Summer research opportunities offered by the Physics Department are an excellent introduction to scientific research:
2012 Summer Research Opportunities for Undergraduates in the Physics Department
In addition to the individual Physics research groups, research opportunities are available in the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory and the Free-Electron Laser Laboratory. These facilities are located behind the Physics Building.
Research opportunities can also be found with scientists with physics backgrounds working outside the Physics Department, such as the Engineering School, the Medical School, and the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Psychology. It is also possible to find research opportunities at UNC, at NC State, at other colleges and universities, at private and government laboratories, and at colleges and labs outside the US.
The following is a representative list of possible summer opportunities for research away from the Duke campus.