Physical science is a branch of science which focuses on the study of non-living systems. The Associate in Science in Physical Science is designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions as majors in chemistry or related science disciplines.
A.S. Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Physical Science A.S. Degree will:
- Describe physical phenomena in multiple forms (verbal, pictorial, graphical and mathematical).
- Qualitatively and quantitatively predict, analyze and/or explain the behavior of physical systems using fundamental physical principles and models.
- Develop and implement a plan of experimental measurements and data analysis.
Students receiving this degree must meet the following requirements:
- Complete the District General Education Pattern or Cal-GETC.
If transferring to a CSU or UC students are strongly recommended to complete the Cal-GETC General Education Pattern. Students looking to transfer to an out of state or private college should consult with a counselor for the appropriate GE pattern selection. - Complete with a “C” or better each course as specified by the major.
- Maintain an overall GPA of a 2.0 or better in all degree applicable coursework.
- Meet the 12-unit residency requirement.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| MATH 190 | Calculus I: Late Transcendentals | 5 |
| MATH 191 | Calculus II: Late Transcendentals | 5 |
| PHYS 201 | Physics A: Mechanics | 5 |
| or PHYS 201H | Physics A: Mechanics - Honors | |
| Select eight (8) to ten (10) units from the following courses: | ||
| Organic Chemistry A | 3 | |
| Organic Chemistry A Laboratory | 1 | |
| Organic Chemistry B | 3 | |
| Organic Chemistry B Laboratory | 1 | |
| Calculus with Analytic Geometry lll | 5 | |
| Physics B: Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism | 5 | |
| Physics C: Waves, Optics & Modern Physics | 5 | |
| Total Units | 33-35 | |
2-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.
*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term 1 | Units | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing - Honors | 4-5 |
| MATH 190 | Calculus I: Late Transcendentals | 5 |
| CHEM 110 or CHEM 110H | Beginning General Chemistry or Beginning General Chemistry - Honors | 5 |
| Citrus GE Area E: Personal Health and Wellness | ||
| Units | 14-15 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| MATH 191 | Calculus II: Late Transcendentals | 5 |
| Cal-GETC Area 1B: Critical Thinking and Composition | 4 | |
| Cal-GETC Area 3A: Arts | 3 | |
| Units | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| PHYS 201 or PHYS 201H | Physics A: Mechanics or Physics A: Mechanics - Honors | 5 |
| Cal-GETC Area 1C: Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Cal-GETC Area 6: Ethnic Studies | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| CHEM 210 | Organic Chemistry A | 3 |
| CHEM 211L | Organic Chemistry A Laboratory | 1 |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 or United States History to 1877 - Honors or United States History since 1865 or United States History since 1865 - Honors or African-American History to 1876 or African-American History since 1876 or History of Women in the United States | 3 |
| MATH 210 or PHYS 202 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry lll or Physics B: Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism | 5 |
| POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H | American Government and Politics or American Government and Politics - Honors | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 62-63 | |
Additional courses are needed to complete the Cal-GETC. Other coursework may also be required for transfer based on your major. Please consult with a counselor to develop a Student Educational Plan (SEP) that meets your transfer and educational goals.
Career Opportunities
There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.
To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.