• A – Z LINKS
• MAPS
• MY Mt. SAC
• EMPLOYEES
• Mt. SAC HOME

   

 

Physics Program

AS Degree Programs

• • (none)

  Transfer

• • • These are the courses typically taken by a student intending to transfer to a four year university in their junior year as a physics major:

	Fall	Spring	Fall	Spring
	Math 180	Math 181	Math 280	Math 285
Math 150	Physics 2A	Physics 4A	Physics 4B	Physics 4C
Eng 68	ENG 1A	ENG 1C	Chem 50	CS 141
Eng 68	HIST 7	SPH 1A	Physics 99	Physics 99

Course Offerings

• • PHYS 1 — Physics
    
    Discovery of basic concepts of physics by working through guided  activities in a workshop style. Topics include light and geometrical  optics, electricity and DC circuits (with capacitors,) linear and rotational  motion, forces, momentum, energy, harmonic motion and waves.

• • • • Prerequisite: Eligibility for MATH 71
      • Physics 1 Student Learning Outcome
        
        
  • PHYS 2AG — General Physics
    
    The basic principles of physics. Includes theory, applications, laboratory,  and problem solving in mechanics, heat, fluids, and wave motion.
    
    
    • • Prerequisite: MATH 150
      • Physics 2AG Student Learning Outcome 
        
        
  • PHYS 2BG — General Physics
    
    A continuation of Physics 2AG. Includes electricity and magnetism  (including DC and 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. 
    
    
    • • Prerequisite: PHYS 2AG
      • Physics 2BG Student Learning Outcome
        
        
  • PHYS 4A — Engineering Physics
    
    Studies linear and rotational motion, forces, work, energy, oscillations,  gravitation, properties of solids, and waves. Includes laboratory  experience, with significant use of computers for data acquisition and  analysis.

• • • • Prerequisite: PHYS 2AG
      • Corequisite: Math 181 (may have taken previously)
      • Physics 4A Student Learning Outcome

• • PHYS 4B — Engineering Physics
    
    Heat, kinetic theory of gases, thermodynamics, electromagnetism  (including DC and AC circuits,) and Maxwell’s equations. Laboratory  includes significant use of computers for data acquisition, analysis and  simulation.

• • • • Prerequisite: PHYS 4A
      • Corequisite: Math 280 (may have taken previously)
      • Physics 4B Student Learning Outcome
        
        
  • PHYS 4C — Engineering Physics 
    
    Fluids, sound, electromagnetic waves, optics, diffraction and interference  of waves, relativity, quantum physics, atomic and nuclear structure,  nuclear reactions and elementary particles. Laboratory includes  significant use of computers for data analysis.
    
    
    • • Prerequisite: PHYS 4B
      • Physics 4C Student Learning Outcome

• • PHYS 99 — Special Projects in Physics
    
    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. Students who repeat this course will improve  skills by further instruction and practice.
    
    
    • • Corequisite: PHYS 1 or PHYS 2AG or PHYS 4A (may have been taken previously)