differences between polytechnic & federal universities?

Answer 1

Well, in the US, a polytech university doesn't mean much. It just says the school offers all sorts of different types of degrees.

There's no such thing as a federal university. A public university just means it gets some of its funds from the state it's in. Offers lower tuition for kids from that state.

Answer 2

Polytechnic universities traditionally focussed on the practical and applied sciences (engineering, technology, applied mathematics, applied physics, biological sciences, architecture, computer science, management and business etc). They covered most of the engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, electronic and computing, aeronautical, chemical, industrial, manufacturing, civil and building, mining and minerals etc). Some Polytechnics are world renewed research institutes (USA, continental Europe)and others offer apprenticeships, diplomas, bachelors, masters and PhD degrees. The key differentiator with Polytechnics is they focussed on applied education for professional work not on pure research though some do applied research. They often formed collaborative relationships with local industry in aerospace, manufacturing, nuclear etc. The seed of the Polytechnic Institute movement was in France during the late 18th century and the rise and formalization of military engineering as a profession. Ecole Polytechnic in Paris still produces France's leadership elite. This model of education was adopted by the USA in the early 19th century and in the UK in the mid to late 19th Century. Though Britain led in the development of the Polytechnic form of education in the 20th Century it did not stick as Polytechnic universities became more like traditional universities migrating into humanities,liberal arts and also developing new studies in media, alternative medicine, journalism, fashion, physiotherapy, education etc. Many ceased to offer core engineering degrees in favour of new and emerging disciplines. Traditional universities in many ways became more like Polytechnics by building large faculties in engineering, applied science, manufacturing and management studies forming relationships with local industry (centers of innovation)