Natural Sciences
Natural scientists investigate natural phenomena in the world around us. They study things biological (life and the biosphere) and physical (the structure of matter and the forces and energies that shape matter and its constituent parts). In Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, the biological sciences are studied in the departments of Biology, Evolutionary Anthropology, and Psychology and Neuroscience. The physical sciences are the focus of the departments of Chemistry and Physics. In addition, the mathematical sciences constitute natural sciences in and of themselves, but also provide a common language for the quantitative study of all aspects of nature. At Duke, such work is pursued within and across the departments of Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistical Science.
Interdisciplinary Research Focus
A rich history of interdisciplinarity at Duke blurs sharp boundaries between departments and schools: many of our natural scientists collaborate (in research and teaching) with colleagues from other departments in Trinity College, in Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, Nicholas School of the Environment, Sanford School of Public Policy and Medical School. As a consequence, many of our faculty hold appointments in more than one department and school.
Please explore our departments, centers and affiliated research groups below.
