Welcome to Physics!
The central mission of the undergraduate programs in physics and biophysics is to teach students how physicists measure, describe and explain natural phenomena through scientific investigation and critical thinking. Students learn concepts in physics, quantitative methods for analyzing data and developing theoretical insights, and experimental techniques for testing theoretical predictions and discovering new phenomena. The study of diverse applications as well as elegant theoretical formalisms reveal physics to be an exciting and highly rewarding discipline that has important connections to other sciences,engineering disciplines and societal goals. Our graduates go on to practice their science skills in industrial and government laboratories, enter into teaching and research careers, or enter into the fields of information technology and financial services. Many pursue further study at the graduate and professional level, whether in physics or in diverse fields like business or medicine.
Departmental website: https://physics.duke.edu/
Advising
Physics and biophysics majors will be assigned a major advisor in the semester they declare their major. The Physics DUS serves as advisor for all Physics majors, and the Biophysics DUS serves as advisor for all Biophysics majors. However, most students will have a primary major advisor from among the faculty. Students may request a specific advisor, who will be assigned if that person is available. Students are expected to discuss their course selection and overall plan for satisfying graduation requirements with their major advisor prior to the course registration period each semester. Your major advisor and the DUS can also be helpful in finding a research advisor. The Director of Undergraduate Studies is Ayana Arce, and the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies is John Mercer.
Requirements and General Information
Learn more about physics major and minor requirements, biophysics major requirements, and general information for new majors.