Courses Designed for Non-Science Majors
Physical Science 115 – Concepts in Physical Science for Educators
Units: 4
Class Hours: 48 Lecture Hours, 48 Laboratory Hours
An investigation of the basic principles of physics and chemistry including matter, physical and chemical properties, energy, motion, light, atomic structure, bonding, solutions, and chemical reactions. The inter-dependence of chemistry and physics will be emphasized. Algebra is used in this course.
Physics 109 – Survey of General Physics
Units: 4
Class Hours: 48 Lecture Hours, 48 Laboratory Hours
The study of important phenomena in physics. Topics include: mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, sound, light, electricty, magnetism, and modern physics. Recommended for all students interested in a conceptual approach to physics and students planning on taking more advanced courses in physics. Algebra is used in this course.
Courses Designed for Students in Biological Sciences
Physics 210 – Principles of Physics I
Units: 4
Class Hours: 48 Lecture Hours, 48 Laboratory Hours
Prerequisites: Mathematics 180/180H
A calculus-based physics course designed for students majoring in life sciences, pre-medicine, and related disciplines. Topics include classical mechanics, wave motion, and thermodynamics. This course is usually needed for students transferring to a UC school. Please check with a counselor is you have any questions about course transfers.
Physics 211 – Principles of Physics II
Units: 4
Class Hours: 48 Lecture Hours, 48 Laboratory Hours
Prerequisites: Physics 210 and Mathematics 180/180H
A calculus-based physics course designed for students majoring in life sciences, pre-medicine, and related disciplines. Topics include: electricity and magnetism, light, optics, and modern physics. This course is usually needed for students transferring to a UC school. Please check with a counselor is you have any questions about course transfers.
Physics 279 – College Physics I
Units: 4
Class Hours: 48 Lecture Hours, 48 Laboratory Hours
Prerequisites: Mathematics 160 (May be taken concurrently)
A trigonometry-based physics course. Topics include: mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, oscillatory motion, and sound. This course is usually needed for students transferring to a Cal State school. Please check with a counselor is you have any questions about course transfers.
Physics 289 – General Optics, Electricity, and Magnetism
Units: 4
Class Hours: 48 Lecture Hours, 48 Laboratory Hours
Prerequisites: Physics 279 and Mathematics 160
A trigonometry-based physics course. Topics include: light, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. This course is usually needed for students transferring to a Cal State school. Please check with a counselor is you have any questions about course transfers.
Courses Designed for Students in Physical Science and Engineering
Physics 250A – Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
Units: 5
Class Hours: 48 Lecture Hours, 48 Laboratory Hours
Prerequisites: Mathematics 180/180H
Principles of classical mechanics including particle dynamics, forces, work, energy, momentum, rotational motion, equilibrium, harmonic motion, gravity and fluid dynamics. This course is designed for students majoring in physical sciences and engineering. Students who have successfully completed Physics 217 cannot enroll in Physics 250A.
Physics 250B – Physics for Scientists and Engineers II
Units: 5
Class Hours: 64 Lecture Hours, 48 Laboratory Hours
Prerequisites: Physics 250A and Mathematics 185
Introduces the basic principles of thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism. The main topics are the laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, electro-magnetic induction, and Maxwell’s equations. This course is designed for students majoring in physical sciences and engineering. Students who have successfully completed Physics 227 cannot enroll in Physics 250B.
Physics 250C – Physics for Scientists and Engineers III
Units: 5
Class Hours: 64 Lecture Hours, 48 Laboratory Hours
Prerequisites: Physics 250B
Recommended Preparation: Prior Completion of Mathematics 280
Introduces the basic principles of mechanical waves, sound, light, geometrical and wave optics, special relativity and quantum mechanics. This course is designed for students majoring in physical sciences and engineering. Students who have successfully completed Physics 237 cannot enroll in Physics 250C.