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Dec 04, 2024
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Course Catalog 2024-2025
Physics Major
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The physics major with a physics concentration consists of a minimum of 8 full courses (or the equivalent).
The physics major with an astrophysics concentration consists of a minimum of 9 full courses (or the equivalent).
The physics major with a materials physics concentration consists of a minimum of 8 full courses (or the equivalent). Many students are required to complete 9 full courses to satisfy the general chemistry course requirement.
Note: Students must earn minimum grades of D or P for all courses that apply toward the major.
 View the catalog page for the physics and astronomy department.
Students majoring in physics complete the minimum program with a concentration in physics, astrophysics, or materials physics.
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Summary of Requirements: Physics Major with a Physics Concentration
Note(s) on Requirements
- Students who wish to pursue physics as a career in research or in college or university teaching should take the graduate study preparation program, which consists of the following five courses (four full courses and two half courses):
Summary of Requirements: Physics Major with an Astrophysics Concentration
Note(s) on Requirements
- Students who wish to become professional astronomers should consult Ms. Scudder to discuss additional coursework that will permit admission to graduate study in astronomy.
Summary of Requirements: Physics Major with a Materials Physics Concentration
Note(s) on Requirements
- Students who plan to pursue materials physics work at the graduate level should consult Ms. Ijiri to discuss additional coursework that might be recommended. CHEM 323 (and associated prerequisites) and PHYS 410 are particularly relevant to materials physics.
Transfer of Credit Toward the Major
Transferred credit for PHYS 103 , PHYS 104 , PHYS 110 , and PHYS 111 counts toward the major.
High-school students who might wish to major in physics should take the calculus-based Physics C courses and examinations, if possible. Students who have received advanced standing in either physics or mathematics and who are considering physics as a possible major should consult the department chair upon arrival in Oberlin regarding course selection and major requirements.
Although PHYS 103 and PHYS 104 are not the normal prerequisites for PHYS 212 and upper-level courses, the department is prepared to arrange a transition to these courses for those who have earned credit through the AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 examinations, have good backgrounds in mathematics, and are interested in majoring in physics.
Course of Study
Prerequisites for the courses in all concentrations include MATH 133 , MATH 134 , MATH 231 , and MATH 234 . Additionally, computer applications are important in all branches of physics and astronomy. All majors are urged to consult their advisors about obtaining the appropriate background.
Students may major in physics as preparation for further professional training in physics, astronomy, or engineering, or as excellent background for careers in other fields such as medicine, law, biology, geology, and secondary-school science teaching. Those interested in careers in engineering may also consider the 3-2 engineering program . Students with special interests are encouraged to include physics and astronomy courses in an individual major, or to plan a double major.
Entry-Level Course Sequence Suggestions
Students considering a major in physics who qualify for MATH 134 , MATH 231 , or MATH 234 as first-year students should take those courses as well as PHYS 110 and PHYS 111 . Those without advanced standing in mathematics should take MATH 133 and MATH 134 as first-year students and PHYS 110 and PHYS 111 as sophomores; such students may take the full graduate study preparation program with the exception of PHYS 411 and PHYS 412 in preparation for graduate work in physics.
PHYS 110 , PHYS 111 , and PHYS 212 provide training useful to students of any of the physical sciences or mathematics. These courses have calculus prerequisites. Students majoring in the life and earth sciences are also encouraged to take these courses if they have the necessary mathematical background.
The algebra-based sequence PHYS 103 /PHYS 104 is primarily for students majoring in the life and earth sciences. A student who has taken all or part of PHYS 103 and PHYS 104 and is interested in further work in physics should consult the department about an appropriate pathway to more advanced courses.
Physics courses numbered 050-070 are designed for College and Conservatory students whose primary interests may not lie in the natural sciences but who wish to have a first-hand acquaintance with the techniques and results of physical science.
Honors in Physics
The Honors Program in Physics is open to outstanding senior-year major students at the invitation of the department. Students in this program will normally be expected to complete the graduate study preparation program of courses described above and must carry out a special project in experimental or theoretical physics or astrophysics under the direction of a member of the department. Honors students write a thesis based on their work and take comprehensive examinations. The physics and astrophysics concentrations require a second approved laboratory course; this requirement may be waived upon request for an honors student whose project is in experimental physics.
Detailed Major Requirements
Physics Major Course Lists
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