Physics, A.S.

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Suggested Curriculum

The physicist is concerned with theoretical scientific principles. Employment opportunities for engineers and physicists include theoretical research activities plus many other options. In the typical four-year curriculum, the first two years concentrate on the basic sciences including mathematics, chemistry, and physics. The last two years emphasize advanced mathematics and science courses. PSC offers courses applicable to the first two years of the curriculum and will grant an Associate in Science degree to successful students.

I. General Education Core (34-35)

Area A: Communication (9 credits)

ENG 101 Composition I 3 hrs transfer credit - with a grade of C or better
ENG 102 Composition II 3 hrs transfer credit - with a grade of C or better
COMM 101 Principles of Communication 3 hrs transfer credit

Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (6 credits)

Select two courses from the list for Area B with one course selected from the humanities area and one course from the fine arts area.

Area C: Mathematics (5 credits)

MATH 171 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I 5 hrs transfer credit

Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (8-9 credits)

CHEM 110 General Chemistry I 5 hrs transfer credit
One life science course from the list for Area D

Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)

Select two courses in two different disciplines from the list for Area E .

II. Area of Concentration/Major Field (17)

Select one MATH course and one ASTRO, BIOL, CHEM, ENGR, GEOG (not GEOG 101), GEOLO, METEO, PHYSC, or PHYSI course from the list for Courses Approved for Transfer to qualify for an A.S. degree. Each course must be 3 credits or more. The courses below are recommended to meet this requirement as they are typically taken by freshmen and sophomores at universities for this specific major.

Physics core courses:

PHYSI 210 University Physics I 4 hrs transfer credit
PHYSI 220 University Physics II 4 hrs transfer credit
PHYSI 230 University Physics III 4 hrs transfer credit
MATH 172 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II 5 hrs transfer credit

III. Electives (10-11)

MATH 172 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II 5 hrs transfer credit
MATH 173 Calculus with Analytic Geometry III 5 hrs transfer credit
MATH 216 Differential Equations 3 hrs transfer credit
Select additional courses from the list of Courses Approved for Transfer or contact the universities you are considering.

Required A.A. Degree Program Total: 62 credits

Each college and university has its own major requirements and transfer policies. Consult the schools you are considering and a PSC advisor to discuss courses and their transferability.