Physics astronomy?

liyangzhang · 05-09-2008, 03:55 PM

Hi guys,

How is Duke's Physics and astronomy??
I get accepted from the waitlist. Then I have a delimma. I have to choose between Duke and Williams C0llege. Tough choice...
I want to study physics in the future. Probably PhD program in physics.

Any suggestions people.

liyangzhang · 05-10-2008, 01:57 PM

anyone??

incollege88 · 05-10-2008, 02:36 PM

not a physics major, but have friends who are. physics has some great resources, such as the Triangle Universities Nuclear Lab and Free Electron Laser Lab (for a list of all the physics facilities, see Duke Physics) and top-notch research going on (Duke Physics). I know some faculty deal with astronomy (e.g., Duke Physics) but I don't think that is a particular strength of the department. if you want to pursue hardcore research in physics with top-notch facilities come to duke, though.

incollege88 · 05-10-2008, 02:46 PM

check out these courses too:

Intro to Astronomy:
Physics 55

Intro to Astrophysics:
Physics 105

Astrophysics (grad-level):
Astrophysics (PH 418) Course Expectations (2007/2008 Kolena)

incollege88 · 05-10-2008, 02:48 PM

finally, a major consideration to take into account is the size of the departments. williams will have maybe a half dozen to dozen faculty members in physics working on a limited range of topics, whereas duke has dozens and dozens of researchers pursuing a wide range of issues. this will give you a lot more freedom academically. it is very easy to do research here and you will find that there aren't very many physics majors, so you will get special attention.