Effective teaching is vital to the mission of the University and stimulating, rigorous and successful instruction should be the goal of every faculty member. In general, however, faculty should involve themselves in teaching at all levels. Innovative instructional methods, text development and new course development will be recognized as significant contributions to the teaching mission of the Department. Research is critical inquiry directed towards the creation of new knowledge or the creative synthesis of existing knowledge. Research will result in publication in refereed journals, and will be carried on in conjunction with participation in professional meetings and service in professional societies and organizations.
Wide variations exist in funding patterns within physics.
In general, the Department expects its faculty members to pursue and obtain external funding in a manner consistent with national norms for their particular specialties. All activity that reflects on the professional competence and reputation of the faculty member contributes to defining distinction in research. The primary criterion for judging excellence will be external recognition by the faculty member's peer group. Service is participation in the various functions and tasks necessary for the operation of the Department, College, and University as a whole. Extension comprises service activity benefiting the people of the State of North Carolina.