Physics (PHYS Courses)
PHYS 100 Concepts In Physics
3.0 units.
Advisories: MATH 311 - Algebra 1 ; ENGL 101 - Freshman Composition: Exposition ; or ENGL 514 - Writing Skills 4
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
Course Offered:
Fall, Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
An overview of the major areas of physics. Emphasis is on concepts, applications,
and the consequences for modern life. An historical perspective on the development
of physical theory and its impact on civilization is explored.
PHYS 110 Introductory Physics
3.0 units.
Prerequisite: MATH 121 - Trigonometry ; or MATH 141 - Precalculus
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
Course Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
An introduction to physics with emphasis on units, vectors and the definitions of
physical variables. Tools and strategies necessary to be successful in PHYS 161 are
covered.
PHYS 141 General Physics 1
4.0 units.
Prerequisite: MATH 141 - Precalculus ; or completion of or concurrent enrollment in MATH 121
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: PHYS 105
Course Offered:
Fall
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
The initial semester of a two-semester introduction to trigonometry-based physics.
Emphasizes the origin, nature, and application of fundamental concepts and principles.
Required for most life-science and engineering-technology majors. Discusses motion,
mechanics of particles and systems of particles, rigid, elastic and fluid systems,
vibrations, wave motion, and sound.
PHYS 142 General Physics 2
4.0 units.
Prerequisite: PHYS 141 - General Physics 1
Acceptable for credit: *Transfer to CSU, limited to UC/see counselor
C-ID Course Number: PHYS 110
Course Offered:
Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
A continuation of PHYS 141. Discusses heat, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism,
geometric and physical optics, atomic and nuclear physics.
PHYS 161 Engineering Physics 1
4.0 units.
Prerequisite: PHYS 110 - Introductory Physics ; and MATH 182 - Calculus 2 which may be taken concurrently
Acceptable for credit: *Transfer to CSU, limited to UC/see counselor
C-ID Course Number: PHYS 205
Course Offered:
Fall, Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
The initial semester of a three-semester course in calculus-based physics which emphasizes
the origin, nature and application of fundamental concepts and principles. Required
for most baccalaureate majors in the physical sciences, engineering and mathematics.
Emphasizes mechanics, including measurement, linear and planar motion, statics and
dynamics of particles and systems of particles, rigid, elastic and fluid systems.
PHYS 162 Engineering Physics 2
4.0 units.
Prerequisite: PHYS 161 - Engineering Physics 1 ; and MATH 182 - Calculus 2
Acceptable for credit: *Transfer to CSU, limited to UC/see counselor
C-ID Course Number: PHYS 215
Course Offered:
Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
A continuation of PHYS 161 which discusses temperature, heat, thermodynamics, simple
harmonic and wave motion, sound, geometric and physical behavior of light, as well
as topics in modern physics, which may include the special theory of relativity, and
the quantum theory of atomic and nuclear systems.
PHYS 163 Engineering Physics 3
4.0 units.
Advisories: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in MATH 183
Prerequisite: PHYS 161 - Engineering Physics 1 ; and MATH 182 - Calculus 2
Acceptable for credit: *Transfer to CSU, limited to UC/see counselor
C-ID Course Number: PHYS 210
Course Offered:
Fall
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
A continuation of PHYS 161 which discusses electrostatic forces, fields and potentials,
steady electric currents and circuits, magnetic forces and fields, induced electric
and magnetic fields, electric and magnetic properties of continuous media, reactive
circuits, and electromagnetic waves.
PHYS 171 Computational Techniques for Physics I: Mechanics
1.0 unit.
Corequisite: PHYS 161 - Engineering Physics 1
Prerequisite: PHYS 161 - Engineering Physics 1
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Course Offered:
Fall, Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Introduction to computational methods in physics applied to the solution of classical
mechanics problems. Simulation and Visualization of elementary mechanical systems.
Supports and complements material taught in PHYS 161.
PHYS 172 Computational Techniques for Physics II: Modern Physics
1.0 unit.
Corequisite: PHYS 162 - Engineering Physics 2
Prerequisite: PHYS 162 - Engineering Physics 2
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Course Offered:
Fall, Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Application of computational and data analysis methods to the solution of problems
associated with oscillations, statistical mechanics, thermal physics, quantum physics.
Simulation and Visualization of relevant physical systems. Complements material taught
in PHYS 162.
PHYS 173 Computational Techniques for Physics III: Electricity and Magnetism
1.1 units.
Corequisite: PHYS 163 - Engineering Physics 3
Prerequisite: PHYS 163 - Engineering Physics 3
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Course Offered:
Fall, Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Computational techniques applied to the solution of problems relating to electric
and magnetic fields and phenomena. Simulation and Visualization of electrodynamic
systems. Complements material taught in PHYS 163.
PHYS 189 Independent Projects
0.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
Courses for students capable of independent work who demonstrate the need or desire
for additional study beyond the regular curriculum. Enrollment allows students to
pursue activities such as directed field experience, research, or development of skills
and competencies under faculty advisement and supervision. Independent projects may
be earned in most disciplines. Students wishing to enroll in Independent Projects
should contact the appropriate instructor identified in the class schedule. If the
project proposed is acceptable to that instructor, a contract will be developed. All
contracts for these classes must be completed and submitted to the Records Office
no later than the end of the second week of the semester. Students may enroll for
any combination (unit value) of Independent Projects 189 and/or 389 for a total of
four semesters in a specific discipline. Units are awarded depending upon satisfactory
performance and the amount of time committed by the student to the course. Allowable
units vary according to discipline, and are based on the following formula: 1 unit
- 48 hours per semester 2 units - 96 hours per semester 3 units - 144 hours per semester