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What Is Biology And The Branches Of Biology
What Is Biology And The Branches Of Biology ?
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Sub-disciplines of biology are recognized on the basis of the scale at which organisms are studied and the methods used to study them: biochemistry examines the rudimentary chemistry of life; molecular biology studies the complex interactions of systems of biological molecules; cellular biology examines the basic building block of all life, the cell; physiology examines the physical and chemical functions of the tissues, organs, and organ systems of an organism; and ecology examines how various organisms interact and associate with their environment.
These are the main branches of biology:[64][65]
- Aero-biology — the study of airborne organic particles
- Agriculture — the study of producing crops from the land, with an emphasis on practical applications
- Anatomy — the study of form and function, in plants, animals, and other organisms, or specifically in humans
- Bioengineering — the study of biology through the means of engineering with an emphasis on applied knowledge and especially related to biotechnology
- Bio-mathematics or Mathematical Biology — the quantitative or mathematical study of biological processes, with an emphasis on modelling
- Biotechnology — a new and sometimes controversial branch of biology that studies the manipulation of living matter, including genetic modification and synthetic biology
- Botany — the study of plants
- Cell biology — the study of the cell as a complete unit, and the molecular and chemical interactions that occur within a living cell
- Ecology — the study of the interactions of living organisms with one another and with the non-living elements of their environment
- Epidemiology — a major component of public health research, studying factors affecting the health of populations
- Epigenetic — the study of heritable changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence
- Ethology — the study of animal behaviour
- Evolutionary Biology — the study of the origin and descent of species over time
- Genetics — the study of genes and heredity
- Herpetology — the study of reptiles and amphibians
- Histology — the study of cells and tissues, a microscopic branch of anatomy
- Ichthyology — the study of fish
- Marine Biology — the study of ocean ecosystems, plants, animals, and other living beings
- Microbiology — the study of microscopic organisms (micro-organisms) and their interactions with other living things
- Molecular Biology — the study of biology and biological functions at the molecular level, some cross over with biochemistry
- Mycology — the study of fungi
- Oceanography — the study of the ocean, including ocean life, environment, geography, weather, and other aspects influencing the ocean
- Oncology — the study of cancer processes, including virus or mutation oncogene-sis, angiogenesis and tissues remoldings
- Population genetics — the study of changes in gene frequencies in populations of organisms
- Palaeontology — the study of fossils and sometimes geographic evidence of prehistoric life
- Pathobiology or pathology — the study of diseases, and the causes, Parasitology — the study of parasites and parasitism
- Pharmacology — the study and practical application of preparation, use, and effects of drugs and synthetic medicines
- Physiology — the study of the functioning of living organisms and the organs and parts of living organisms
- Phytopathology — the study of plant diseases (also called Plant Pathology)
- Psychobiology — the study of the biological bases of psychology
- Virology — the study of viruses and some other virus-like agents
- Zoology — the study of animals, including classification, physiology, development, and behaviour (See also Entomology, Ethology, Herpetology, Ichthyology, Mammalogy, and Ornithology)
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Pollution and Types of Pollution
Pollution
Pollution is the damaging and undesirable change in the physical or biological features of environment (air, land or water), than can adversely affect all aspects of human life or other desirable species. In other words, pollution is the unfavorable alteration of the environment due to damaging addition of any materials or energy in it.
Pollution is the most CHA Practical ecological crisis for today’s world. There is pollution of air, water, land by different material pollutants. Addition of damaging amounts of energy to the environment is called non-material pollutions such as radiations pollution and noise pollution.
Air Pollution
When concentration of harmful substances gases or particulate matter increases in the air beyond their normal amounts the air is said to be polluted. Air pollution is the most common type of pollution, particularly in industrial urban areas. Air pollution is basically caused by burning of fossil fuels such as coal, petrol and natural gas. Some air pollution is also produced by industrial and agricultural activity etc. Particular pollutants include carbon particles, lead, asbestos particles, mineral dust, pollen grains, resins etc. The common gaseous pollutants are Carbon monoxide, CO₂, SO₂ oxides of nitrogen, chlorine etc. Air pollution has both pathological as well as effect on climate.
