PHYSICS—ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Physics program offers course work for a diverse range of students from the community starting with those merely wishing to learn more of the world around them and finishing with the student
pursuing a four-year degree in science or engineering.
Physics courses are available at three different levels, all of which satisfy the needs of students wishing to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The level of the physics course that students
initially enroll in is largely dependent on their individual math skills. The emphasis at all levels is on developing an understanding and appreciation for the basic laws of our physical universe. This is done
largely through the development of problem solving skills and laboratory investigations. The Physics program at Hartnell College is fortunate to possess an excellent inventory of laboratory apparatus for
demonstrations and student use in the laboratories, and special projects.
Some positions for which four-year graduates in physics are qualified are in research, teaching, engineering, medicine, and industry.
For detailed requirements for individual four-year institutions, students should contact the transfer institution and/or meet with a counselor for specific transfer course requirements in their major.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Laura Fatuzzo at (831) 770-7017, lfatuzzo@hartnell.edu, N-10
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the Physics program, a student should be able to:
•
•
•
comprehend and articulate basic physics terminology.
demonstrate proficiency in problem solving, especially with regard to basic physics problems involving major concepts, theories, and principles including, but not limited to:
•
conservation of momentum and energy.
•
Newtonian mechanics.
•
Maxwell’s laws.
•
fluid dynamics.
collect and analyze data effectively using basic laboratory equipment and present results in formally structured laboratory reports
A minimum of 60.0 semester units with a grade of “C” or better must be maintained in all degree-applicable units. Only courses numbered 1-199 may apply toward the Associate Degree. Courses listed
below may have prerequisites that must be completed prior to enrolling. Consult a schedule of classes, college catalog, or a counselor for further information.

REQUIRED MAJOR COURSES
Required Major Course
Required Major Course
Required Major Course
Required Major Course
Required Major Course
Required Major Course
Required Major Course
Course No.
Course Title
PHY-4A‡
PHY-4B
PHY-4C
MAT-3A‡
MAT-3B‡
MAT-3C
MAT-5
General Physics/Mechanics
General Physics/Electricity and Magnetism
General Physics/Waves, Heat, Light and Modern Physics
Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
Analytic Geometry and Calculus III
Differential Equations
RECOMMENDED MAJOR ELECTIVES (Select from list; none required)
Recommended Major Elective
Recommended Major Elective
Recommended Major Elective
Recommended Major Elective
Recommended Major Elective
GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES
Natural Sciences (Select a minimum of 3 units from catalog GENERAL
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS)
Social & Behavioral Sciences (Select a minimum of 3 units from catalog
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS)
Humanities
Ethnic Groups in the United States (Select a minimum of 3 units from catalog
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS)
Language and Rationality (9 Units)
A. Written Composition
B. Communication and Analytical Thinking
Communication and Analytical Thinking (Select a minimum of 1 unit
from catalog GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS)
Course No.
Course Title
CHM-1A
CHM-1B
CSS-4
AST-1
AST-1L
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II
Introduction to Scientific Programming
Introduction to Astronomy
Astronomy Laboratory
Course No.
Course Title
PHY-4A‡
General Physics/Mechanics
ENG-1A
MAT-3A‡
MAT-3B‡
College Composition and Reading
Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
Units
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
3.0
SUBTOTAL UNITS (27.0)


Units
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
Units
(4.0)
3.0
(4.0)
(4.0)
SUBTOTAL UNITS (≥ 21.0)
General Education
Physics Required Major Courses
ELECTIVES (Courses Numbered 1–199) required when GE units plus Degree units total are fewer than 60.0
TOTAL UNITS
‡ These
21.0
27.0
12.0
60.0
courses also satisfy General Education Requirements.
TRANSFER STUDENTS: Completing the AS degree does not meet all the requirements for transfer. Students planning to transfer to a university should follow the requirements of the four-year
university. Information on course equivalencies and major preparation requirements for the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems are available online at
www.assist.org. Please consult with a Hartnell College counselor to review transfer requirements.