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
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| English Proficiency | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| ENGL 1A | COMPOSITION & READING | 5 |
| ENGL 1AH | HONORS COMPOSITION & READING | 5 |
| ESLL 26 | ADVANCED COMPOSITION & READING | 5 |
| or equivalent | ||
| Ethnic Studies | ||
| Any course in the ETHN (Ethnic Studies) subject code, currently approved for Area F of CSU GE and Area 7 of IGETC | ||
| Mathematics Proficiency | ||
| College-level math course at or above the level of Intermediate Algebra | ||
A minimum of 90 units is required1 to include:
- Completion of one of the following general education patterns: Foothill General Education, CSU General Education Breadth Requirements or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
- Core courses (64 units)
- 1
Additional elective course work may be necessary to meet the 90-unit minimum requirement for the associate degree.
Note: All courses pertaining to the major must be taken for a letter grade. In addition, a grade of "C" or better is required for all core courses used for the degree.
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 | |