Physics

Physics, the study of natural phenomena from the smallest subatomic scales to the largest astronomical scales, is the foundation of all natural sciences and technological fields. Physics includes a wide variety of specializations, ranging from practical, technology-driven fields to the study of the fundamental laws and structure of the universe. The physics program at Las Positas College includes three tracks of study: calculus-based physics, algebra-based physics, and conceptual physics.

Degrees:

• AS - Physics

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for physicists with a bachelor's degree (or higher) include working as a staff scientist at a telescope facility, a researcher at a university or government-funded scientific agency (NASA, DOE, national laboratories, etc.) in K-12 or higher education, or a scientist who interacts with the public (through museums, science policy in government, etc.). Because a physicist's skill set is versatile, physicists also find jobs in other technical fields that value mathematical and computing skills, including technology or engineering companies, financial institutions, and companies requiring data analysts.

Physics Courses

PHYS 1A - General Physics I

5 units

Introduction to the principles of Newtonian Mechanics and analytical methods of physics using calculus as needed. Topics covered include vectors, kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, and gravitation. Prerequisite: MATH 1 with a minimum grade of C. 72 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B1, B3; IGETC: 5A, 5C; C-ID# PHYS 200 S (if taken with PHYS 1B+1C+1D), PHYS 205. * PHYS 2A, 2B or PHYS 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D combined: maximum UC credit, one series.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

PHYS 1B - General Physics II

5 units

Introduction to fluid dynamics, oscillations, mechanical waves, thermodynamics, light and optics. Prerequisite: PHYS 1A with a minimum grade of C and MATH 2 with a minimum grade of C. 72 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B1, B3; IGETC: 5A, 5C; C-ID# PHYS 200 S (if taken with PHYS 1A+1C+1D), PHYS 215 (if taken with PHYS 1D). * PHYS 2A, 2B or PHYS 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D combined: maximum UC credit, one series.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

PHYS 1C - General Physics III

5 units

Introduction to electricity and magnetism, circuits, Maxwell’s equations and electromagnetic waves. Prerequisite: PHYS 1A with a minimum grade of C and MATH 3 with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 72 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B1, B3; IGETC: 5A, 5C; C-ID# PHYS 200 S (if taken with PHYS 1A+1B+1D), PHYS 210. * PHYS 2A, 2B or PHYS 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D combined: maximum UC credit, one series.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

PHYS 1D - General Physics IV

3 units

Introduction to relativity and modern physics, including: introduction to quantum theory; atomic, molecular, nuclear and particle physics; condensed matter physics; astrophysics and cosmology. Prerequisite: PHYS 1B with a minimum grade of C and PHYS 1C with a minimum grade of C, MATH 5 with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B1, B3; IGETC: 5A; C-ID# PHYS 200 S (if taken with PHYS 1A+1B+1C), PHYS 215 (if taken with PHYS 1B). * PHYS 2A, 2B or PHYS 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D combined: maximum UC credit, one series.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

PHYS 2A - Introduction to Physics I

4 units

Introduction to the major principles of classical mechanics using pre-calculus mathematics. Includes Newtonian mechanics, energy, gravitation, fluids, thermodynamics, oscillations, and waves. Prerequisite: MATH 39 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B1, B3; IGETC: 5A, 5C; C-ID# PHYS 100 S (if taken with PHYS 2B), PHYS 105. * PHYS 2A, 2B or PHYS 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D combined: maximum UC credit, one series.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

PHYS 2B - Introduction to Physics II

4 units

This algebra-based course is an introduction to the basic principles of electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Topics include electrostatics, magnetism, circuits, electromagnetic waves, optics, relativity, atomic physics, and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 2A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B1, B3; IGETC: 5A, 5C; C-ID# PHYS 100 S (if taken with PHYS 2A), PHYS 110. * PHYS 2A, 2B or PHYS 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D combined: maximum UC credit, one series.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

PHYS 10 - Descriptive Physics

3 units

Motion, gravitation, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, atoms, and nuclei. Present-day scientific problems and developments such as alternative energy sources, solar energy, nuclear power, lasers, relativity and black holes. Designed for non-majors in physical science. Prerequisite: MATH 55 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B1; IGETC: 5A. * No UC credit for PHYS 10 or 10L if taken after PHYS 1A or 2A.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

PHYS 10L - Descriptive Physics Lab

1 unit

Introduction to laboratory principles and techniques with emphasis on the basic concepts of physics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, energy, electricity, magnetism, and optics. Prerequisite: MATH 55 with a minimum grade of C. Corequisite: PHYS 10 (may also be taken after successful completion of PHYS 10). 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B3; IGETC: 5C. * No UC credit for PHYS 10 or 10L if taken after PHYS 1A or 2A.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

PHYS 29 - Independent Study, Physics

0.5 - 2 units

For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours