Physical Science Courses*
PSCI 130, 131 • Introduction to Physics I, II (4, 4 units)
Prerequisites: MATH 145C. Introduction to the principles of mechanics, electricity, sound, magnetism, light, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Lab fee. This course does not fulfill the core curriculum requirement in natural science.
PSCI 215 • Fundamentals of Earth Science (4 units)
Prerequisite: One year of elementary algebra. Earth science including physical and historical geology, meteorology, and descriptive astronomy; the economic, social, and philosophical aspects of the subject matter. Three hours lecture each week, and demonstration. This course does not fulfill the core curriculum requirement in natural science. Lab fee. Students who have already received credit for PSCI 115: Introduction to Earth Science or equivalent CANNOT receive credit at all for this course.
PSCI 216 • Fundamentals of Physical Science (4 units)
Prerequisite: Three years of high school mathematics. This course in physical science presents materials in physics, chemistry, and astronomy that are conceptual in nature with minimal reliance on the quantitative rules of mathematics as a tool for understanding. A strong emphasis is placed on proper use of vocabulary words to understand and explain topics in the fields of mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, and light. Classroom demonstrations and videos are used to assist the student in learning the everyday principles of nature. Three hours lecture per week. This course does not fulfill the core curriculum requirement in natural science. Lab fee. Students who have already received credit for PSCI 116: Introduction to Physical Science or equivalent CANNOT receive credit at all for this course.
PSCI 223 • Mechanics and Heat (4 units)
Prerequisite: Math 180. Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, rotational motion, fluid mechanics, and laws of thermodynamics. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory.
PSCI 225 • Electricity, Magnetism and Light (4 units)
Prerequisite: PSCI 223 and MATH 181. Mechanical waves, Coulomb’s Law, electrostatics, electric circuits, introductory electronics, magnetic fields, induction, wave mechanics, geometrical optics, interference, diffraction and polarization. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory.
PSCI 227 • Modern Physics (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSCI 223 and PSCI 225. Maxwell’s equations, Relativity, photoelectric effect, quantum theory, Bohr model of the atom, photons and matter waves, atoms, nuclear physics, energy from the nucleus.
PSCI 291, 292, 293 • Special Topics (1, 2, 3-4 units)
Study of a special topic in physical science. May be repeated for credit. May have a lab fee.
PSCI 470 • Special Topic (1-4 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Special topics in physical science. May be repeated for credit. May have a lab fee.
PSCI 490 • Seminar in Physical Science (1 unit)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Discussions of investigations in the physical sciences presented by students, faculty, and/or guests. Sessions meet one hour per week. May be repeated for credit.
* This information is provided for ease of use, however it is not the official record. See the academic catalog for official course descriptions and requirements.