Physics, a natural science, is the scientific study of matter and energy and of the interaction between the two. This Associate Degree for Transfer in Physics (ADT) provides students with an understanding of the physical world, both conceptually and in the language of mathematics. The degree prepares students for pre-professional careers and for curriculum at four year institutions leading to a baccalaureate degree in areas such as physics, astrophysics, geophysics, mathematics, and engineering. Students who complete this degree will be guaranteed admission with junior status to the California State University system, and will be given priority admission to our local CSU campus.
A.S.-Transfer Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Physics A.S.-Transfer Degree will:
- Understand and apply fundamental physics principles conceptually and mathematically using the appropriate computational skills.
- Distinguish between scientific and non-scientific questions and methods by critically analyzing scientific information.
- Develop problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills and apply them in order to develop an understanding of interactions in the physical world.
- Think logically and coherently about technical/scientific issues in order to understand the complex problems involved in science and engineering and to gain an appreciation for the global social and political impact of scientific endeavors.
- Be adept at using computers for word processing, data acquisition and analysis, and/or web-based research as appropriate for each course. For laboratory courses, students will demonstrate fundamental aptitudes in the proper use of mechanical, electrical and/or other appropriate devices.
Students receiving this transfer degree must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
- The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).
- A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
- Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
- Meet the 12-unit residency requirement.
ADTs also require that students must earn a "C" (or "P") or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| PHYS 201 | Physics A: Mechanics | 5 |
| PHYS 202 | Physics B: Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism | 5 |
| PHYS 203 | Physics C: Waves, Optics & Modern Physics | 5 |
| MATH 190 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry l 1 | 5 |
| MATH 191 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry ll | 5 |
| MATH 210 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry lll | 5 |
| Total Units | 30 | |
- 1
MATH 190 is degree applicable with or without MATH 090. If taken with MATH 090, only the units for MATH 190 will be counted towards the degree.
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 |
| 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 | 3 |
| MATH 190 | Calculus I: Late Transcendentals | 5 |
| Cal-GETC Area 3A: Arts | 3 | |
| Units | 15-16 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| COMM C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking or Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors or Small Group Communication | 3 |
| ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing or Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors or Introduction to Literature or Critical Thinking and Writing through Literature or Critical Thinking and Writing through Literature - Honors | 4 |
| MATH 191 | Calculus II: Late Transcendentals | 5 |
| PHYS 201 or PHYS 201H | Physics A: Mechanics or Physics A: Mechanics - Honors | 5 |
| Units | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| MATH 210 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry lll | 5 |
| PHYS 202 | Physics B: Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism | 5 |
| POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H | American Government and Politics or American Government and Politics - Honors | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 3B: Humanities | 3-5 | |
| Units | 16-18 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| ETHN 101 or ETHN 116 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies or Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies | 3 |
| PHYS 203 | Physics C: Waves, Optics & Modern Physics | 5 |
| Cal-GETC Area 5B: Biological Science | 3-5 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| Units | 14-16 | |
| Total Units | 62-67 | |
Please make an appointment with a counselor to select elective courses and create a Student Educational Plan. Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) are designed for transfer to the California State University (CSU) system. Additional coursework may be needed for students planning to transfer to the University of California (UC), independent or private institutions, or out-of-state colleges or universities.
For Physics: Additional mathematics courses are needed for transfer to the University of California (UC), including MATH 211 and MATH 212. Some UC campuses or programs may also require a Computer Science course, such as CS 225 or CIS 140, and some may require CHEM 111.
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.