Programs & Offerings

Not all physics courses are offered every quarter. As you plan your degree path, check to see when the courses you need will be offered. That way you can juggle your schedule accordingly.
Physics courses are offered as shown in the table below:

Daytime Evening
CoursesFall Winter Spring SummerFall Winter Spring Summer
P&100P&100
P104P104P104P104
P109P109P109
P114P114P114P114P114
P115P115P115P115
P116P116P116
P121P121P121P121P121P121
P122P122P122P122P122P122
P123P123P123P123P123P123
P225P225

The physics Department offers courses that support these BC programs:

Physical Sciences

The physical sciences require a rigorous preparation in physics as well as discipline specific course work. The calculus based sequence (P121-P123) provides this background. Our emphasis on hands-on learning and the excellent Laboratory facilities, and student support systems make the BC physics department a great place to start.
The Associates in Sciences (AS) degree will allow you to transfer directly to a university in the state of Washington and continue pursuing your math or sciences major. There are several distinct paths described here. Most universities do not require separate applications to get into these degree programs so your transition should be relatively smooth.

Mathematics

Any four year degree program in mathematics will have a substantial science component.. The calculus based physics sequence (P121-P123) is an excellent choice. Physics is the most thorough discipline for learning to translate mathematics to practical applications. Our excellent staff and facilities will help you acquire this skill.

Life Sciences

The algebra based physics sequence (P114-P116) supports life sciences by presenting a broad survey of topics and emphasizing those topics that have applications to the life sciences. The use of real time data collection, excellent lecture demonstrations, and small group learning opportunities make this sequence accessible to students whose focus in science is living systems.

The Associates in Sciences (AS) degree Track 1 will allow you to transfer directly to a university in the state of Washington and continue pursuing your life sciences major. Most universities do not require separate applications to get into these degree programs so your transition should be relatively smooth.

Engineering

BC offers a complete Engineering Transfer curriculum. The calculus based sequence serves the needs of these students by providing a rigorous survey of topics that support the various engineering transfer programs:

Chemical and Bio-Engineering
Electrical and Computer Science
Civil, Mechanical and other Engineering
Most Engineering schools require separate admissions to the engineering program. Check with the school for specific information.

Evening Degree program: All the core courses for the Engineering Transfer Degree are offered in the evening so that students who work during the day can still pursue this degree.

Computer Science via the Associate in Arts and Sciences

The calculus based sequence (P121-123) is one component of the Computer Science transfer program through the business division. In addition to the analytical skills that a rigorous physics course builds, opportunities exist for computer science students to apply their skills to data acquisition and analysis.

Computer Science departments often require separate admissions to those programs. Check with the school for specific information.

Physics 109 is recommended for students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Technology.

 

Physics courses at BC are also sought by students entering BC programs:

Information Technology currently offers three degrees that require Physics 109. These are the AA degrees in Technical Support, Network Services and Computing Systems.
Bellevue College is a regional leader in preparing students for the information age. In partnership with Information Technology and the Northwest Center for Emerging Technology (NWCET), the physics department has developed science content for these innovative programs. Physics 109 supports the Technical Support program, and science modules are being developed for infusion into Digital Media Arts courses.

Diagnostic Ultrasound: Either Physics 100 or Physics 104 provides students entering this program with problem solving skills and an introduction to relevant concepts such as motion and waves.

 

Physics courses at BC are needed for participation in programs at other schools:

Paper Science And Engineering at the University of Washington requires the Physics 121-123 sequence .
Construction Management at the University of Washington requires Physics 114 and 115.
Engineering Technology at Western Washington University requires the Physics 121-123 sequence.
Industrial design and Industrial Technology at Western Washington University requires Physics 114 and 115.

Last Updated February 11, 2018