1. Pathalogical Effects of Air Pollution
Air pollution is the cause of many respiratory diseases like bronchits, cough, asthma, sorc throats, eye irritation, lung cancer and many nervous disorders. Carbonmonoxide (CO), is a poisonous gas and reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. In low quantities it causes nausea, head aches and sluggishness. Large levels of CO in blood may result in death. SO₂ irritates lining of respiratory tract, causing cough, bronchitis, asthma, lung cancer etc. Lead is added to air from automobile exhausts and is absorbed by the blood. It causes lead poisoning, which produces anaemia, stomach pains, kidney failure. It may also damage the nervous system and cause many nervous disorders. Asbestos particles are the main cause of lung cancer in the workers.
2. Environmental Effects of Air Pollution on Climate
Air pollution considerably affects the local as well as global weather and climate. Following are some of the major effects of air pollution on the environment
i. Photochemical Smog
In simple terms, smog is the mixture of air and smoke. Burning of fossil fuels at high temperature by vehicles and industry, releases nitrogen oxides (NO₂). With the energy supplied by the sunligh, the NO₂ combines with hydrocarbons (methane, ethane etc) to form secondary pollutants called photochemical oxidants. Presence of those pollutants scatter the light and a hazy milky smog is formed. Which is called the photochemical smog. It is very harmful for human health causes irritation of respiratory tract and lungs, head aches and breathing difficulties, which may even prove fatal.
ii. Acid Rains
Burning of fossil fuel by transport vehicles and industries produce pollutants such as SO₂, NO₂, CO₂. In this atmosphere these gases mix with the moisture of the air and gradually from dilute acids, which fall to the ground with rain. Such rains are called acid rains. Acid rains cause many respiratory diseases in humans. Acid rains also increase the acidity of the soil and water thus damaging crops and aquatic life. Corrosive action of H₂SO4 damages the buildings, statues and structures of historical and cultural importance.
iii. Green House Efect (Global Warming)
CO₂ plays an important role in regulating the earth’s surface temperature. Layer of CO₂ in upper atmosphere allows the sun rays to pass through atmosphere and reach the earth as short wave electromagnetic radiation. However, it partially prevents the long wave infra red heat radiation from escaping to outer space. Thus the globe is kept warm. Due to excessive burning of fossil fuels, the amount of CO₂ in atmosphere has become abnormally high. It holds back the increasing quantities of the heat waves and therefore the atmosphere gets over heated. This phenomenon is called green house effect. The possible effects of global warming are
- Melting of the polar ice which in turn would raise the sea level flooding vast coastal areas.
- Early melting of shows in the mountains would flood large areas of farmland.
- Warming of atmosphere can cause heavy rains and strong hurricanes and storms.
iv. Depletion of Ozone Layer
There is a protective layer of Ozone in the upper layers of the atmosphere. It acts as a shield and reduces the penetration of harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. This ozone layer can be broken by release of chlorine atoms at high altitude. The main source of chlorine atoms is a group of industrially produced compounds called Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). These chemicals are used as refrigerator and also in pressurised acrosol cans CFCs get accomodated in greater amounts at high altitudes (stratosphere). Under normal conditions these compounds are inert, but at high altitudes they release chlorine atoms due to action of intense short wave ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Chlorine atoms then react with Ozone molecules and convert them to oxygen. (Each atom of chlorine reacts with about 1,00,000 molecules of ozone). Reduction in Ozone layer allows greater ultraviolet radiation to reach the earth. It is thought that this intensified radiation can cause significant increase in skin cancer and other adverse effects associated with ultraviolet radiation.
