ACADEMICS » Degree & Certificate Programs » Graduation Requirements » Associate in Arts Major Requirements

Physical Science

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program, students will be able to explain the difference between evidence and theory in science and cite an example in their explanation; use instruments and computers to accurately measure, graph, and analyze physical properties (these instruments will include calipers, micrometers, mass balances, spectrometers, interferometers, and digital oscilloscopes depending upon which courses the student had taken); interface computers and sensors using digital conversion technology and the Data Studio Software package to perform experiments in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and chemistry.

A minimum of 18 units from courses chosen from at least 2 of the following 3 categories are required.
All courses used to satisfy the major for the Associate in Arts degree must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

Associate in Arts Program Map

PREREQUISITE COURSES REQUIRED COURSES FOR MAJOR UNITS
  CATEGORY 1
MATH 103E; MATH 104E (may be taken concurrently) PHYS 101 Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A
 5
PHYS 101 and MATH 104E PHYS 102 Physics for Scientists and Engineers: B
 5
PHYS 101 and MATH 104E PHYS 103 Physics for Scientists and Engineers: C
 5
MATH 102 or 110 or 110B
 PHYS 105 Algebra-Based Physics:A
 4
PHYS 105 PHYS 106 Algebra-Based Physics:B
 4
 

CATEGORY 2
All three of the following must be satisfied:
1. ENGL 100 or ESL 141
2. One of the following:
  1. MATH 90, 90+, 90EF or
  2. high school algebra with a grade of "C" or better
3. One of the following:
  1. CHEM 110 or
  2. 1 year of high school chemistry (with lab) with a grade of "C" or better and a satisfactory composite of test scores for the Mathematics and Chemistry Placement Exams.
CHEM 101 General Chemistry 5
CHEM 101 CHEM 102 General Chemistry 5
CHEM 102 CHEM 105 Organic Chemistry 5
CHEM 105 CHEM 106 Organic Chemistry 5
 

CATEGORY 3
ASTRO 110 or 120 ASTRO 102 Observational Astronomy 1
ASTRO 110 or 120 ASTRO 103 Topics in Modern Astronomy 3
  ASTRO 110 Astronomy of the Solar System 3
  ASTRO 120 Astronomy of Stars and Galaxies 3
  GEOL 101 Physical Geology 3
  GEOL 102 Environmental Geology 3
  GEOL 103 Geology of California 3
GEOL 101, 102, 103; OCEAN 115; PALEO 101; or equivalent GEOL 104 Field Geology 2-6
  GEOL 105 Earth and Life Through Time
 4
GEOL 101 (may be taken concurrently) GEOL 111 Physical Geology Laboratory 1
GEOL 102 (may be taken concurrently) GEOL 112 Environmental Geology Laboratory 1
  GEOL 120 Earthquakes 3
  OCEAN 115 Oceanography 3
OCEAN 115 (may be taken concurrently) OCEAN 116 Oceanography Laboratory 1
 

PALEO 101

 General Paleontology 3
  TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED 18

NOTE: ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK MIGHT BE REQUIRED IF PREREQUISITES ARE NOT MET.  SEE A COUNSELOR TO PREPARE A STUDENT EDUCATIONAL PLAN.
August 2014 GCC Catalog 2014-2015
Important Notice: In the event of a discrepancy between the information presented above and the online and/or print versions of the GCC Catalog, please contact a counselor or the office of Admissions and Records. For previous years requirements please see the catalog from that year.