actually, the physics dept itself is often characterized as fairly theoretical; the emphasis on applications comes from classes in other majors, should you choose to take them. i'm no expert either, but i am a physics major, ish; i'd recommend coming here and cross-registering at harvard if you see a need, but i'm pretty sure we'll do a decent job of obliging your interests as for actual difficulty and research opportunities, i do know (from talking to a fellow studying physics at harvard) that the content of the first year, at least, is different b/c their physics I and II classes are full of physics majors, while ours are required for everyone...but can't really tell you much beyond that.