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Physics

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

The Folsom Lake College physics program offers an array of transferable courses that fulfill both major and general education requirements. The physics program consists of a three semester calculus-based physics sequence and a two semester trigonometry-based sequence. These sequences are designed to meet transfer requirements for students in the physical and life sciences, engineering, architecture, and computer information science. A preparatory physics course is also offered.

The PHYS 310 and PHYS 312 classes are meant to give liberal arts students a comprehensive breadth of the field of physics and a hands-on learning experience. Both courses are an excellent way for liberal arts students to gain an appreciation of scientific knowledge and methods.

PHYS 311 is a preparatory class for prospective PHYS 350 and PHYS 411 students who have the required math, but lack physics and problem solving skills needed for success in future physics classes.

Degrees Offered

A.S.-T. in Physics
A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Math and Science

Division Dean Greg McCormac
Department Chair Daniel Hale
Phone (916) 608-6615
Email mccormg@flc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Physics

The Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer Degree program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their Folsom Lake College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Physics at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

This program has the following completion requirements:

(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education – Breadth Requirements.

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

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:

recall fundamental principles and basic definitions from the topics of physics.
solve conceptual problems from the topics of physics.
solve calculus, trigonometry and algebra based problems from the topics of physics and clearly communicate steps taken in the solution.
analyze experimental data from the topics of physics.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Math and Science

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who wish to obtain a broad knowledge of arts and sciences plus additional coursework in a prescribed “Area of Emphasis”. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable course work that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Math and Science. These courses emphasize the natural sciences which examine the physical universe, its life forms and its natural phenomena. Courses in math emphasize the development of mathematical and quantitative reasoning skills beyond the level of intermediate algebra. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the methodologies of science as investigative tools. Students will also examine the influence that the acquisition of scientific knowledge has on the development of the world's civilizations. Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physical science.

It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following:		18
You must select courses from at least three different disciplines and complete courses from both math and science. If a course is cross-listed with another on the list, only one may apply to the degree.
ANTH 300	Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 301	Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 303	Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3)
ASTR 300	Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ASTR 400	Astronomy Laboratory (1)
BIOL 300	The Foundations of Biology (3)
BIOL 307	Biology of Organisms (4)
BIOL 310	General Biology (4)
BIOL 323	Plants and People (4)
BIOL 350	Environmental 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)
BIOL 442	General Microbiology and Public Health (5)
CHEM 305	Introduction to 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)
GEOG 301	Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
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 345	Geology of California (3)
MATH 300	Introduction to Mathematical Ideas (3)
MATH 310	Mathematical Discovery (3)
MATH 333	Introduction to College Algebra (3)
MATH 335	Trigonometry with College Algebra (5)
MATH 341	Calculus for Business and Economics (4)
MATH 343	Modern Business Mathematics (4)
MATH 355	Calculus for Biology and Medicine I (4)
MATH 356	Calculus for Biology and Medicine II (4)
MATH 370	Pre-Calculus Mathematics (5)
MATH 400	Calculus I (5)
MATH 401	Calculus II (5)
MATH 402	Calculus III (5)
MATH 410	Introduction to Linear Algebra (3)
MATH 420	Differential Equations (4)
NUTRI 300	Nutrition (3)
NUTRI 340	Nutrition and Metabolism (3)
PHYS 310	Conceptual Physics (3)
PHYS 311	Basic Physics (3)
PHYS 350	General Physics (4)
PHYS 360	General Physics (4)
PHYS 411	Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421	Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431	Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
PS 302	Introduction to Physical Science (4)
PSYC 312	Biological Psychology (4)
PSYC 330	Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
STAT 300	Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
Total Units:		18

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Math and Science Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

reason quantitatively and empirically (Math and Science).

Physics (PHYS) Courses

PHYS 310 Conceptual Physics

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Physics 310 requires some reading and also some algebraic skills.
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: PHYS 310 and 311 combined: maximum credit, one course. No credit for PHYS 310 or PHYS 311 if taken after PHYS 350, PHYS 360, PHYS 411, PHYS 421 or PHYS 431 No credit for PHYS 310 or 311 if taken after PHYS 350, 360, 411, 421 or 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 students. The conceptual or non-mathematical approach to physics is tied to the student's personal experience in their everyday life. The student learns to see physics not as a classroom or laboratory activity, but as a part of his or her surroundings. The class is open to all students with no previous physics course.

