Contact Information

Contact Information
Division
Sciences and Mathematics
Dean
Megan D'Errico
Associate Dean
Keely Carroll
Location
Division Office
V 211, Rocklin Campus

Overview

The Physics Department offers coursework satisfying the needs of students wishing to transfer to four-year colleges and other institutions for further study in science and engineering. Those students wishing a basic background in Physics for study in the many fields based upon science and careers in teaching, medicine, agriculture and other sciences will also find coursework.

TRANSFER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Physics are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements. Four-year graduates in Physics are qualified for positions in research, teaching, engineering, medicine and industry.

Faculty

Dominic Calabrese

Professor, Physics

B.S., DePaul University
M.S., University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Ph.D., University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Ian Schanning

Assistant Professor, Physics

B.A., UC San Diego
M.S., UC San Diego
Ph.D., UC San Diego

Aviva Shackell

Professor, Physics

B.S., University of California, Santa Barbara
Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles

Degrees/Certificates

Associate Degree for Transfer

Physics for Transfer

AS-T Degree

Physics is a program that provides students of diverse abilities and needs rigorous preparation that affords them opportunities to develop the technical, analytical and critical thinking skills necessary to achieve their wide ranging goals and become lifelong learners. Program curriculum introduces students to the fundamental principles that govern the nature of interactions in the physical world. The curriculum strongly emphasizes both the theoretical and experimental fundamentals in physics. Successful completion of the curriculum in physics prepares the student for transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

The Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer degree (AS-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Physics or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.

To earn the Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:

The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.

It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.

Required Courses

PHYS 0205Principles of Physics: Mechanics4
PHYS 0205LPrinciples of Physics Laboratory: Mechanics1
PHYS 0210Principles of Physics: Electricity and Magnetism3
PHYS 0210LPrinciples of Physics Laboratory: Electricity and Magnetism1
PHYS 0215Principles of Physics: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics3
PHYS 0215LPrinciples of Physics Laboratory: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics1
MATH 0030Analytical Geometry and Calculus I4
MATH 0031Analytical Geometry and Calculus II4
MATH 0032Analytical Geometry and Calculus III4
Total Units25
Additional Recommended Preparation

While not required for this degree, completion of these courses will better prepare students for upper-division physics courses.

MATH 0033Differential Equations and Linear Algebra6
CHEM 0001AGeneral Chemistry I5

UC Transfer Pathway: Physics

AS-T Degree

The UC Transfer Pathway in Physics prepares students to transfer into the UC system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Physics.

In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

Students must fulfill the major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete the following general education pattern:

Required Courses:

