What a good camera for someone starting in Photography?

For a beginner
i'm looking at Nikon's and Canon's
but i don't know which one to buy from or what kind of camera i should get and lens
I'm starting a photography course

If your a doing a course I would suggest defently getting a DSLR, digital single lens reflex. This is a must, there's nothing you can really learn to do on your standard point and shoot apart from composition/framing.
Your starting well with nikon n canon, both offer a great range of easy to use affordable dlsr's. I would suggest going to a shop and getting a feel for both makes of cameras. Canons are light weight and easy to use, nikons are quite a bit heavier and have in my opinion a better 'operation system' and more options.
I started off with canon dslrs and have just recently got a nikon n i'm loving it. But its a personal preference. Look at what you can afford as well, a Nikon D80 or Canon Eos 500d are both nice starter cameras and can be bought really cheap second hand if you can find a reputable, trustworthy 2nd hand store that offers warranties. I get all my lenses second hand.

For a beginner i would suggest looking into the entry level dslr line-up of Canon and Nikon. I have a canon 550D and it works for me. This year Canon has just released a new model - Canon 600D/T3i. If it's possible, try getting a separate lens like the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 vc, but if you're on a tight budget the kit lens will suffice. As for Nikon, look for the Nikon D3100 or D5100 models.

First, you need to know what kind of camera your class will require. Only after you find out should you buy a camera.

As to the brand, it doesn't matter. Nikon and Canon are both good brands.