This page is for fequently asked questions about the Duke Physics Graduate program and issues related to it.
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FAQ Revised: Thursday 05 August 2004 11:31:33
The available courses are listed on the Graduate Courses Page. It is important to remember that not all of these are taught every year, and other topics can be taught. Ultimately, the course list for each semester is determined based on (perceived) demand, so be vocal about your interests.
Requirements can be waived or substituted on an individual basis. This is usually ill-advised, but you can go about it by talking to the Director of Graduate Studies.
Typically, average weekly TA workloads are 10 to 12 hours. However, depending, on the scheduling strategy used, the load can fluctuate wildly from week to week.
Due to budgetary constraints, there is no guarantee that graduate students will have a desktop computer. Usually, all first- and second-year students have desktop computers. The remaining available computers are then usually distributed based on need, going primarily to newer students with teaching responsibilities. After students join research groups, the groups are encouraged to provide computers. There is a public computer cluster in room 148 that has a scanner and printer.
For more information, see the Department Computing Page.
Stephen Granade wrote an excellent document about preparing your thesis that includes lots of tips on the computational aspect. We strongly encourage you to use his style file.
Yes. You just need to go to the DukeCard office with a memo that states you are working for the department, but are accepted and will matriculate in teh fall. They are still hashing out the permanent details, but they are ready to sell you a gym membership now. (Summer 2004)