CHEM 0001AGeneral Chemistry I5-6
or CHEM 0003A
CHEM 0003B
General Chemistry I - Part 1
and General Chemistry I - Part 2
CHEM 0001BGeneral Chemistry II5
ENGL 0001ACollege Reading, Writing and Research4
MATH 0030Analytical Geometry and Calculus I4
MATH 0031Analytical Geometry and Calculus II4
MATH 0032Analytical Geometry and Calculus III4
MATH 0033Differential Equations and Linear Algebra6
PHYS 0205Principles of Physics: Mechanics4
PHYS 0205LPrinciples of Physics Laboratory: Mechanics1
PHYS 0210Principles of Physics: Electricity and Magnetism3
PHYS 0210LPrinciples of Physics Laboratory: Electricity and Magnetism1
PHYS 0215Principles of Physics: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics3
PHYS 0215LPrinciples of Physics Laboratory: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics1
Select 3 units from the following:3
Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature
Critical Thinking and Writing across the Curriculum
Introduction to Critical Thinking
Select 3-4 units from the following:3-4
Visual Communication (Also COMM 0012)
Art Appreciation
Survey of Western Art I: Prehistory through the Middle Ages
Survey of Western Art II: Renaissance Traditions
Survey of Western Art III: Modern through Contemporary
History of Women in Art
History and Aesthetics of Photography (Also PHOT 0010)
History of the Arts of Africa, the Americas, and Oceania
History of Asian Art
History of Islamic Art
Performance of Diverse Literatures
Visual Communication (Also AAD 0012)
American Sign Language III
American Sign Language IV
Introduction to Deaf Studies
Introduction to LGBTIQ Literature
Introduction to Literary Criticism and Critical Concepts
Literature by Women
Introduction to Drama as Literature
American Literature - Beginnings through Civil War
American Literature - Civil War to the Present
Introduction to Poetry
Introduction to Shakespeare (The Drama)
Introduction to the Novel
Introduction to the Short Story
American Film Masterpieces
International Film Masterpieces
The Filmed Novel
The Documentary Film
Young Adult Literature
English Literature
English Literature
World Literature
World Literature
Literature of Science Fiction
Ethnic Images in Film
Elementary French - Level II
Intermediate French - Level I
Intermediate French - Level II
Western Civilization to 1715
Western Civilization since 1715
History of the United States to 1877
History of the United States since 1865
The African American Experience in American History to 1877
The African American Experience in American History since 1877
History of Traditional East Asia
History of Modern East Asia
California History
Contemporary United States History
American Military History
Chicano/Mexican American History
Russian History - 10th Century to Present
Native American History
Women in American History
World History to 1500
World History since 1500
Introduction to Humanities I
Introduction to Humanities II
Introduction to Asian Humanities
Classical Roots of the Contemporary Western World
Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion (Also WMST 0003)
World Religions
Introduction to Mythology
Introduction to Atheism
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
Introduction to the New Testament
Elementary Japanese - Level II
Queer (LGBTIQ) Film History
Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics
Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality
Philosophy of Religion
Introduction to Asian Philosophy
History of Ancient Greek Philosophy
History of Modern Philosophy
Introduction to Philosophy of Women in Western Cultures
Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy
Introduction to Environmental Ethics
Introduction to the Philosophy of Science
Music Appreciation
Music Theory I
Music Theory III
Music Fundamentals
Introduction and History of Jazz
Survey of Music History and Literature to 1750
Survey of Music History and Literature from 1750 to Present
Introduction to Music: History of Rock and Roll
History and Aesthetics of Photography
Intermediate Spanish - Level I
Intermediate Spanish - Level II
Introduction to Theatre
Costume History
Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion (Also HUM 0009)
Select 3-4 units from the following:3-4
Introduction to Administration of Justice
Food, Society and the Environment
Introduction to Agricultural Business and Economics
Cultural Anthropology
Native Peoples of North America
Introduction to Archaeology
Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology
Native Peoples of California
Magic, Witchcraft, Ritual, Myth and Religion
Global Problems
Anthropology of Sex, Gender and Sexuality
History of Women in Art
Law and Society
Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Communication Theory, Methods, and Practice
Mass Communication: Media and Society
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
Introduction to African American Studies
Federal Indian Law and Policy
Ethnic Images in Film
Introduction to Native American Studies
Cultural Geography
Geography of California
World Regional Geography
Human Development Through the Lifespan
Child, Family, and Community
Child Growth and Development
Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family (Also PSYC 0110)
The Family (Also SOC 0004)
Western Civilization to 1715
Western Civilization since 1715
History of the United States to 1877
History of the United States since 1865
The African American Experience in American History to 1877
The African American Experience in American History since 1877
History of Traditional East Asia
History of Modern East Asia
California History
Contemporary United States History
American Military History
Chicano/Mexican American History
Russian History - 10th Century to Present
Native American History
Women in American History
World History to 1500
World History since 1500
Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion (Also WMST 0003)
Introduction to LGBT Studies/Queer Theory (Also WMST 0002)
American Government
Comparative Government
International Relations
Russian and East European Political Systems
California Politics and Government
Politics of the Developing World
American Foreign Policy
Politics of the Middle East
Terrorism
Introduction to Political Theory
Introduction to Political Science Research Methods
Women and Politics in a Global Society
General Principles of Psychology
Social Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Research Methods in Psychology
Psychology of Adjustment
Abnormal Psychology
Psychology of Death and Dying
Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family (Also HDEV 0021)
Psychology of Women
Human Sexuality
Psychology and Film
Cultural Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Social Problems
Race, Ethnicity and Inequality
The Family (Also HDEV 22)
Sociology of Women's Health
Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control
Feminism and Social Action
Sociology of Gender
Introduction to Hip Hop and Social Justice
Introduction to Social Justice
Introduction to Women's Studies
Introduction to LGBT Studies/Queer Theory (Also LGBT 0001)
Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion (Also HUM 0009)
Feminism and Social Action (Also SOC 0010)
Select 3-5 units from the following:3-5
Introduction to Plant Science (Also BIOL 0021)
Introduction to Animal Science
Biological Anthropology
Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
General Biology
Botany
General Zoology
Microbiology
Human Anatomy
Human Physiology
Introduction to Biology
Concepts of Biology
Natural History, Ecology and Conservation (Also ESS 0014)
Marine Biology
Introduction to Plant Science (Also AGRI 0156)
Introduction to Ornithology
Introduction to Entomology
General Human Anatomy and Physiology
Biology: A Human Perspective
Natural History, Ecology and Conservation (Also BIOL 0014)
Introduction to Biopsychology
Select one of the following Language Other Than English options: 0-5
American Sign Language I
American Sign Language II
American Sign Language III
Elementary French - Level I
Elementary French - Level II
Intermediate French - Level I
Intermediate French - Level II
Elementary German - Level I
Elementary German - Level II
Elementary Italian - Level I
Elementary Italian - Level II
Elementary Japanese - Level I
Elementary Japanese - Level II
Elementary Spanish - Level I
Elementary Spanish - Level II
Intermediate Spanish - Level I
Intermediate Spanish - Level II
Completion of two years of the same foreign language in high school with grades of “C” or better.
Equivalent proficiency demonstrated by a specified minimum score on College Board SAT II tests in languages other than English; or a score of 3, 4, or 5 on any languages other than English College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations; or a score of 5 or higher on any languages other than English International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examinations.
Completion of two years of formal schooling at the sixth grade level or higher in an institution where the language of instruction is not English with grades of “C” or better.
Total Units57-67
Additional Recommended Preparation:

While not required for this degree, completion of these courses will better prepare students for upper-division physics courses.