Water Pollution
Any contamination of fresh water or marine is called water pollution. Major sources of water pollution are
1. Domestic Waste or Sewerage
2. Industrial Waste
3. Agricultural Waste
1. Pollution of Water by Sewerage
Sewerage may include faccal matter, dissolved organic matter such as carbohydrates, urea etc, inorganic substances like nitrates, phosphates, detergents , insecticides etc. Both surface and soil water can be polluted by the sewage. Most of the components of sewage are biodegradable and are decomposed by natural processes, but when their intake exceeds the decomposing capacity of the environment, water becomes polluted. Some of the ill effects of sewage pollution are
- It is responsible for water borne diseases like Typhoid, Amoebic dysentery, hepatitis, cholera etc. Harmful chemicals present in sewage also damage the tissues of the body can cause several diseases.
- Organic pollutants in sewage provide favorable medium for bacterial growth, which consume the oxygen of water. As a result fishes and other useful animals are killed for lack of oxygen.
- Anaerobic conditions also produce bad smelling compounds such as H₂S₂ which make the water unfit for human consumption.
2. Pollution of Water by Industrial Waste
Most of the streams and lakes are polluted by industrial wastes which include metals like lead, copper, mercury acids, alkalis, cyanides, arsenic, chlorine and many other toxic materials. These pollutants cause death to aquatic life and are also harmful for humans when they drink polluted water. These toxic substances cause various diseases of kidney, liver and nervous system. Some of which may prove fatal.
3. Pollution of Water by Agricultural Waste
Fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides and poultry feed contain many harmful components such as chlorine, nitrates etc, which contaminate soil and surface water. In rivers and streams they kill the aquatic life. Chlorine reduces the reproductive rate of aquatic animals. High nitrite concentration in drinking water converts hemoglobin in the blood to methemoglobin, which reduces blood’s oxygen carrying capacity.
Pollution by Oil
Oil is the main pollutant of marine water. Leakage from oil tankers and off shore oil wells kills many marine animals and plants.
Entrophication Or Algal Bloom
Natural lakes are divided into two types on the basis of production of organic matter. Entrophic lakes are shallow and contain high amount of nutrients. As a result phytoplankton growth is very high. This leads to increased number of heterotrophs which consume oxygen for respiration. Therefore, oxygen content of such lakes is reduced. The olgatrophic lakes are deeper and contain fewer amounts of nutrients. Therefore phytoplankton growth is poor and lesser number of heterotrophs are present and the oxygen content is high. Addition of agriculture waste, sewage, factory waste, increases the inorganic nutrients of the lakes. This over-enrichment is called entrophication. It causes algal bloom or explosive growth of small photosynthetic organisms such as algae. As the algae die, the activity of decomposers increase and they consume more and more oxygen. Deficiency of oxygen results in massive death of useful organisms such as fishes.
Land Pollution
The land can be polluted by deposition of solid waste and by harmful chemicals and hazardous waste.
1. Deposition of Solid Waste
Increase in population and rapid urbanisation has resulted in creation of enormous amounts of solid waste. It includes house hold garbage, hospital waste usually contaminated with various germs, agricultural, animal and industrial waste, dead animals and plants and host of other substances. If this refuse is dumped in open places without any pre-treatment, it pollutes the land. Wastes from hospitals carry germs of many dangerous diseases and the organic matter in the refuse provide favorable conditions for their growth and multiplication. These dumping sites also provide favourable breeding grounds for flies, rats and other vectors for pathogenic organisms. All these factors together pose a grave threat to the health of the population. Huge amounts of solid waste pose economic problems also because their proper disposal is very costly.
2. Harmful Chemicals and Hazardous Wastes
The land is also polluted by many harmful chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides which contain poisonous components. Most of the these pollutants are bio-nondegradable and stay in the soil for long periods. Solid wastes which cause human illness and death are called hazardous wastes. They include substances like mercury, cadmium, lead, nuclear wastes. They can ultimately end up in human body through food, water and radiation and cause dangerous disorders including cancer. These substance also interfere with biochemical cycles, thus decreasing the fertility of the soil.
