Physics (PHYS)

PHYS 1  Physics

4 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC)
UC Credit Limitation
Lecture: 54   Lab: 54
Prerequisite: MATH 71 or Eligibility for MATH 110 or MATH 110H

Discovery of concepts of physics through guided activities in a workshop style. Topics include light and geometrical optics, electricity and DC circuits, magnetism, linear and rotational motion, forces, momentum, energy, harmonic motion, waves, and nuclear and atomic physics.

Course Schedule

PHYS 2AG  General Physics

4 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC, C-ID #: PHYS 105)
UC Credit Limitation
Lecture: 54   Lab: 54
Prerequisite: MATH 150 or MATH 175 or Eligibility for MATH 160

The basic principles of physics. Includes theory, applications, laboratory, and problem solving in mechanics, heat, fluids, and wave motion.

Course Schedule

PHYS 2BG  General Physics

4 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC, C-ID #: PHYS 110)
UC Credit Limitation
Lecture: 54   Lab: 54
Prerequisite: PHYS 2AG

Continuation of Physics 2AG. Includes electricity and magnetism, including direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) circuits, geometrical and physical optics, relativity, quantum physics, atomic and nuclear physics. Laboratory includes use of computers to analyze data and simulate electric circuits.

Course Schedule

PHYS 4A  Engineering Physics

5 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC, C-ID #: PHYS 205)
UC Credit Limitation
Lecture: 72   Lab: 54
Prerequisite: PHYS 2AG
Corequisite: MATH 181 (May have been taken previously)

Calculus-based course. Studies linear and rotational motion, forces, momentum, work, energy, oscillations, gravitation, and waves. Includes laboratory experience with significant use of computers for data acquisition and analysis.

Course Schedule

PHYS 4B  Engineering Physics

5 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC, C-ID #: PHYS 210)
UC Credit Limitation
Lecture: 72   Lab: 54
Prerequisite: PHYS 4A
Corequisite: MATH 280 (May have been taken previously)

Calculus-based course covering heat, kinetic theory of gases, thermodynamics, electromagnetism including direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) circuits, and Maxwell's equations. Laboratory includes significant use of computers for data acquisition, analysis, and simulation. Continuation of Physics 4A.

Course Schedule

PHYS 4C  Engineering Physics

5 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC, C-ID #: PHYS 215)
UC Credit Limitation
Lecture: 72   Lab: 54
Prerequisite: PHYS 4B

Calculus-based course covering fluids, sound, electromagnetic waves, relativity, and modern physics. Continuation of Physics 4A and 4B.

Course Schedule

PHYS 6A  General Physics with Calculus

5 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC)
UC Credit Limitation
Lecture: 72   Lab: 54
Prerequisite: MATH 180

First semester of a two-semester calculus-based physics course for life science majors. Includes statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, Newton's laws of motion, conservation principles, rotational motion, simple harmonic motion, wave motion, heat and sound, introduction to hydrostatics and hydrodynamics with an emphasis on life science topics.

Course Schedule

PHYS 6B  General Physics with Calculus

5 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC)
UC Credit Limitation
Lecture: 72   Lab: 54
Prerequisite: PHYS 6A

Second semester of the calculus based physics course for life science majors. Topics include electricity, magnetism, optics, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics with an emphasis on life science applications.

Course Schedule

PHYS 99  Special Projects in Physics

2 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU)
Lecture: 36   
Corequisite: PHYS 1 or PHYS 2AG or PHYS 4A (May have been taken previously)

In order to offer selected students recognition for their academic interests and ability, and the opportunity to explore their disciplines to greater depth, the various departments from time to time offer Special Projects courses. The content of each course and the methods of study vary from semester to semester and depend on the particular project under consideration. Student must have instructor's authorization before enrolling in this class. Field trips may be required as part of this course.

Course Schedule