Physics/Physical Science Transfer Degree Program

This curriculum is for those students desiring to major in science on a broad level. This approach lends itself well to declaring a more specific major in the field of science at a later date. The science and math courses of the Science major will transfer to a four-year institution. A student’s class choices should be planned with the requirements of the transfer institution in mind.  See your advisor for enrollment information and transfer institution requirements.

Most students who decide to major in Physics/Physical Science at a four-year institution will plan a course of study that will lead to an Associate in Science Degree.

Recommended courses for students planning to major in Physics/Physical Science

Course Code Course Title Credit Hrs.
MATH-115 Calculus with Analytical Geometry I 5
MATH-120 Calculus with Analytical Geometry II 5
ENGR-210 Engineering Physics I 5
ENGL-211 Engineering Physics II 5
CHEM-103 Principles of Chemistry I 5
CHEM-104 Principles of Chemistry II and Qualitative Analysis 5
PHYS-111 Introduction to Astronomy 3

Description of Courses

ENGR-210.  Engineering Physics I.  5 Hours.  This is a theory and lab course which covers vectors, mechanics, wave motion, simple harmonic motion and the Laws of Thermodynamics including Kinetic Theory.  Calculus is used in the problem solving.  The course includes four credit hours of lecture and one credit hour of lab.  Prerequisite: Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or concurrently enrolled in Calculus with Analytic Geometry I.

ENGR-211.  Engineering Physics II.  5 Hours.  This course is a theory and lab course which continues with heat, thermodynamics, optics, electricity and magnetism, and elements of modern physics. Calculus is used in the problem solving.  The course includes four credit hours of lecture and one credit hour of lab.  Prerequisite:  Engineering Physics I. 

PHYS-111.  Introduction to Astronomy.  3 Hours.  This is a course designed for the non-science major. Emphasis will be placed on fundamentals of astronomy and astrophysics, including history and methodology.  

PHYS-120.  Physical Geology.  5 Hours.  This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the basic concepts of physical geology.  The nature and properties of material composing the earth, the processes by which it is formed, altered, transported, and distorted, the distribution of this material, and the nature and development of landscape will be covered. The course includes three credit hours of lecture and two credit hours of lab.

PHYS-121.  Historical Geology.  5 Hours.  This course will focus on the history of the Earth from its formation within the Milky Way Galaxy to the evolution of Homo sapiens.  It will be divided into two areas:  physical development of the Earth and the biological development of the Earth.  The course includes three credit hours of lecture and two credit hours of lab.

PHYS-203.  College Physics I.  5 Hours.  This is a theory and lab course which covers vectors, mechanics, simple harmonic motion and the Laws of Thermo-dynamics including Kinetic Theory.  College algebra and trig skills are required.  The course includes four credit hours of lecture and one credit hour of lab.  Prerequisite:  College Algebra or Trigonometry in high school or college.

PHYS-204.  College Physics II.  5 Hours.  This is a theory and lab course which continues with heat, thermodynamics, optics, electricity and magnetism and elements of modern physics.  The course includes four credit hours of lecture and one credit hour of lab.  Prerequisite:  College Physics I.

PHYS-205.  Physical Science.  5 Hours.  This course is designed for students who need a physical science requirement, especially elementary education majors.  Topics include astronomy, atmospheric science, geology and nuclear reactions.

PHYS-212.  Physics Seminar.  2 Hours.  This is a continuation of the introductory physics sequence in which the student will study more advanced topics of "modern" physics.  Special emphasis is given to relativity, atomic and nuclear structure, and quantum mechanics.  Additional topics in statistical mechanics, and solid state physics will be included as time allows. Prerequisite:  College Physics I and College Physics II or Engineering Physics I and Engineering Physics II.