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Physics

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

The CRC Physics department offers a full array of transferable courses that fulfill both major and general education requirements. Physics sequences include a three-semester calculus-based sequence for computer science and engineering students, a two-semester calculus-based sequence for life science and architecture students, and a two-semester trigonometry-based sequence for life science and architecture students.

Degrees Offered

A.S.-T. in Physics
A.S. in General Science
A.S. in Physics

Dean Banafsheh Amini
Department Chair Efrain Lopez
Phone (916) 691-7204
Email lopeze@crc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Physics

The Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer degree provides students with a thorough overview of the field of physics. Students will have demonstrated sufficient understanding in the fields of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, modern physics, the scientific method and mathematics to successfully transfer to a four-year institution with a major in physics.

The Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer degree fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system, although not necessarily to a particular campus or major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
PHYS 411	Mechanics of Solids and Fluids	4
PHYS 421	Electricity and Magnetism	4
PHYS 431	Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics	4
MATH 400	Calculus I	5
MATH 401	Calculus II	5
MATH 402	Calculus III	5
Total Units:		27

The Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

explain the scientific method and its application to the fundamental concepts of physics including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, optics and modern physics.
solve conceptual, numeric and symbolic problems in physics (specifically the fields of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, optics and modern physics) using mathematics through calculus.
demonstrate the proper use of basic laboratory devices including metersticks, balances, digital multimeters, and oscilloscopes.
apply mathematical concepts including single and multivariable calculus, vector calculus, and basic differential equations in order to model physical systems and solve physical problems.
create graphical representations of data and analyze those graphs to determine the results of laboratory activities.
write a clear, coherent and thorough lab report.

Career Information

This degree is designed to facilitate successful transfer to four-year programs that prepare students for advanced study in physics and related fields including biophysics, physical chemistry, geophysics, and astrophysics. Physicists with undergraduate and graduate degrees have a wide range of employment opportunities including research, engineering, computer programming, and teaching. NOTE TO TRANSFER STUDENTS: The Associate Degree for Transfer program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a campus of the California State University (CSU). Other than the required core, the courses you choose to complete this degree will depend to some extent on the selected CSU for transfer. In addition, some CSU-GE Breadth or IGETC requirements can also be completed using courses required for this associate degree for transfer major (known as “double-counting”). Meeting with a counselor to determine the most appropriate course choices will facilitate efficient completion of your transfer requirements. For students wishing to transfer to other universities (UC System, private, or out-of-state), the Associate Degree for Transfer may not provide adequate preparation for upper-division transfer admissions, because many universities require more lower division courses than those in this degree. Even the CSU's that accept this transfer degree may likely require more lower division courses to achieve the Bachelor degree. Specifically, courses in general chemistry, differential equations, linear algebra, and computer programming may better prepare the transfer student for certain universities. It is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for the major, as programs vary widely in terms of the required preparation.

Associate Degrees

A.S. in General Science

Areas of Study include:

• Biological Anthropology

• Astronomy

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Engineering

• Physical Geography

• Geology

• Physics

Eighteen (18) units of transfer-level course work in science are required. Two laboratory courses must be included: one in the physical sciences and one in the biological sciences. Courses may be selected from astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physical geography, biological anthropology, and physics. The student, in consultation with a counselor, should choose science courses to meet their program, transfer, or general education requirements.

