University: Physics Program & Condensed Matter Research

    Hi all, last week I accept offer from ohio university. I got selected to physics program. I am interested in condensed matter, solid state and nano-science. i went though the university website but i couldn't find much idea about it and fundings. also in gradschoolshopper.com web it shows in...
Back
Top