Programming Concepts and Methodology I
Programming and Problem Solving in Engineering
 

1

IGETC for STEM is only an option for students earning AS-T degrees in Biology for Transfer, Chemistry for Transfer, UCTP: Chemistry, and/or UCTP: Physics.  IGETC for STEM certification requires the following courses before transfer:

  • All courses in Areas 1 (except 1C for UC-bound students), 2, and 5 of the traditional IGETC;
  • Two courses in Area 3 - one course in Area 3A and one course in Area 3B; and
  • Two courses in Area 4 from two different disciplines.

The following deferred courses must be completed after transfer:

  • One remaining lower-division general education course in Area 3;
  • One remaining lower-division general education course in Area 4; and
  • One course in Area 6 for UC-bound students who have not satisfied the requirement through proficiency.

(The deferred lower-division courses must be replaced with calculus and/or science courses that are required to be taken before transfer to the university.)

Courses

Understanding course descriptions

PHYS 0000A. Preparation for Calculus-Based Physics

Units: 4
Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 27 with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 11 strongly recommended
Hours: 72 lecture
Intended to provide stronger preparation for Physics 205 than Physics 105. Focuses on measurement and the development of the conceptual and mathematical frameworks necessary for problem-solving in physics. (not transferable)

PHYS 0010. Basic Concepts in Physics

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for Math D
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 11 strongly recommended
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the laws of motion, properties of matter, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, atomic and nuclear physics, and relativity. Emphasis on familiar phenomena in everyday life. Intended for nonscience majors. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHYS 0010L. Basic Concepts in Physics Laboratory

Unit: 1
Formerly known as PHYS 11
Prerequisite: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in PHYS 10
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 11 strongly recommended
Hours: 54 laboratory
An optional laboratory course taken in conjunction with PHYS 10. Integrates abstract concepts from PHYS 10 into concrete applications through experimentation. Topics include the SI system of measurement; motion; fluids and properties of matter; thermodynamics; waves; sound; electricity and magnetism; and light and optics. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHYS 0028. Independent Study

Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHYS 0105. General Physics I

Units: 4
Formerly known as PHYS 2A (PHYS 105 and 105L, combined)
Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 27 or equivalent with grade of "C" or better
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 105L
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 11 strongly recommended
Hours: 72 lecture
Noncalculus introduction to the principles of mechanics, properties of matter and heat. Emphasis on applications relevant to several majors, including premedical, predental, optometry, forestry, architecture, and biological science. (combined with PHYS 105L, C-ID PHYS 105) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHYS 0105L. General Physics I Laboratory

Unit: 1
Formerly known as PHYS 2A (PHYS 105 and 105L, combined)
Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 27 or high school trigonometry with grade of "C" or better
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 105
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 11 strongly recommended
Hours: 54 laboratory
Laboratory portion of PHYS 105. Noncalculus introduction to the principles of mechanics, properties of matter and heat. Emphasis on applications relevant to several majors, including premedical, predental, optometry, forestry, architecture, and biological science. (combined with PHYS 105, C-ID PHYS 105) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHYS 0110. General Physics II

Units: 4
Formerly known as PHYS 2B (PHYS 110 and 110L, combined)
Prerequisite: Completion of PHYS 105 and 105L with grades of "C" or better
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 110L
Hours: 72 lecture
Noncalculus introduction to the principles of waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Emphasis on applications relevant to several majors, including premedical, predental, optometry, forestry, architecture, and biological science. (combined with PHYS 110L, C-ID PHYS 110) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHYS 0110L. General Physics II Laboratory

Unit: 1
Formerly known as PHYS 2B (PHYS 110 and 110L, combined)
Prerequisite: Completion of PHYS 105 and 105L with grades of "C" or better
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 110
Hours: 54 laboratory
Laboratory portion of PHYS 110. Noncalculus introduction to the principles of waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Emphasis on applications relevant to several majors, including premedical, predental, optometry, forestry, architecture, and biological science. (combined with PHYS 110, C-ID PHYS 110) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHYS 0140. Survey of Chemistry and Physics