Students interested in transferring to a four-year university with a science major are encouraged to complete a science AS or AS-T degree such as Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography, Geology, or Physics. This General Science degree may not include the majors-level transfer courses needed for many science majors. Students are strongly recommended to see a counselor for guidance.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
Life Science with Lab :
A minimum of 4 units from the following:		4
ANTH 300	Biological Anthropology (3)
and ANTH 301	Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 480	Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
and ANTH 482	Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
BIOL 308	Contemporary Biology (3)
and BIOL 309	Contemporary Biology Laboratory (1)
BIOL 400	Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410	Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 420	Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440	General Microbiology (4)
HONOR 387	Biological Anthropology Laboratory-Honors (1)
and HONOR 386	Biological Anthropology-Honors (3)
Physical Science with Lab:
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3
ASTR 300	Introduction to Astronomy (3)
and ASTR 400	Astronomy Laboratory (1)
CHEM 300	Beginning Chemistry (4)
CHEM 305	Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 306	Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 309	Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420	Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421	Organic Chemistry II (5)
GEOG 300	Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
and GEOG 301	Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOL 300	Physical Geology (3)
and GEOL 301	Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305	Earth Science (3)
and GEOL 306	Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310	Historical Geology (3)
and GEOL 311	Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
ENGR 304	How Things Work (3)
PHYS 350	General Physics (4)
PHYS 360	General Physics (4)
PHYS 370	Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5)
PHYS 380	Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics (5)
PHYS 411	Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421	Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431	Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
Additional Science Courses :
A minimum of 11 units from the following:		11¹
ANTH 300	Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 301	Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 480	Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 482	Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ASTR 300	Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ASTR 400	Astronomy Laboratory (1)
BIOL 308	Contemporary Biology (3)
BIOL 309	Contemporary Biology Laboratory (1)
BIOL 342	The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health (3)
BIOL 350	Environmental Biology (3)
BIOL 352	Conservation Biology (3)
BIOL 400	Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410	Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 420	Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440	General Microbiology (4)
CHEM 300	Beginning Chemistry (4)
CHEM 305	Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 306	Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 309	Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420	Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421	Organic Chemistry II (5)
ENGR 304	How Things Work (3)
GEOG 300	Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 301	Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOG 305	Global Climate Change (3)
GEOG 306	Weather and Climate (3)
GEOL 300	Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 301	Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305	Earth Science (3)
GEOL 306	Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310	Historical Geology (3)
GEOL 311	Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 330	Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOL 390	Field Studies in Geology (1 - 4)
HONOR 386	Biological Anthropology-Honors (3)
HONOR 387	Biological Anthropology Laboratory-Honors (1)
PHYS 310	Conceptual Physics (3)
PHYS 350	General Physics (4)
PHYS 360	General Physics (4)
PHYS 370	Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5)
PHYS 380	Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics (5)
PHYS 411	Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421	Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431	Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
Total Units:		18

¹Courses used in A or B above will not count towards C, except units exceeding the 4 or 3 unit minimum in A and B. For example, a student completing the 5 unit CHEM 309 under B could apply 2 of those units towards C. A total of 18 science units is required.

The General Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

explain the core perspectives of the scientific method and apply it to at least one scientific discipline. (PSLO 1)
solve introductory problems of a conceptual and/or numerical nature of at least one scientific discipline. (PSLO 2)
accurately apply the basic vocabulary and concepts of at least one scientific discipline verbally and in writing. (PSLO 3)
recognize the use and misuse of scientific concepts in society including politics and the media. (PSLO 4)

A.S. in Physics

The Associate in Science in Physics degree provides students with a thorough overview of the field of physics. Students will have demonstrated sufficient understanding in the fields of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, modern physics, the scientific method, mathematics and chemistry to successfully transfer to a four-year institution with a major in physics.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I	5
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II	5
MATH 400	Calculus I	5
MATH 401	Calculus II	5
MATH 402	Calculus III	5
MATH 420	Differential Equations	4
PHYS 411	Mechanics of Solids and Fluids	4
PHYS 421	Electricity and Magnetism	4
PHYS 431	Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics	4
Total Units:		41

The Physics Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

explain the scientific method and its application to the fundamental concepts of physics including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, optics, modern physics and general chemistry.
solve conceptual, numeric and symbolic problems in physics (mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, optics and modern physics) and general chemistry using mathematics through calculus.
demonstrate the proper use of basic laboratory devices including metersticks, balances, digital multimeters, and oscilloscopes.
apply mathematical concepts including algebra, single and multivariable calculus, vector calculus, and basic differential equations in order to model physical systems and solve physical problems.
create graphical representations of data and analyze those graphs to determine the results of laboratory activities.
write a clear, coherent and thorough lab report.

Career Information

Astronomy (ASTR) Courses

ASTR 300 Introduction to Astronomy

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a descriptive course in general astronomy treating the nature and evolution of the solar system, stars, galaxies, cosmology and life in the universe.

ASTR 400 Astronomy Laboratory

Units:1
Hours:54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:ASTR 300
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5C
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers topics including constellations, star charts, and motions of the Earth, Moon and other astronomical bodies. Students will apply the techniques that astronomers use to study the Earth, Moon, Sun, planets and stars. The course includes observations with the naked eye, binoculars and/or telescopes.

ASTR 495 Independent Studies in Astronomy

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.

ASTR 499 Experimental Offering in Astronomy

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC (Credit for variable topics courses is given only after a review of the scope and content of the course by the enrolling UC campus.)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

Physics (PHYS) Courses

PHYS 310 Conceptual Physics

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:MATH 100, or placement through the assessment process.
Transferable:CSU; UC (No credit for PHYS 310 if taken after PHYS 350, PHYS 360, PHYS 370, PHYS 380, PHYS 411, PHYS 421 or PHYS 431)
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides a conceptual overview of Newtonian and modern physics for non-science and science students alike. The conceptual approach to physics is tied to the student's personal experience in the everyday world, so that the student learns to see physics not as just a classroom or laboratory activity, but as a part of his or her surroundings. The class is open to students with no previous physics background.

