Course Descriptions

Physics - PHYSICS
Course Classification

Courses numbered 1-49 — are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. Courses thus numbered are transferable to four- year institutions. Agriculture courses are designed to parallel the work taught in similar courses at California Polytechnic State University or at California State University, Fresno but may not carry the same number.

Courses numbered 50-99 — are associate degree level courses. Courses thus numbered are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses Numbered 100-201 — are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial.

Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree, and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer, and non-degree applicable courses:
(AA) Associate Degree
(CSU) Transferable to California State University System
(UC) Transferable to University of California System
(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • PHYSICS-002A
  • Mechanics and Thermodynamics
  • Credit(s) 4

Mechanics and Thermodynamics
PHYSICS 002A is the algebra-based study of vectors, particle kinematics and dynamics, work energy, simple harmonic motion rotational kinematics and dynamics, the kinetic theory of gases, the first and second laws of thermodynamics and gravitation.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
MATH 063 or MATH 064
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
PHYS 105/100S
  • PHYSICS-002B
  • Electricity, Magnetism, Optics
  • Credit(s) 4

Electricity, Magnetism, Optics and Modern Physics
PHYSICS 002B is the algebra-based study of electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism, electric circuits, wave phenomena, geometrical and physical optics, special relativity and a survey of atomic, nuclear and particle physics.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
PHYSICS 002A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
PHYS 110 & 100S
  • PHYSICS-004A
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Credit(s) 4

Classical Mechanics
PHYSICS 004A is the 1st of a 3-semester sequence of calculus-based physics studying Newton's laws of motion, Lagrangian mechanics, Hamiltonian mechanics, kinematics, statics, dynamics, chaos theory, acoustics, fluid dynamics and continuum mechanics. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Corequisite(s):
MATH 001A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
PHYS 205/200S
  • PHYSICS-004B
  • Electricity, Magnetism, Waves
  • Credit(s) 4

Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves
PHYSICS 004B is the 2nd of a 3-semester sequence of calculus-based physics studying electrostatics, the electric field, Coulomb's law, Gauss's law, electric potential, capacitance, dielectrics, DC and AC circuit analysis, network theorems, the Lorentz force law, Ampere's law, the Biot-Savart law, Faraday's law, inductance, Maxwell Equations, magnetism, magnetic properties of matter, propagation of waves in elastic media, standing waves, interference, and electromagnetic waves. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
PHYSICS 004A
Co-Requisite(s):
MATH 001B
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
PHYS 210
  • PHYSICS-004C
  • Thermodynmics, Optcs, Mdr Phys
  • Credit(s) 4

Thermodynamics, Optics, and Modern Physics
PHYSICS 004C is the 3rd of a 3-semester sequence of calculus-based physics studying optics, laws of thermodynamics, heat transfer, heat engines, entropy, theory of special relativity, photoelectric effect, Compton effect, Bohr Model for the hydrogen atom, elementary quantum, kinetic theory of gases, failures of classic physics and a survey of modern physics. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
PHYSICS 004B and MATH-001B
Advisory(s):
MATH 002A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
PHYS 215/200S