PHYS 311 Basic Physics

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:MATH 335 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.; or a high school course in trigonometry with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: PHYS 310 and 311 combined: maximum credit, one course. No credit for PHYS 310 or PHYS 311 if taken after PHYS 350, PHYS 360, PHYS 411, PHYS 421 or PHYS 431 No credit for PHYS 310 or 311 if taken after PHYS 350, 360, 411, 421 or 431)
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a survey course for science, engineering, mathematics, architecture, and computer science majors who have had no previous physics courses and plan to continue with PHYS 350 or 411. The course will develop the math and science background and the problem-solving skills necessary for success in Physics 350 or 411. Material covered will include math review, vectors, and basic mechanics (kinematics, Newton's Laws, and energy).

PHYS 312 Conceptual Physics Laboratory

Units:1
Hours:54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:PHYS 310; Phys 310 needs to be taken concurrently with Phys 312, or have been completed with a grade "C" or better prior to taking Phys 312.
Advisory:Physics 312 requires some reading and also some algebraic skills.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5C
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This laboratory course provides hands-on or at home or simulations observation activities and interpretation of data in a variety of experimental situations. Topics include motion, sound, light, heat, electricity, and magnetism.

PHYS 350 General Physics

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:MATH 335 with a grade of "C" or better; or a high school course in trigonometry with a grade of "C" or better.
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: PHYS 350, 360 and 411, 421, 431 combined: maximum credit, one series )
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 is the first course of the trigonometry-based general physics sequence designed for life science majors. Topics will include classical mechanics, fluids, mechanical waves 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 (UC credit limitation: PHYS 350, 360 and 411, 421, 431 combined: maximum credit, one series )
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 is the second course of the trigonometry-based general physics sequence designed for life science majors. Topics will include classical electricity and magnetism, AC and DC circuits, electromagnetism, optics, wave theory and modern physics.

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; See Corequisite
Corequisite:MATH 401. May be taken previously with a grade of "C" or better.
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: PHYS 350, 360 and 411, 421, 431 combined: maximum credit, one series )
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

This is the first course of the calculus-based physics sequence designed for students studying engineering, physics, chemistry, architecture, and computer science. This course offers a detailed examination of topics from the mechanics of particles, rigid bodies and fluids.

PHYS 412 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids: Problem Solving

Units:1
Hours:18 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:PHYS 411
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This will be a one unit discussion and application class devised to accompany PHYS411. This class will meet one hour a week to specifically work on problems and problem solving methods for Mechanics of Solids and Fluids.

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 (UC credit limitation: PHYS 350, 360 and 411, 421, 431 combined: maximum credit, one series )
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 is the second course of the calculus-based physics sequence designed for students studying engineering, physics, chemistry, architecture, and computer science. This course offers a detailed examination of topics from electricity and magnetism.

PHYS 422 Electricity and Magnetism: Problem Solving

Units:1
Hours:18 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:PHYS 421
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is a discussion and applications class devised to accompany PHYS 421. This class will meet one hour a week to specifically work on problems and problem solving methods for PHYS 421: Electricity and Magnetism.

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 (UC credit limitation: PHYS 350, 360 and 411, 421, 431 combined: maximum credit, one series )
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 is the third course of the calculus-based physics sequence designed for students studying engineering, physics, chemistry, architecture, and computer science. This course offers a detailed examination of topics from thermodynamics, waves, optics, and modern physics.

PHYS 432 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics: Problem Solving

Units:1
Hours:18 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:PHYS 431
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is a discussion and application class devised to accompany PHYS 431. This class will meet one hour a week to specifically work on problems and problem solving methods for Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics.

PHYS 495 Independent Studies in Physics

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

This course offers a student or a small group of students the opportunity to study areas of physics that go beyond what is normally covered in physics department courses. It is meant to be an extension of a particular topic of a specific physics department course, and so to be eligible, students must have completed a physics course at Folsom Lake College. They must also gain approval from a department faculty member for the topic of study.

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.