Academic Catalog

Physics

Program Description

Physics, the fundamental science, conceptualizes the basic principles of the universe and establishes the foundation for astronomy, chemistry, and geology. The beauty of physics lies in a small number of powerful concepts which expand our view of the world around us and which lead to many engineering applications from which we derive many benefits.

Learn more about this program on the Physics website.

Associate Degree for Transfer

This program also offers an Associate Degree for Transfer. Learn more and review the degree requirements on the Physics AS-T listing.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will know basic physics principles.
  • Students will be able to apply their knowledge to practical, theoretical, and experimental problems.
  • Students will be prepared to advance to the next step in careers in science, industry, and education.

Award Type(s)

  • AS = Associate in Science Degree

Units Required

  • Major: 64

Additional Information

Suggested Preparatory Courses for Degree:

PHYS 2AGENERAL PHYSICS5
or PHYS 6 INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS
or equivalent
CHEM 25FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY (or equivalent)5

Associate Degree Requirements

A minimum of 90 units is required1 to complete the associate degree, including:

  • Core courses for the major (64 units total)
  • Completion of one of the following general education patterns:
    • Foothill College General Education
    • Summer Session 2025 only–CSU General Education Breadth (CSU GE Breadth)2
    • Summer Session 2025 only–Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)2
    • Beginning Fall Quarter 2025–California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)3
1

Additional elective course work may be necessary to meet the 90-unit minimum requirement for the associate degree.

2

Summer Session 2025 is the final term during which CSU GE Breadth and IGETC may be used. Please see a counselor for more information.

3

Cal-GETC begins in Fall Quarter 2025. Please see a counselor for more information.


Note: A grade of "C" (or "P") or better is required for all core courses used for the degree. In addition, the student must obtain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Refer to the Associate in Arts & Associate in Science Degree Requirements page for complete information about graduation requirements and catalog rights.

Core and Support Courses

Core Courses
CHEM 1AGENERAL CHEMISTRY5
CHEM 1BGENERAL CHEMISTRY5
MATH 1ACALCULUS5
or MATH 1AH HONORS CALCULUS I
MATH 1BCALCULUS5
or MATH 1BH HONORS CALCULUS II
MATH 1CCALCULUS5
MATH 1DCALCULUS5
MATH 2ADIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS5
MATH 2BLINEAR ALGEBRA5
PHYS 4AGENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS)6
PHYS 4BGENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS)6
PHYS 4CGENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS)6
PHYS 4DGENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS)6
Total Units64