ADT in Physics

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:

  1. Understand and apply fundamental physics principles conceptually and mathematically using the appropriate computational skills.
  2. Distinguish between scientific and non-scientific questions and methods by critically analyzing scientific information.
  3. Develop problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills and apply them in order to develop an understanding of interactions in the physical world.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

  1. Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
    1. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education - Breadth Requirements.
    2. A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
  2. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a "C" (or "P") or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. 

Required courses:
PHYS 201Physics A: Mechanics5
PHYS 202Physics B: Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism5
PHYS 203Physics C: Waves, Optics & Modern Physics5
MATH 190Calculus with Analytic Geometry l5
MATH 191Calculus with Analytic Geometry ll5
MATH 210Calculus with Analytic Geometry lll5
Total Units30

3-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.

Note: Co-requisite MATH course (2 units) and/or substitute ENGL 101E (5 units) may be needed based on placement.

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Term 1Units
COUN 206 Pathways to Careers in STEM 3
MATH 175 Pre-Calculus 6
ENGL 101
Reading and Composition
or Reading and Composition - Honors
4
 Units13
Winter Term 1
ENGL 290
Ethnic Voices in Film
or Children's Literature
or Children's Literature - Honors
or Literature of the Bible
or American Food And Culture: Global Origins, History, and Current Impacts
or Great Religions of the World
or Introduction to LGBTQ Studies
3
 Units3
Spring Term 1
MATH 190 Calculus with Analytic Geometry l 5
CHEM 110 Beginning General Chemistry 5
ENGL 104
Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking
or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking - Honors
3
ARCH 250
History of Architecture: Prehistory to Mannerism
or History of Architecture: Baroque to the Present Day
or Art History - Fundamentals of Global Art History
or Art History - Topics in Contemporary Art
or History of Photography
or Introduction to the Visual Arts
or Motion Picture Appreciation
or Motion Picture Appreciation - Honors
or History of Dance
or History of Rock and Roll
or Introduction to Theatre Arts
or Introduction to Theatre Arts - Honors
3
 Units16
Summer Term 1
ARCH 250
History of Architecture: Prehistory to Mannerism
or History of Architecture: Baroque to the Present Day
or Art History - Fundamentals of Global Art History
or Art History - Topics in Contemporary Art
or History of Photography
or Introduction to the Visual Arts
or Motion Picture Appreciation
or Motion Picture Appreciation - Honors
or History of Dance
or Ethnic Voices in Film
or Children's Literature
or Children's Literature - Honors
or Literature of the Bible
or American Food And Culture: Global Origins, History, and Current Impacts
or History of Rock and Roll
or Great Religions of the World
or Introduction to LGBTQ Studies
or Introduction to Theatre Arts
or Introduction to Theatre Arts - Honors
3
 Units3
Fall Term 2
MATH 191 Calculus with Analytic Geometry ll 5
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 5
PHYS 201
Physics A: Mechanics
or Physics A: Mechanics - Honors
5
 Units15
Winter Term 2
SPCH 100
Interpersonal Communication
or Interpersonal Communication - Honors
or Public Address
or Public Address - Honors
or Small Group Communication
3
 Units3
Spring Term 2
MATH 210 Calculus with Analytic Geometry lll 5
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II 5
PHYS 202
Physics B: Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism
or Physics C: Waves, Optics & Modern Physics
5
 Units15
Summer Term 2
POLI 103
American Government and Politics
or American Government and Politics - Honors
3
 Units3
Fall Term 3
MATH 211 Differential Equations 5
CS 111 Introduction to Programming Concepts and Design 4
PHYS 210 Introduction to Computational Physics 1
PHYS 202
Physics B: Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism
or Physics C: Waves, Optics & Modern Physics
5
 Units15
Winter Term 3
BIOL 145 Environmental Science 3
 Units3
Spring Term 3
MATH 212 Introduction to Linear Algebra 4
CS 225 Object Oriented Programming 3
HIST 107
History of the United States before 1877
or History of the United States before 1877 - Honors
or History of the United States since 1877
or History of the United States since 1877 - Honors
or History of the African-Americans to 1876
or History of the African-Americans since 1876
or History of Women in the United States
3
ETHN 101
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
or Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies
3
 Units13
 Total Units102

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.