Those planning careers in less closely related fields, or in law or medicine, may find the B.A. program better suited to their needs. Students who wish to graduate with distinction may participate in research associated with the department. At the conclusion of study the student must present the results of his or her research in writing, which will be judged by a departmental faculty committee. Physics students at Duke enjoy the benefits of small classes which encourage greater student-faculty interaction. In addition, all of the department's courses, including introductory courses in general physics, are taught by members of the faculty, thus ensuring that undergraduates receive their instruction from active professionals with national and international reputations.
Theoretical research is enhanced by a variety of computer resources.
Within the department there is a mixture of Sun workstations and Pentium-Pro based machines running Solaris and Linux software. In addition, the theory group has access to a powerful distributed-memory parallel computer based on Pentium processors. Nearby on campus and also at the North Carolina Supercomputing Center, theory students will have access to an SGI Power Challenge parallel computer, a Cray T90, and a Cray T3E parallel computer. Some Duke graduates majoring in physics continue their education at the graduate level, in programs in physics, engineering, computer science, geology, or in other programs such as medicine and law. Those entering the work force with a baccalaureate degree typically take jobs where their knowledge of physics, mathematics, and computers are applied, whether in industrial laboratories or in engineering firms.