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?
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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
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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 major over three or four years. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.
Sample Four-Year Plans
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | MATH 134 PHYS 110 |
MATH 234 PHYS 111 |
| Y2 | PHYS 212 CSCI 150 |
PHYS 310 |
| Y3 | PHYS 316 PHYS 418 |
PHYS 311 |
| Y4 | PHYS 411 PHYS 412 |
PYHS 410 |
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | MATH 133 | MATH 134 CSCI 150 |
| Y2 | PHYS 110 | PHYS 111 PHYS 242 |
| Y3 | PHYS 212 PHYS 418 |
PHYS 310 PHYS 290 |
| Y4 | PHYS 418 ASTR 301 |
ASTR 302 |
Related Areas of Study
Chemistry, Computer Science, 3-2 Engineering, Environmental Studies, Geosciences, Mathematics
Learn More
Physics Major Requirements
Physics Department