Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

A brief, but complete presentation of the fundamental phenomena and laws in physics, with experimental illustrations, enhancing the development of conceptual scientific thinking. This course may also be offered online. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Introductory physics laboratory to complement PHYS A110. Not open to those who hold credit for any other physics laboratory course. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

The first semester of a two-semester sequence with lab (PHYS A120/A125) covering an algebra/trigonometry-based study of all topics in basic physics. Core topics for this first semester include: classical mechanics, including waves and fluids, and thermodynamics. Intended for CSU transfer biology majors as well as students needing a one-year sequence in algebra/trigonometry-based physics as a requirement for their major program. Students needing calculus-based physics (e.g. UC transfer biology majors) should enroll in the PHYS A130/A135 or PHYS A185/A280/A285 sequence. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: PHYS 105.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

The second semester of a two-semester sequence with lab (PHYS A120/A125) covering an algebra/trigonometry-based study of all topics in basic physics. Core topics for this second semester include: electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: PHYS 110.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

A study of general principles of mechanics, waves, and thermodynamics. Emphasis will be on Newton’s three laws of motion, theory of gravity, conservation laws, laws of thermodynamics, generation and propagation of mechanical waves. The first semester of a two-semester sequence (with Physics A135) requiring calculus.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

A study of general principles of electricity, electromagnetism, optics, theory of relativity, and quantum theory with applications to atoms, nuclei and elementary particles.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

The PHYS A185, PHYS A280, PHYS A285 sequence is required for students planning to major in physics, chemistry or engineering. Newton's laws of motion, dynamics of particles in a given force field. gravitation, conservation laws of energy, momentum, angular momentum, and the kinematics of rigid body rotation. Propagation of mechanical waves in different elastic medium, waves on the string, water waves, sound waves. Enrollment Limitation: PHYS A185H; students who complete PHYS A185 may not enroll in or receive credit for PHYS A185H. C-ID: PHYS 205.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

The PHYS A185, PHYS A280, PHYS A285 sequence is required for students planning to major in physics, chemistry or engineering. Newton's laws of motion, dynamics, gravitation, energy, momentum, angular momentum, the kinematics of rigid body rotation, fluids, oscillations and waves. Enrollment Limitation: PHYS A185; students who complete PHYS A185H may not enroll in or receive credit for PHYS A185. C-ID: PHYS 205.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Continuation of PHYS A185. Coulomb’s law, electrostatics fields, conductors and insulators. Gauss’s law and electromagnetic fields. Magnetic fields and Ampere’s law. Faraday’s law of induction and Maxwell's equations of electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic energy transfer by means of cables, transmission lines and transparent media. Four hours lecture, three hours laboratory. C-ID: PHYS 210.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Heat, Light, Modern Physics. The dynamics of the transformation of thermal energy into mechanical work, heat engines, heat pumps and refrigerators. Light laws viewed in terms of geometric optics and physical optics. The relevance of special theory of relativity to modern physics. Introduction to quantum mechanics. C-ID: PHYS 215.