Non-Material Pollution
Non-material pollution is the addition of damaging amount of energy to the environment. It includes radiation pollution, noise pollution, thermal pollution.
1. Radiation Pollution
Radiation, in the sense of pollution, comes from radio-active isotopes of such substances as Uranium, Radium, Thorium, Plutonium etc., which are used in nuclear reactors, atomic explosions, x-ray plants and other such devices. These radiation can penetrate tissues and organs of man and accumulate there. They may cause diseases like Leukaemia, bone tumour, cancer of many organs. Radiations also increases the mutation rate in the germ cells, which can produce genetic abnormalities in future generations.
2. Noise Pollution
Noise is the unwanted sound which the recipient does not like and which can adversely affect a person mentally, physically or aesthetically. Noises above 80 decibels are considered loud, uncomfortable and is harmful for human health. Noise is produced by motor vehicles, aeroplanes, machines, radio, TV, loud speakers. Loud noise is the serious threat to man’s physical and mental health. It affects mental peace, distracts the concentration and thus affects the quality and work output. Calm and quiet environment is a must for any creative and scholarly work. Loud noise is responsible for many disorders of cardrovascular and nervous system. People having continuously in environment of loud sound show symptoms of nervous stress, such as irritation, high blood pressure, headaches, sleeplessness, fatigue and depression. Persistent noise damages the internal car and may lead to impairment of hearing or even permanent deafness.
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The Phenomenon of Radioactivity
Introduction
Henri Bacqural discovered that Uranium atoms (z = 92) emit highly penetrating radiations that could penetrate paper, glass and even aluminium. On the basis of his experimental results, he explained the phenomenon of radiation.
Definition
The phenomenon of spontaneous disintegration of nucleus of atoms is known as radioactivity.
Explanation
Radioactivity is a self-disrupting activity exhibited by some naturally occurring elements. It has been found, that the elements with atomic number greater than 83 are unstable and emit certain type of radiations. Such substances (e.g. Uranium, Radium, Thorium) are called Radio-active substances and the radiations emitted from their nuclei are called radio active radiations and the phenomenon is known as Radioactivity. Rutherford and his co-workers proved that the radiations emitted by a radio active substance are of three different types.
Experiment
Radio Active radiations can be separated by applying electric or magnetic field to the element. A small amount of radioactive substance is placed at the bottom of a cavity drilled in a block of lead. When the narrow beam of radioactive rays is allowed to pass through the space between the two charged plates, the path of some rays bend. A similar effect is observed in the presence of magnetic field.
Results Obtained
The conclusion that were made fro the experiment are
1. α – Particles
The rays towards the negative plate indicate that they consist of positively charged particles. These were named as α-rays.
2. β – Particles
The rays bending towards the positive plate indicate that they consist of negatively charged particles. These were named as β (beta) rays.
3. γ – Rays
The rays that go undeflected indicate no charge and are therefore energetic photons or γ (gamma) rays.
Properties of α – Particles
1. α – Particles are Helium nuclei. The charge of a α-particle is twice the charge of a proton and its mass is four times than that of a-proton.
2. The speed of α-particles is 1/100 times the speed of light.
3. They produce fluorescence and effect the photographic plate.
4. α – Particles have low penetrating power.
5. They have high ionization power.
6. When a nucleus zXA disintegrates by the emission of an α-particles, its charge number (z) decreases by 2 and mass number (A) decreases by 4.
zXA —-> Z2 (VA.4) + α – Particle
Properties of β – Particles
1. β – Particles are electrons with more energy as compared to ordinary electrons because their origin is nucleus and not the atomic orbits.
2. The speed of β – particles is 1/10 times the speed of light.
3. They produce fluorescence and affect the photographic plate.
4. β – particles have greater penetrating power then α-particles.
5. They have low ionizing power.
6. When a nucleus zXA disintegrates by the emission of β – particle, its charge number (Z) decreases or increases by 1, while mass number remains same.
zXA —-> z+1 γA + -1βº (electron)
zXA —-> z-1 γA + +1βº (positron)
Properties of γ – Rays
1. γ – Rays are energetic photons and have no charge. They are similar to X – rays but more energetic.
