Physics (AB)

Program Code: U-PHYS-AB
Degree Designation: Bachelor of Arts
Department: Physics Department
Website: physics.duke.edu/undergraduate/physics-major-minor/ba-degree 

Program Summary

Physics offers its majors a chance to learn about many extraordinary insights that the human race has discovered in its effort to understand the universe. Examples include what are the properties of matter and light, what are the concise remarkable laws that govern the properties of matter and light, how does complex structure emerge from the interactions of simpler pieces, and how physical laws and insights can be used to solve a great diversity of basic and applied problems. The analytical and experimental insights that a physics or biophysics major gains are valuable to the study of all areas of science and engineering. The Department of Physics also offers courses for students with a casual interest in science who wish to learn about what physicists have discovered about nature and how physicists think about nature.

By the time they graduate, physics majors are well prepared for graduate work in physics, engineering, and in other science disciplines; for the study of medicine; and for employment in commercial and industrial organizations as well as in governmental laboratories. Students planning to major in physics should take PHYSICS 161D, 162D, 164L, and 165L during their first year if possible; those with qualifying advanced placement credit can substitute PHYSICS 163D for PHYSICS 161D and 162D. Students should also arrange to complete the mathematics requirements by the end of their sophomore year.

An optional concentration in astrophysics allows students to immerse themselves in contemporary issues such as the nature of dark matter and dark energy, the evolution of the early universe, and the structures, from galaxies to stars, that characterize it today.

Go to Programs by Department to view all related programs.

Academic Requirements

At least 11 units total to complete the major. At least 34 units total to earn a degree.

• Fundamental of Physics Courses (2 units)

  • PHYSICS 161D (PHYSICS 141L, or PHYSICS 151L may also count)

  • PHYSICS 162D (PHYSICS 142L, or PHYSICS 152L may also count)

• Introductory Labs (1 unit)

  • PHYSICS 164L

  • PHYSICS 165L

• Required Courses (5 units)

  • PHYSICS 264L

  • PHYSICS 363

  • 2 of the following:

    • PHYSICS 361

    • PHYSICS 362D

    • PHYSICS 464

    • PHYSICS 513

  • 1 of the following:

    • PHYSICS 271L

    • PHYSICS 417S

• Required Math Courses (2 units)

  • Multivariable Calculus: MATH 212, or MATH 219, or MATH 222

  • Linear Algebra: MATH 218D, or MATH 221

• Elective (1 unit)

  • Any PHYSICS course 200-level and above

Concentration in Astrophysics

In addition to the physics major requirements, students must complete the following requirements:

• Required Courses (3 units)

  • PHYSICS 305

  • PHYSICS 555

  • PHYSICS 556

• Elective (1 unit)

  • MATH 575

  • PHYSICS 346

  • PHYSICS 505

  • PHYSICS 522

  • PHYSICS 622

  • PHYSICS 655

Courses for the astrophysics concentration may also satisfy the elective requirements for the major.

Departmental Graduation with Distinction

The department offers students many possibilities to do physics research, and this research may lead to Graduation with Distinction. Consult with the director of undergraduate studies during or before the junior year and see the section on honors in this bulletin.