PHYS 350 General Physics

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:MATH 335 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
Transferable:CSU; UC (PHYS 350, 360, 370, 380, 411, 421, 431 combined: maximum transfer credit of one series*; deduct credit for duplication of topics)
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID PHYS 105; Part of C-ID PHYS 100S
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course, the first semester of General Physics, is a transferable course required for many life science and other majors and may also be taken for general education credit. Materials covered will include classical mechanics (including kinematics, statics, dynamics, Newton's Laws, energy and momentum conservation, rigid body motion and oscillatory motion), fluid mechanics, mechanical waves (including sound), and thermodynamics.

PHYS 360 General Physics

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:PHYS 350 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC (PHYS 350, 360, 370, 380, 411, 421, 431 combined: maximum transfer credit of one series*; deduct credit for duplication of topics)
General Education:CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID PHYS 110; Part of C-ID PHYS 100S
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course, the second semester of General Physics, is a transferable course required for many life science and other students. Material covered will include classical electricity and magnetism (electrostatics, electric fields and potentials, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction and electromagnetic radiation), DC and AC circuits, light, geometric and wave optics, special relativity, atomic structure, quantum physics and nuclear physics.

PHYS 370 Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics

Units:5
Hours:72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:MATH 355 or 400 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC (PHYS 350, 360, 370, 380, 411, 421, 431 combined: maximum transfer credit of one series*; deduct credit for duplication of topics)
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID PHYS 105; Part of C-ID PHYS 100S
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course, the first semester of the Introductory Physics sequence, is designed for students transferring to programs which require two semesters of calculus-based physics such as some life science and architecture programs. Material covered will include classical mechanics (kinematics, statics, dynamics, Newton's Laws, work, conservation of mechanical energy and momentum, rotations and oscillations), fluid mechanics, mechanical waves including sound, and thermodynamics. Basic calculus skills will be assumed in the derivation and application of physical principles.

PHYS 380 Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics

Units:5
Hours:72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:PHYS 370 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC (PHYS 350, 360, 370, 380, 411, 421, 431 combined: maximum transfer credit of one series*; deduct credit for duplication of topics)
General Education:CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID PHYS 110; Part of C-ID PHYS 100S
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course, the second semester of the Introductory Physics sequence, is designed for students transferring to programs which require two semesters of calculus-based physics such as some life science and architecture programs. Material covered will include electrostatics, electrical circuits and devices, magnetism, light, and modern physics (including special relativity, quantum, atomic and nuclear physics). Basic calculus skills will be assumed in the derivation and application of physical principles.

PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:MATH 400 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC (PHYS 350, 360, 370, 380, 411, 421, 431 combined: maximum transfer credit of one series*; deduct credit for duplication of topics)
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID PHYS 205; Part of C-ID PHYS 200S
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

The course examines the fundamentals of mechanics: vectors, kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, momentum, conservation principles, oscillations, fluids, and gravitation. This course is recommended for students studying the Physical Sciences, Engineering, and Computer Information Science, as well as some students studying Architecture or Mathematics.

PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:MATH 401 and PHYS 411 with grades of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC (PHYS 350, 360, 370, 380, 411, 421, 431 combined: maximum transfer credit of one series*; deduct credit for duplication of topics)
General Education:CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID PHYS 210; Part of C-ID PHYS 200S
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course examines the fundamentals of electricity and magnetism: electric and magnetic fields and forces, electric potentials, capacitors and dielectrics, DC and AC circuits, inductance, magnetic materials, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, and the operation of general electrical circuit measuring devices including multimeters and oscilloscopes. This is the second course (although Physics 421 and 431 may be taken in either order) of the calculus-based physics sequence for physical science, engineering, computer science and other majors.

PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:MATH 401 and PHYS 411 with grades of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC (PHYS 350, 360, 370, 380, 411, 421, 431 combined: maximum transfer credit of one series*; deduct credit for duplication of topics)
General Education:CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID PHYS 215; Part of C-ID PHYS 200S
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course examines the fundamentals of thermodynamics, waves and modern physics. Topics include temperature, heat, kinetic theory of gases, thermodynamics, mechanical waves, sound, light reflection and refraction, interference and diffraction, optics, lasers, special relativity, quantum physics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, and particle physics.

PHYS 495 Independent Studies in Physics

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

PHYS 499 Experimental Offering in Physics

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.