Physics Associate in Science

The curriculum in the Physics Associate Degree program is designed to provide the transfer student the opportunity to achieve an Associate degree. While a baccalaureate or higher degree is recommended for those considering majors in engineering, biological sciences, or physics, earning the associate degree may support attempts to gain entry-level employment or promotion.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this program will be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of classical (or Newtonian) and fluid dynamics.
Demonstrate understanding of classical electricity and magnetism.
Demonstrate understanding of quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, optics and the special theory of relativity.

Required Courses

First Year

CS 1A - INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE 3 Units
MATH 3A ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS 5 Units *
MATH 3B ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS 5 Units *
PHYS 4A GENERAL PHYSICS 5 Units *

Second Year

MATH 3C ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS 5 Units *
MATH 24 ELEMENTARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 4 Units *
MATH 26 INTRODUCTION TO LINEAR ALGEBRA 4 Units *
PHYS 4B GENERAL PHYSICS 5 Units *
PHYS 4C GENERAL PHYSICS 5 Units *

Total Units for the Major: 41

*Course has a prerequisite, corequisite, limitation, or recommended preparation; see course description.

Associate in Science Degree

Completion of all the courses listed and a minimum of 60 units including the general education requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0 qualifies the student for the Associate in Science degree. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at Saddleback College.

General Education Requirements for Associate Degrees

Refer to the Graduation Requirements or to the CSU-GE and IGETC patterns in this catalog for specific courses which meet general education requirements. Refer to ASSIST.org and to the transfer institution’s catalog for transfer requirements.

Suggested coursework not required for the major: CHEM 1A , CHEM 1B .