PHY Course Descriptions

PHY1001 Physical Geology (3)
Prerequisites: High school chemistry or CHE1101 or PHY1109, and PHY1109L; Math Placement Level 1
Studies the structure of the earth and the agents of its dynamic changes: global plate tectonics, weathering, mass wasting, and glaciation, within the context of mineral formation, the rock cycle, and geologic time. Includes a consideration of human activity in regards to mineral and energy resources and land use. The format consists of lectures, discussion, demonstrations, laboratories, and field trips.

PHY1003 College Physics I (3)
Prerequisite: Math Placement Level 4 or equivalent; high school physics or PHY1109 recommended
Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. This course does not require calculus and is the first course in a two-part sequence. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, properties of solids, liquids, gasses, heat, wave motion, and sound. Laboratory emphasizes error calculations for objective evaluation of data. Standard equipment and air tracks are used extensively.

PSY1003L College Physics I Lab (1)

Lab component of PHY1003 College Physics.

PHY1008 Physical Geography (3)
Prerequisite:  A high school science or geography course is recommended
Physical Geography provides an introduction to the major components of our physical environment.  Topics include: the Earth and its place in the solar system, plate tectonics, climate and weather, geology, soils, and human interaction with the natural world.  The format of the course includes lectures, discussion, and demonstrations, with computer support by way of geographic information system (GIS) applications.  This course is useful for all students interested in human-environment relationships, especially: natural sciences, medicine, social and political sciences, business, marketing, management and law.  This course satisfies the Core Curriculum Natural Science Requirement.

PHY1109 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
Prerequisite: Math Placement Level 2
Three hours lecture, one and one-half hours laboratory. Introduces topics selected from physics, astronomy, chemistry, and meteorology. Emphasizes the nature of discovery and the formation of concepts, laws, and theories in science. Laboratory exercises demonstrate lecture topics. Required for Liberal Studies majors.

PHY1109L Introduction to Physical Science Lab (.5)

Lab component of PHY1109 Introduction to Physical Science.

PHY1114 Astronomy (3)
Prerequisite: High school math or science course
Three hours lecture and field trips.  This is an introductory course in astronomy.  The topics addressed in the course include the structure and dynamics of the universe, galaxies, stars, and our solar system.  We discuss electromagnetic radiation, atomic structure, and the evolution of the constituents of space, as well as the technology, from earthbound telescopes to space probes, used to collect information.  The course is open to non-science majors as well as science majors.

PHY1205 College Physics II (3)
Prerequisite: PHY1003
Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. This course is a continuation of PHY1002 covering optics, electricity, and magnetism. Laboratory uses basic electronic measuring devices in electrical circuits, meters, pulse generators, and oscilloscopes.

PHY1205L College Physics II Lab (1)

Lab component of PHY1205 College Physics II.

PHY1304 Physics for Scientists I (3)
Prerequisites: MTH1320/1322 and two semesters high school physics or PHY1109, or permission of instructor
Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. This is a calculus-based course in general physics, the first part of a two-course sequence. Topics include mechanics, properties of matter, heat and thermodynamics, and simple harmonic motion including sound. Laboratory emphasizes error calculations for objective evaluation of data. Standard equipment and air tracks are used extensively.

PHY1304L Physics for Scientists I Lab (1)

Lab component of PHY1304 Physics for Scientists I.

PHY1306 Physics for Scientists  II (3)
Prerequisite: PHY1109
Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. This course is calculus-based, the second part of a two-course sequence in general physics. Topics include electricity, magnetism, and optics. Laboratory uses basic electronic measuring devices in electrical circuits, meters, pulse generators, and oscilloscopes.

PHY1306L Physics for Scientists Lab II (1)

Lab component of PHY1306 Physics for Scientists.

PHY2000 Science in Action (3)
Prerequisites: BIO1009 or PHY1009 or BIO1101 or CHE1101 or CHE1202 or by permission
Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.  In this community-based learning course, students design and test science experiments for children and then partner with a local elementary school to work with/lead the elementary students through those experiments.  Students choose projects from the physical, life, and earth sciences that support the learning outcomes outlined in the Science Content Standards found in the Science Framework for California Public Schools.

PHY2000L Science in Action Lab (1)

Lab component for PHY2000 Science in Action.

PHY2994 Laboratory Assistant (1-3)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Provides an opportunity for Natural Science majors to earn credit assisting instructors.

PHY2999 Independent Study in Physics (1-3)
Provides an opportunity for independent study or research under the direction of an instructor. See Undergraduate Policies and Procedures section on Independent Study.