2. They travel with the speed of light.
3. The produce fluorescence and affect the photographic plate.
4. Their penetrating power is very high.
5. They do not have any ionization power.
6. When γ – Rays emit out from the nucleus of a radio active substance, then the mass number (A) and charge number (Z) remain same
zXA —-> zXA + γ – Rays
Where zXA represents the nucleus in excited state.
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The Atomic Nucleus
NUCLEAR STRUCTURE
The nucleus consists of protons and neutrons. A protonis a positively charged particle having mass 1.6726 x 10(-27) kg and charge 1.6 x 10(-19) coulomb. The charge of the proton is equal in magnitude of the charge of an electron, but opposite to it in sign. Neutrons have no charge. Its mass is 1.6750 x 10(-31). The mass of proton is 1836 times the mass of an electron.
MASS NUMBER
The sum of the number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus is called Mass Number.
It is denoted by ‘A’. This number is also called Nucleus Number.
ATOMIC NUMBER
The number of protons in a nucleus is called Atomic Number or proton number or charge number.
It is denoted by ‘Z’.
NEUTRON NUMBER
The difference between mass number and atomic number is called Neutron Number.
It is denoted by ‘N’ and is given by
N = A – Z
REPRESENTATION OF AN ELEMENT
An element X having mass number A and atomic number Z is represented by the symbol zXA.
Where X is the chemical abbreviation for the particular element.
ISOTOPES
The elements having same atomic number but different mass number or neutrons number are called isotopes.
For example hydrogen deuterium and tritium
Hydrogen A = 1, Z = 1, N = 0
Deuterium A = 2, Z = 1, N = 1
Tritium A = 3, Z = 1, N = 2
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What is Spherometer?
A spherometer is used for the measurement of thickness of thin plates and the radius of curvature of a spherical surface. It works on the principle of a micrometer screw gauge.
It consists of a metal frame supported on three fixed legs of equal length. The end of three legs are pointed and form the three corners of an equilateral triangle. A screw whose pitch is usually 1 mm carries a circular disc at its top, is so supported that the tip of this screw is at the center of the triangle formed by the tips of the three legs as shown in Fig. A small main scale is fixed vertically at one end of the frame very close to circular disc and is usually graduated in millimeters. The reading of the circular scale is taken against the inner edge of main scale.
Pitch and Least Count: When the central screw of spherometer is given one complete rotation, it advances or recedes by 1 mm, (the pitch of the screw is one millimeter). Now, one rotation means turning of disc through 100 division on disc only, will move the screw by ( 1 x 1/100) mm = 0.01 mm. This is the least count of the spherometer. It means that the instrument can measure up to 0.01 mm.
Thus in general
Least Count (LC) =
pitch of the screw
no. of divisions on circular scale
Zero Error: When the three legs and tip of the central screw of spherometer just touch a plane surface, the zero line of circular scale and zero of the main scale should coincide. But it is often found particularly with old instruments that the zero of circular scale if ahead or behind the edge of main scale when tips of the legs and screw lie in the same plane. This initial error is called zero error. The algebraic sign of this error depends upon the direction in which a subsequent measurement is to be made. In laboratories, the determination of zero error is done by noting the reading of spherometer on base plate
A spherometer is used for the measurement of thickness of thin plates and the radius of curvature of a spherical surface. It works on the principle of a micrometer screw gauge.
It consists of a metal frame supported on three fixed legs of equal length. The end of three legs are pointed and form the three corners of an equilateral triangle. A screw whose pitch is usually 1 mm carries a circular disc at its top, is so supported that the tip of this screw is at the center of the triangle formed by the tips of the three legs as shown in Fig. A small main scale is fixed vertically at one end of the frame very close to circular disc and is usually graduated in millimeters. The reading of the circular scale is taken against the inner edge of main scale.
