Another facility is the Math-Physics Library, which has a comprehensive collection of textbooks, monographs, journals, and reference works treating mathematics, statistics, physics, and astronomy. In addition, the library maintains materials on reserve for specific courses. Further opportunities for students include summer research programs and internships, mostly at other colleges and universities and in businesses and government agencies, as well as independent study while at Duke. An independent study course offers a student the chance to pursue advanced study in a particular area of mathematics or in an area in which courses are not usually offered by the department. Working as a laboratory teaching assistant can be valuable preparation for a student planning to become a math teacher.
Students can also extend their interest outside of the classroom through competitions and awards.
To help with such pursuits, a half-credit problem solving seminar is offered each fall to develop students' creative strategies for solving mathematical problems. Each year, students are encouraged to participate in the Virginia Tech Mathematics Contest, the William Lowell Putnam Mathematics Competition, and the Mathematical Contest in Modeling. Duke is usually quite successful in these competitions. For example, the Duke Putnam teams placed first in the nation 1993 and 1996 and second in the nation in 1997 and 1998. The skills and knowledge a student acquires while pursing a degree in mathematics are applicable after graduation in numerous ways.