This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.sierracollege.edu.

Contact Information

Contact Information
Division
Sciences and Mathematics
Dean
Randy Lehr
Associate Dean
Karen Warburton
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

Donald C. Harris

Professor, Physics

B.S., Ohio State University
Ph.D., Ohio State University

Aviva Shackell

Professor, Physics

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

Degrees/Certificates

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

MATH 0033Differential Equations and Linear Algebra6
CSCI 0024SProgramming for Mathematics and Science3
CHEM 0001AGeneral Chemistry I5

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 and 105L, 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 sequence 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 and 105L, 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
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 11 strongly recommended
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
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 11 strongly recommended
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
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 11 strongly recommended
Hours: 54 lecture
Thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, waves, geometrical and physical optics, sound, and modern physics. The 205-210-215 sequence 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
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 11 strongly recommended
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.