Pitch and Least Count: When the central screw of spherometer is given one complete rotation, it advances or recedes by 1 mm, (the pitch of the screw is one millimeter). Now, one rotation means turning of disc through 100 division on disc only, will move the screw by ( 1 x 1/100) mm = 0.01 mm. This is the least count of the spherometer. It means that the instrument can measure up to 0.01 mm.
Thus in general
Least Count (LC) =
pitch of the screw
no. of divisions on circular scale
by Redvooz
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What is Simple Pendulum
What is Simple Pendulum
A Simple Pendulum consists of a small heavy metallic ball called bob suspended by a weightless, inextensible and perfectly flexible string fixed from a point about which the pendulum oscillates without friction. Since in practice the ideal conditions can not be attained the nearest approach to an ideal simple pendulum consists of a small metallic sphere, suspended from a fixed support by a very fine flexible cotton string.
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What is Compound Microscope?
Compound microscope is an instrument by which a small object can be seen very much magnified. It consists essentially of two convex lenses called the objective and eye-piece arranged coaxially on the outer ends of two pieces of metallic tubes which can slide one into another thereby adjusting the distance between the two lenses. The objective has a short focal length and bigger diameter as compared to that of the objective.
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Top Ten Universities in USA
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. Harvard faculty are engaged with teaching and research to push the boundaries of human knowledge. For students who are excited to investigate the biggest issues of the 21st century, Harvard offers an unparalleled student experience and a generous financial aid program, with over $160 million awarded to more than 60% of our undergraduate students. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education.
Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world.
Princeton University is a vibrant community of scholarship and learning that stands in the nation’s service and in the service of all nations. Chartered in 1746, Princeton is the fourth-oldest college in the United States. Princeton is an independent, coeducational, nondenominational institution that provides undergraduate and graduate instruction in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering.
As a world-renowned research university, Princeton seeks to achieve the highest levels of distinction in the discovery and transmission of knowledge and understanding. At the same time, Princeton is distinctive among research universities in its commitment to undergraduate teaching.
Today, more than 1,100 faculty members instruct approximately 5,000 undergraduate students and 2,500 graduate students. The University’s generous financial aid program ensures that talented students from all economic backgrounds can afford a Princeton education.
Yale University comprises three major academic components: Yale College (the undergraduate program), the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the professional schools. In addition, Yale encompasses a wide array of centers and programs, libraries, museums, and administrative support offices. Approximately 11,250 students attend Yale.
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The mission of MIT is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century — whether the focus is cancer, energy, economics or literature (learn more about MIT’s current initiatives).
Leland and Jane Stanford founded the University to “promote the public welfare by exercising an influence on behalf of humanity and civilization.” Stanford opened its doors in 1891, and more than a century later, it remains dedicated to finding solutions to the great challenges of the day and to preparing our students for leadership in today’s complex world.
6. California Institute of Technology
With an outstanding faculty, including five Nobel laureates, and such off-campus facilities as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the W.M. Keck and Palomar observatories, the California Institute of Technology is one of the world’s preeminent institutions of science and engineering. At Caltech, 967 undergraduates, 1,208 graduate students, 294 professorial faculty, and other researchers investigate the most challenging problems in science and engineering. Students enjoy virtually unlimited research opportunities and close interaction with professors. Many go on to become key figures in academia, government, and industry.
Caltech is located in Pasadena, a vibrant and culturally rich city of 150,000 at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. Caltech’s 124-acre campus is 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles and 27 miles from the ocean.
Penn has a long and proud tradition of intellectual rigor and pursuit of innovative knowledge, begun by Benjamin Franklin in 1740. That tradition lives today through the creativity, entrepreneurship, and engagement of our faculty, students, and staff.
Scholarship and Learning: Academic life at Penn is unparalleled, with an undergraduate student body of 10,000 from every U.S. state and around the world. The entering class of 2015 is the most talented and diverse in Penn’s history. Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the country, Penn welcomes an additional 10,000 students to our top-ranked graduate and professional schools.
