Physics
Physics
Program Purpose: Students who complete Physics courses will apply fundamental physical laws and equations describing physical phenomena to analyze both quantitatively and qualitatively specific problems in the physical universe; recognize, comprehend, and apply the similar principles in the various disciplines of physics, and critically evaluate and analyze observations and measurements through the use of accepted scientific methods and report the results in formal papers that conform to the style of modern scientific writing.
The strong emphasis in physics on fundamental concepts and problem solving makes it one of the most versatile majors available. The Physics major provides the basis for careers in applied physics and in interdisciplinary areas such as astronomy, biophysics, environmental science, oceanography, and scientific instrumentation.
NOTE: Some courses may have credit limitations. Refer to the Credit Limitations and UC Credit Limitations areas, and the UC Transfer Course Agreement page for details.
Introduces the basic principles of Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, wave motion, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Examines topics such as kinematics, atomic nature of matter, relativity, and nuclear physics.
Examines the basic phenomena in mechanics, thermodynamics, wave motion, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Introduces the use of common real-world modern laboratory instruments, learned and practiced during the experiments. Teaches elementary principles of data taking, data reduction, synthesis, and analysis, as well as the writing of scientific reports.
Introduces the basics of statics, mechanics, and wave motion. Includes kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, momentum, fluids, waves, simple harmonic motion and thermodynamics.
Examines basic phenomena in mechanics, thermodynamics, and wave motion. Applies common, modern laboratory instruments in hands-on experiments using real world data. Teaches the principles of data taking, reduction, synthesis, and analysis, in addition to the writing of scientific reports.
Introduces electricity, magnetism, direct-current circuits, optics, and modern physics. Uses trigonometry to develop the subject matter. Examines topics such as geometric optics, physical optics, relativity, quantum physics, and nuclear physics. Designed for students who need a trigonometry-based physics course.
Examines the basic real-world phenomena in electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Applies common modern laboratory instruments in hands-on experiments. Teaches and relates the principles of data taking, reduction, synthesis, and analysis, in addition to the writing of scientific reports using appropriate units and significant figures.
Introduces the basic principles of the mechanics of solids and fluids. Uses calculus to develop the subject matter. Covers kinematics, Newtonian mechanics including rotational dynamics, work, energy, fluid statics and dynamics, and simple harmonic motion.
Examines the basic laws of the mechanics of solids and fluids. Applies common, modern laboratory instruments in hands-on experiments with real world data. Teaches the principles of data taking, reduction, synthesis, and analysis, in addition to the writing of scientific reports.
Introduces the basic principles of thermodynamics and electromagnetism. Uses calculus to develop the subject matter. Includes the following topics: temperature, heat, the laws of thermodynamics, electrostatics, capacitance, DC circuits, magnetic forces and fields, electromagnetic induction, AC circuits, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic waves.
Examines the basic phenomena in thermodynamics and electromagnetism. Uses real-world modern instruments such as digital and analog voltmeters, ammeters, and oscilloscopes. Teaches the principles of data taking, reduction, synthesis, and analysis, in addition to the writing of scientific reports.
Introduces the basic principles of wave motion, optics, and modern physics using calculus to develop the subject matter. Includes the following topics: classical wave theory, wave-particle duality, reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, optical elements and systems, applications of Schrodinger’s equation, atomic structure, molecular structure, the quantum nature of solids, consequences of special and general relativity, nuclear physics, particle physics, and cosmology.
Examines some of the basic phenomena in wave motion, optics, and modern physics. Uses real world modern instruments such as digital and analog voltmeters, ammeters, digital storage oscilloscopes, frequency counters, lasers, spectrometers, optical energy and poser meters during the experiments. Teaches the principles of data taking, reduction, synthesis, and analysis, in addition to the writing of scientific reports.
Provides on-the-job learning to develop effective work habits, attitudes, and career awareness in paid or unpaid internships that are related to the discipline. Involves the development and documentation of learning objectives and the completion of an internship paper, presentation, or project. Includes both workplace supervisor and faculty adviser feedback and/or written evaluations. Course Credit Limitation: To take the course, contact the Career Transfer Center. Requires orientation session. Students receive one unit of credit for each 60 hours unpaid or 75 hours paid work. May enroll in up to 4 units a semester with a maximum of 16 total units of any type of work experience.
Allows independent study for students who wish to extend their knowledge of a particular area of Physics through research and study. Utilizes an approved independent project. Includes one-on-one work with instructor. Interested students should contact a Physics instructor for assistance in developing a contract for learning about a specific topic.