Supported Programs
Physics courses support these degrees and certificate paths.
Physical Sciences and Mathematics.
Links to degrees in the physical sciences and Mathematics.
Engineering
Check out the BC Engineering Transfer Degree and the Evening Degree Program
Computer Science
Check out the BC Computer Science Transfer Degree
Life Sciences
Biology and Pre professional programs.
Information Technology
Accessible and relevant science for the modern workplace.
Teaching
We have courses that support students seeking a career in science teaching.
Course Offerings
PHYS& 100: Physics – Basic Concepts – 5 credits
Motion is one of the most familiar aspects of the natural world, but it can be surprisingly difficult to analyze. Through observation, activities, and classroom presentations, students study particles (e.g. baseballs, automobiles) and waves (e.g. sound and water waves) to learn the concepts and skills needed to study motion. Applies wave particle duality to explain the motion of electrons. Recommended: MATH 099.
PHYS 104: Discoveries In Physics – 6 credits
Introduces physical reasoning and basic concepts in physics. Hand-on activities demonstrate fundamental concepts in geometric optics, electricity, and motion. Designed for students with little or no previous physics. Appropriate for general students including those preparing for PHYS 114 and K-12 teachers. Not sufficient preparation for PHYS 121. Recommended prerequisite: MATH 099. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab (College in the High School students are exempt from this fee)
PHYS 109: Science for Information Technology – 6 credits
Develops research and problem-solving skills in the science of modern technology, including computers and data transmission. Topics include magnetism, electricity, and microchip circuitry. Designed for information technology students, class format includes hands-on group work. Recommended prerequisite: MATH 098 or equivalent assessment. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab (College in the High School students are exempt from this fee)
PHYS& 114: General Physics I – 6 credits
First in a three-course survey of physics for allied health, building construction, biology, forestry, architecture, and other programs. Topics include units, kinematics, vectors, dynamics, work and energy, momentum, rotational motion, and harmonic motion. Laboratory work is integral to the course. Prerequisite: MATH& 142 or equivalent. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab (College in the High School students are exempt from this fee)
PHYS& 115: General Physics II – 6 credits
Second in a three-course survey of physics for allied health, building construction, biology, forestry, architecture, and other programs. Topics include fluids, heat, thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism. Laboratory work is integral to the course. Prerequisite: PHYS& 114. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab (College in the High School students are exempt from this fee)
PHYS& 116: General Physics III – 6 credits
Third in a three-course survey of physics for allied health, building construction, biology, forestry, architecture, and other programs. Topics include wave motions, sound, light, geometric and physical optics, relativity, and modern physics. Laboratory work is integral to the course. Prerequisite: PHYS& 115. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab (College in the High School students are exempt from this fee)
PHYS 121: General Engineering Physics I – 6 credits
First in a three-course survey of physics for science and engineering majors. Course presents fundamental principles of mechanics, including motion, Newton’s laws, work, energy, momentum, rotation, and gravity. Conceptual development and problem solving have equal emphasis. Laboratory work presents methods of experimental and analysis (modeling, errors, graphical analysis, etc.) and prepares students for upper-division research. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab (College in the High School students are exempt from this fee)
PHYS 122: General Engineering Physics II – 6 credits
Second in a three-course survey of physics for science and engineering majors. Course presents fundamental principles of electromagnetism, including electrostatics, current electricity circuits, magnetism induction, generation of electricity, electromagnetic oscillations, alternating currents, and Maxwell’s equations. Conceptual development and problem solving have equal emphasis. Laboratory work presents methods of experimental analysis (modeling, errors, graphical analysis, etc.) and prepares students for upper-division research. Prerequisite: PHYS 121 and MATH& 152 or permission of instructor. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab (College in the High School students are exempt from this fee)
PHYS 123: General Engineering Physics III – 6 credits
Third in a three-course survey of physics for science and engineering majors. Course presents fundamental principles of oscillating systems and wave phenomena, including optics, simple harmonic motion, waves, sound, light, optical instruments, interference, diffraction, and polarization. Conceptual development and problem solving have equal emphasis. Laboratory work presents methods of experimental analysis (modeling, errors, graphical analysis, etc.) and prepares students for upper-division research. Prerequisite: PHYS 122. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab (College in the High School students are exempt from this fee)
PHYS 225: Modern Physics – 5 credits
Presents the special theory of relativity, key phenomena, and experiments of modern physics that led to a break from classical views. Includes an introduction to quantum mechanics. Research based active engagement, pedagogical methods and hands on activities assist conceptual development. Prerequisite: MATH& 153 or MATH& 254 and PHYS 123. Recommended: MATH 238 or concurrent enrollment.
Course Selection Resources
Annual Schedule
Indispensable for degree planning. Discover day/evening offerings and a quarter by quarter list of offerings
through the year.
Detailed Course Topics
A list of topics covered in each course. Slight variation may occur from quarter to quarter. Consult your instructor’s syllabus for details once the class has begun.
Prerequisites
Read these comments to help you decide if you are ready for the course.
Audience
Who is the course designed for? These comments describe target student populations for each course.
Transfer
How do our courses transfer to other schools? Look here for transfer links.
Laboratories
List of lab activities for each course.
Last Updated July 11, 2023