Units: 4
Also known as CHEM 140
Prerequisite: Completion of MATH D with grade of "C" or better, or placement by matriculation assessment process
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
A conceptual introduction to the basic principles of physics and chemistry including matter, physical and chemical properties, forces and motion, energy, electromagnetism, electromagnetic waves, atomic structure, bonding, solutions and chemical reactions. The inter-dependence of chemistry and physics will be emphasized. This course is intended for non-science majors. (C-ID PHYS 140) (CSU, UC)

PHYS 0205. Principles of Physics: Mechanics

Units: 4
Formerly known as PHYS 4A (PHYS 205 and 205L, combined)
Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 30 and 31 with grades of "C" or better (MATH 31 may be taken concurrently); AND PHYS A or PHYS 105, or high school physics with grade(s) of "C" or better
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 205L
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 11 strongly recommended
Hours: 72 lecture
Calculus-based introduction to the principles of kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, gravitation and fluids. The Physics 205/210/215 series presents the general principles and analytical methods used in physics for physical science and engineering majors. (combined with PHYS 205L, C-ID PHYS 205) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHYS 0205L. Principles of Physics Laboratory: Mechanics

Unit: 1
Formerly known as PHYS 4A (PHYS 205 and 205L, combined)
Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 30 and 31 with grades of "C" or better (MATH 31 may be taken concurrently); AND PHYS A, PHYS 105, or high school physics with grade(s) of "C" or better
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 205
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 11 strongly recommended
Hours: 54 laboratory
Laboratory portion of PHYS 205. Calculus-based introduction to the principles of kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, gravitation and fluids. The Physics 205/210/215 sequence presents the general principles and analytical methods used in physics for physical science and engineering majors. (combined with PHYS 205, C-ID PHYS 205) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHYS 0210. Principles of Physics: Electricity and Magnetism

Units: 3
Formerly known as PHYS 4B (PHYS 210 and 210L, combined)
Prerequisite: Completion of PHYS 205, PHYS 205L, and MATH 31 with grades of "C" or better
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 210L
Hours: 54 lecture
Electrostatics, AC and DC circuits, magnetism, Maxwell's Equations, electromagnetic waves, and the electric and magnetic properties of matter. The 205-210-215 sequence presents general principles and analytical methods used in physics for physical science and engineering majors. (combined with PHYS 210L, C-ID PHYS 210) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHYS 0210L. Principles of Physics Laboratory: Electricity and Magnetism

Unit: 1
Formerly known as PHYS 4B (PHYS 210 and 210L, combined)
Prerequisite: Completion of PHYS 205, PHYS 205L, and MATH 31 with grades of "C" or better
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 210
Hours: 54 laboratory
Laboratory portion of PHYS 210. Electrostatics, AC and DC circuits, magnetism, Maxwell's Equations, electromagnetic waves, and the electric and magnetic properties of matter. The 205-210-215 sequence presents general principles and analytical methods used in physics for physical science and engineering majors. (combined with PHYS 210, C-ID PHYS 210) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHYS 0210R. Problem Solving for Physics 210

Unit: 1
Formerly known as PHYS 4Y
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 210
Hours: 18 lecture
Optional problem solving course to accompany PHYS 210. Includes electric forces and fields, electrical potential, capacitors and dielectrics, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, and DC and AC circuits. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHYS 0215. Principles of Physics: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics

Units: 3
Formerly known as PHYS 4C (PHYS 215 and 215L, combined)
Prerequisite: Completion of PHYS 205, PHYS 205L, and MATH 31 with grades of "C" or better
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 215L
Hours: 54 lecture
Thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, waves, geometrical and physical optics, sound, and modern physics. The 205-210-215 series presents general principles and analytical methods used in physics for physical science and engineering majors. (combined with PHYS 215L, C-ID PHYS 215) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHYS 0215L. Principles of Physics Laboratory: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics

Unit: 1
Formerly known as PHYS 4C (PHYS 215 and 215L, combined)
Prerequisite: Completion of PHYS 205, PHYS 205L, and MATH 31 with grades of "C" or better
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 215
Hours: 54 laboratory
Laboratory portion of PHYS 215. Covers topics of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, waves, geometrical and physical optics, sound, and modern physics. (combined with PHYS 215, C-ID PHYS 215) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHYS 0215R. Problem Solving for Physics 215

Unit: 1
Formerly known as PHYS 4Z
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 215
Hours: 18 lecture
Optional problem solving course to accompany PHYS 215. Includes thermodynamics, mechanical waves, optics, and modern physics.(CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

  • Correctly apply the appropriate mathematical tools and physical concepts to solve problems and model physical systems at a level commensurate with the level of mathematics required.
  • Apply basic physical principles conceptually to explain simple physical systems and everyday phenomena at a level commensurate with the level of mathematics required.
  • Utilize technology as an experimental tool at a level commensurate with the curriculum.
  • Evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific data and utilize verbal and written communication skills to share results of physical measurements at a level commensurate with the curriculum.