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
  • 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, eletric 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 intended for students majoring in physical sciences and engineering, is part of a three-semester course whose contents may be offered in other sequences or combinations. Core topics include an introduction to kinematics, work and energy, momentum, gravitation and simple harmonic motion.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Corequisite(s):
MATH 001B
Transfers to:
UC/CSU