Academic Advising Resource Center

Physics

Why take courses in Physics ?

From subatomic particles to distant galaxies, physics provides a way to understand how and why the world works the way it does. At Oberlin, our students are encouraged to ask their own open-ended questions and test their ideas through hands-on undergraduate research, supplemented by a curriculum that combines theory and laboratory classes, from classical and quantum mechanics to electricity and magnetism, astronomy, optics, electronics, and more.

What kinds of questions does Physics explore?
  • How long has our universe existed?

  • How does a bicycle work?
  • What about a battery or a laser?

 

What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Physics ?

No matter a student’s comfort level with mathematics, there is an introductory course available and the department encourages all students to explore an interest in the physical sciences. 

Students interested in exploring the major should begin with Physics 110: Mechanics and Relativity, after gaining some experience with Calculus. Students who took calculus in high school can take physics 110 in their first year. Students who haven’t seen Calculus or who would prefer a refresher on it can take Math 133 in their first year, then Physics 110 in their second year. This still leaves enough time to finish the major.

Taking Courses

Courses for non-majors or general interest

  • Students who have experience with calculus can explore physics in PHYS 110 and PHYS 111.

    The algebra-based sequence (PHYS 103/104) is primarily for students interested in the life and earth sciences. 

    Physics courses numbered 050-070 are designed for College and Conservatory students whose primary interests may not lie in the natural sciences but who still wish to explore physical science.

Getting started in the major

There are three concentrations within the department: physics, astrophysics, and materials physics. Prerequisites for the courses in all concentrations include MATH 133, MATH 134, MATH 231, and MATH 234. 

All four concentrations start with the same four core courses: PHYS 110, 111, 212, and 310. The different concentrations differ on options for electives beyond those core courses.

    Advanced Placement Credit 

    AP Physics I, score of 4 or 5 = one full course (PHYS 103)

    AP Physics II, score of 4 or 5 = one full course (PHYS 104)

    AP Physics C Mech, score of 4 or 5 = one full course (PHYS 110)

    AP Physics C E&M, score of 5 = one full course (PHYS 111)

    IB Physics, score of 5, 6, or 7 = one full course (PHYS 600) *Does not count toward major

    Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores. 

    Majoring in Physics

    Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the Physics major, as well as one example each for the Astrophysics, and Materials concentrations, over three or four years. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.

    Sample Four-Year Plans
    Physics Fall Spring
    Physics Y1 Fall MATH 134
    PHYS 110
    Spring MATH 231
    PHYS 111
    Physics Y2 Fall PHYS 212
    MATH 234
    Spring PHYS 310
    PHYS 242 or 
    CSCI 150
    Physics Y3 Fall PHYS 312   
    PHYS 418
    Spring PHYS 311
    Physics Y4 Fall PHYS 316 Spring PHYS 410
    Physics Fall Spring
    Physics Y1 Fall MATH 133 Spring MATH 134
    CSCI 150
    Physics Y2 Fall PHYS 110
    MATH 234
    Spring PHYS 111
    Physics Y3 Fall PHYS 212   
    MATH 234
    Spring PHYS 310
    PHYS 242
    Physics Y4 Fall PHYS 418
    PHYS 312
    Spring PHYS 311
    PHYS 410
    Astrophysics Fall Spring
    Astrophysics Y1 Fall MATH 133 Spring MATH 134
    CSCI 150
    Astrophysics Y2 Fall PHYS 110
    MATH 231
    Spring PHYS 111
    PHYS 242
    Astrophysics Y3 Fall PHYS 212   
    MATH 234
    Spring PHYS 310
    ASTRO 301 or 302
    Astrophysics Y4 Fall PHYS 418
    PHYS 312
    Spring PHYS 311
    ASTRO 301 or 302
    Materials Fall Spring
    Materials Y1 Fall MATH 133 Spring MATH 134
    CHEM 102
    Materials Y2 Fall PHYS 110
    MATH 231
    Spring PHYS 111
    Materials Y3 Fall PHYS 212   
    MATH 234
    Spring PHYS 310
    PHYS 340
    Materials Y4 Fall PHYS 418
    PHYS 312
    Spring PHYS 311
    PHYS 410

     

    Related Areas of Study

    Chemistry, Computer Science, 3-2 Engineering, Environmental Studies, Geosciences, Mathematics

    Learn More

    Physics Major Requirements
    Physics Department