
Physics
The physics major at Oberlin is a diverse academic program. We offer a rich selection of physics, astrophysics, and astronomy courses and ample opportunities for active student research involvement.
Why Study Physics at Oberlin?

Winter Term
Oberlin’s winter term allows students to explore interests outside of their traditional academic program through a four-week immersive venture of their choosing, individually or with a group. These physics students worked on campus using optical magnetometers to search for dark matter as a part of the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers for Exotic Physics (GNOME) collaboration.

Observatory and Planetarium
Oberlin College Observatory is atop Peters Hall at the center of campus. Peters was built in the 1880s and the dome was installed in 1929, along with a Gaertner 6-inch f:15 refractor telescope. The current telescope is a 14" Meade LX200. The observatory is actively used for introductory astronomy classes, for individual student projects, by the Oberlin Astronomy Club, and for public viewing.
Sample Courses
- PHYS 111 - Electricity, Magnetism and Thermodynamics 4 credits
- ASTR 100 - Introductory Astronomy 4 credits
- PHYS 316 - Waves and Optics 4 credits
- PHYS 411 - Electrodynamics 2 credits
Physics Faculty
Physics and astronomy faculty are both scholars and teachers who devote their careers to making important contributions to their disciplines through writing and research. Their academic and research areas include radio astronomy, optics, materials physics, gravitational physics, pulsars, and theoretical physics.
Explore Faculty within PhysicsPhysics Faculty
- Photo not available
Laura DeGroot
Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics -
Stephen FitzGerald
Professor of Physics -
Yumi Ijiri
Francis D Federighi Professor in Natural Sciences/Professor of Physics -
Melinda Keller
Department of Physics Lecturer / Lab Manager -
Cindi Manning
Chemistry and Biochemistry Resources Coordinator -
Robert Owen
Associate Professor of Physics - Photo not available
John Scofield
Professor of Physics -
Jillian Scudder
Assistant Professor of Physics -
Christina Smith
Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics -
Jason Stalnaker
Professor of Physics -
Dan Styer
John & Marianne Schiffer Professor of Physics