Penn’s eminent, award-winning educators and scholars encourage students to follow their passions, pursue inquiry and discovery, and address the most challenging problems through an interdisciplinary approach.
Columbia University was founded in 1754 as King’s College by royal charter of King George II of England. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York and the fifth oldest in the United States.
Controversy preceded the founding of the College, with various groups competing to determine its location and religious affiliation. Advocates of New York City met with success on the first point, while the Anglicans prevailed on the latter. However, all constituencies agreed to commit themselves to principles of religious liberty in establishing the policies of the College.
Home of the Blue Devils, Duke University has about 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students and a world-class faculty helping to expand the frontiers of knowledge. The university has a strong commitment to applying knowledge in service to society, both near its North Carolina campus and around the world.
Eighty-seven recipients of the Nobel Prize have been students, researchers, or faculty here. Since 1979, 13 of Chicago’s faculty have been honored with the prize—four in physics, eight in economics, and one in literature. Our creative writers and scholars have recently won the Pulitzer prize, the National Medal of Science, the Grammy award, and the MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant, among other major awards. Even undergraduates have the opportunity to study with a Nobel laureate here.
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Advantages of Study Abroad in the USA
Non-American students who desire the chance to study abroad often ask themselves if the move will be advantageous. “The US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs receives 25 million inquiries annually from prospective students around the world interested in US-based studies” (“U.S. Colleges and Universities,” 2011, para.10). As a result, American colleges and universities are avidly seeking international students to bolster their populations because there are many benefits of study abroad in the USA.
Extensive Course Offerings and Solid Academic Programs
In the first place, the academic course offerings of American colleges and universities are plentiful. Because there are so many educational institutions in America, students coming from abroad have more subjects to choose from and to study. “There are over 7,000 higher education institutions in the United States with over 15 million students” (“U.S. Colleges and Universities,” 2011, para. 1).
American colleges and universities also provide a wide variety of solid academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. For instance, it has been reported that the enrollment in U.S. colleges and universities has increased steadily throughout the 20th century (Gutek, 2009). This statistic shows that a large number of young adults—American and international—are opting to go to college on American soil.
Fine Academic Structure and Reputable Faculty
One reason why international students should attend U.S. colleges and universities is the academic structure of the institutions. In America, there are four basic type of institutions—state universities, private universities, community colleges, and technical/vocational colleges. International students can pick and choose the right type of institution based on their academic, financial, and holistic needs.
Faculty reputation is another benefit of studying in the United States. American faculty members are internationally recognized and highly qualified. The academic staffs consist of professors (full, associate, and assistant), instructors, researchers, and other professionals. Most universities in the U.S. have a large team of faculty members. As a result, students have more advisors who can assist their academic requirements.
Diverse Student Life and Reliable Housing
Student life is another advantage American institutions possess. In America, most colleges have extracurricular activities. The larger the college is, the more activities it usually provides. Big universities have programs in football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, swimming, track, and other sports. Therefore, American universities are like microcosms of society. From sports and politics to religion and the arts, there are more opportunities to participate in student organizations on every campus.
Along with active student life, American colleges have diversity. U.S. schools boast a high percentage of non-American students. American educators are calling for not only diverse student populations, but also multicultural curriculum. This is helpful to international students from different cultures who seek equal status and fair treatment while studying abroad.
The final advantage of studying in America is housing. If a student wants to move away from home, then he or she considers the location of the college or university. Moreover, American educational institutions often offer both on-campus and off-campus housing. Thus, in order to study abroad, international students must make reliable housing arrangements prior to their arrival. Living and studying abroad is a great way to get personal satisfaction, to appreciate privacy, and to gain independence.
Final Remarks on Study in America
In terms of U.S. academics, there are more opportunities in courses, majors, and concentrations; while faculty reputation is very impressive. Many aspects of student life can be quite exciting and diverse; moreover, housing options can be flexible and reasonable. For these reasons, international students should apply to the America-sponsored study abroad programs that welcome them.