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:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 2A | GENERAL PHYSICS | 5 |
| or PHYS 6 | INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS | |
or equivalent | ||
| CHEM 25 | FUNDAMENTALS 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
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| CHEM 1A | GENERAL CHEMISTRY | 5 |
| CHEM 1B | GENERAL CHEMISTRY | 5 |
| MATH 1A | CALCULUS | 5 |
| or MATH 1AH | HONORS CALCULUS I | |
| MATH 1B | CALCULUS | 5 |
| or MATH 1BH | HONORS CALCULUS II | |
| MATH 1C | CALCULUS | 5 |
| MATH 1D | CALCULUS | 5 |
| MATH 2A | DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS | 5 |
| MATH 2B | LINEAR ALGEBRA | 5 |
| PHYS 4A | GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS) | 6 |
| PHYS 4B | GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS) | 6 |
| PHYS 4C | GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS) | 6 |
| PHYS 4D | GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS) | 6 |
| Total Units | 64 | |