Folsom Lake College
Open tablet menu Close tablet menu×
Open mobile menu Close mobile menu×
Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Physics

Physics

Overview

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

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 California General Education Transfer Curriculum (CAL-GETC).
(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. A “P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

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 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

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 mathematics and the sciences. 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 coursework 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, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 18
ANTH 300 Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 301 Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 303 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3)
ASTR C1001 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ASTR C1001L Introduction to Astronomy Lab (1)
BIOL 300 The Foundations of Biology (3)
BIOL C1000 Introduction to Biology with Lab (4)
BIOL 310 General Biology (4)
BIOL 323 Plants and People (4)
BIOL 342 The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health (3)
BIOL 350 Environmental Biology (3)
BIOL 370 Marine Biology (4)
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5)
   or BIOL 411 Plant Science (4)
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 300 Beginning Chemistry (4)
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 337 Brewing and Beer Chemistry (4)
CHEM 339 Introduction to Fermentation Chemistry (4)
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 410 Quantitative Analysis (5)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II (5)
CISP 300 Algorithm Design/Problem Solving (3)
CISP 360 Introduction to Structured Programming (4)
CISP 400 Object Oriented Programming with C++ (4)
CISP 401 Object Oriented Programming with Java (4)
CISP 440 Discrete Structures for Computer Science (3)
ECON 310 Statistics for Business and Economics (3)
FT 304 Fire Behavior and Combustion (3)
GEOG 300 Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 301 Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOG 306 Weather and Climate (3)
GEOG 330 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3)
GEOG 331 Exploring Maps and Geographic Technologies (3)
GEOL 300 Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 302 Physical Geology with Lab (4)
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 College Algebra for Liberal Arts (3)
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 372 College Algebra for Calculus (4)
   or MATH 375 Pre-Calculus (6)
MATH 373 Trigonometry for Calculus (4)
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 302 Nutrition for Physical Performance (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 C1000 Introduction to 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, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. 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:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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: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:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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:Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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: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:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID PHYS 105; Part of C-ID PHYS 100S
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID PHYS 110; Part of C-ID PHYS 100S
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID PHYS 205; Part of C-ID PHYS 200S
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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, 2026

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:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID PHYS 210; Part of C-ID PHYS 200S
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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, 2026

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:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID PHYS 215; Part of C-ID PHYS 200S
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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, 2026

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, 2026

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, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog