Codes and Dates

Current Effective Date 2026 Fall Semester
Curriculum Committee Approval: 09/22/2025
Board of Trustees Approval: 12/16/2025
Department: AEP
Subject: (PHYS) Physics

Description

An Associate in Science in Physics 2.0 for Transfer is designed for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in Physics at a CSU or UC campus. An Associate in Science in Physics 2.0 for Transfer comprises a core set of introductory Physics and Mathematics courses that help students develop critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills, and establish conceptual frameworks for understanding physical phenomena. To earn the Associate of Science in Physics 2.0 for Transfer, students must complete a maximum of 66 required semester units of CSU-transferable coursework, including the Cal-GETC requirements and 18 semester units within the major. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, including grades of C (or 'P') or higher in each course taken to fulfill the major. Local graduation requirements do not apply to the transfer degree. For more information on university admission and transfer requirements, students should consult with a counselor.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
1. Given a set of initial conditions, apply problem-solving techniques to develop a mathematical model that describes the physical characteristics of a given system. Identify known and unknown quantities, derive appropriate equations, and analyze the results.
2. Given a physical system, identify the core concepts and physical laws that apply. Describe the system in terms of the core concepts and physical laws. Select appropriate conceptual model(s) and justify their application.
3. In the laboratory setting, demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
4. In the laboratory setting, determine the relationships between the physical quantities of a system. Develop mathematical models and use analytical and graphical means to predict the subsequent behavior of the system.

Degree Requirements

Physics Requirements
12.0
PHYS 4A
Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Active)
4.0
PHYS 4B
Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Active)
4.0
PHYS 4C
Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Active)
4.0
Math Requirements
20.0-22.0
MATH C2210
Calculus I: Early Transcendentals (Active)
5.0
MATH C2220
Calculus II: Early Transcendentals (Active)
5.0
MATH 6
Mathematical Analysis III (Active)
5.0
 
5.0-7.0
MATH 17
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra (Active)
5.0
OR
 
7.0
MATH 7
Introduction to Differential Equations (Active)
4.0
AND
MATH 26
Elementary Linear Algebra (Active)
3.0
Computer Science Requirements
4.0
CSCI 40
Programming Concepts and Methodology I (Historical)
4.0
Total: 36.0-38.0