Courses

 

PHYSICS 110
Introductory Physics
4 units, 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: None
This physics course is structured for students who have had little or no previous physics or mathematics. The math which is needed is explained as the course progresses. Physics is a study of the real and natural events, laws and phenomena which exist and interact in the universe around us. In this course those laws and events are studied with particular emphasis on the physics normally encountered in everyday living, such as motion, light and human vision, sound and hearing, energy and its use and conservation, gas laws and breathing.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont College B2; CSU B1; IGETC 5A Transfers to: CSU, UC (credit limited: see page 30 of course catalog)

 

PHYSICS 130
Fundamentals of Physics
4 units, 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: A C grade or higher or Pass or concurrent enrollment Math 180 or equivalent.
This calculus level course provides a thorough basis in mechanics, kinematics, work, energy, properties of matter, heat, thermal effects, wave motion. The laboratory provides emphasis on measurement of translational motion, forces, torques, rotational systems, heat, and fluids. The course is primarily designed for life science majors and pre-med students. Physics 130 is not open to students with credit in Physics 140.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont College B2; CSU B1; IGETC 5A Transfers to: CSU, UC (credit limited: see page 30 of course catalog)

 

PHYSICS 131
Fundamentals of Physics
4 units, 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: A C grade or higher or Pass in Physics 130 or equivalent.
A continuation of Physics 130 covering electricity, DC and AC circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, light, optical instruments, holography, atomic and nuclear physics. The laboratory provides emphasis on electrical circuits, oscilloscopes, optics, interference, holography and nuclear counting. The course is primarily designed for life science majors and pre-med students. Physics 131 is not open to students with credit in Physics 240 or 241.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont College B2; CSU B1; IGETC 5A Transfers to: CSU, UC (credit limited: see page 30 of course catalog)

 

PHYSICS 201 (was 140)
Mechanics of Solids
5 units, 4 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: A C grade or higher or Pass in Math 180 or equivalent.
This course is the first of a sequence of three physics courses for engineering, physics, math, and science majors. The course assumes no previous physics study, but makes extensive use of algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus, as appropriate. Topics include linear and rotational kinematics and dynamics with graphical analysis, energy and energy conservation, linear and angular momentum and their conservation laws, and gravitation. Applications include period motion, vibration, fluids, and wave propagation.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont College B2; CSU B1; IGETC 5A Transfers to: CSU, UC (credit limited: see page 30 of course catalog)

 

PHYSICS 202 (was 240)
Electricity, Magnetism and Heat
5 units, 4 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: A C grade or higher or Pass in Physics 201(or 140) or equivalent. A C grade or higher or Pass or concurrent enrollment in Math 280 or equivalent.
This is the second semester of a three semester calculus level sequence course designed for science, mathematics, physics, and engineering students. The topics of heat, electricity, and magnetism are introduced at the beginning level with reliance upon students' ability to apply topics introduced in Physics 201. The laboratory provides emphasis on measurements using gas laws and of electric and magnetic fields, DC and AC circuits, and oscilloscope techniques.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont College B2; CSU B1; IGETC 5A Transfers to: CSU, UC (credit limited: see page 30 of course catalog)

 

PHYSICS 203 (was 241)
Light, Optics, and Modern Physics
5 units, 4 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: A C grade or higher or Pass in Physics 202 (or 240) or equivalent. A C grade or higher or Pass or concurrent enrollment in Math 281 or equivalent.
This is the third semester of a three-semester, calculus-level sequence course designed for science, mathematics, physics and engineering students. The topics of wave motion, electromagnetic waves, optics, special relativity and atomic and nuclear physics are introduced at the beginning level with reliance upon ability to apply topics introduced in Physics 140 and 240. The laboratory provides experiments in microwaves, optics, lasers, holography and nuclear counting.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont College B2; CSU B1; IGETC 5A Transfers to: CSU, UC (credit limited: see page 30 of course catalog)

 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE 100
Physical Science for Elementary Education
3 units, 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: A Pass grade in Math 090 or equivalent
This course is an introduction to scientific methodology, with an emphasis on knowledge and understanding of chemistry and physics. It is especially designed for those who are interested in teaching science in a primary school setting in which students must both understand the scientific method and master content in the physical sciences. The connection between physical science and global issues such as energy and environment will be emphasized. Topics to be covered include motion, gravity, heat and energy transfer, light and color, electricity, magnetism, the periodic table, ionic and covalent chemical bonding, chemical nomenclature, chemical reactions, solutions, and nuclear reactions.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont College B2; CSU B1 Transfers to CSU, UC

 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE 110
Introduction to the Physical Sciences
3 units, 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: None
A broad approach to the physical sciences designed primarily for the student who is not majoring in science. Main concepts of such sciences as astronomy, physics, chemistry and the earth sciences will be developed and discussed. Emphasis is on the understanding and significance of fundamental principles. Application of certain concepts to contemporary issues such as energy production and environmental problems will be explored (e.g. nuclear energy). Within this context, the methods and limitations of science will be demonstrated and societal implications will be discussed.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont College B2; CSU B1; IGETC 5A Transfers to: CSU, UC (credit limited: see page 30 of course catalog)

 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE 111
 
Physical Science Laboratory
1 unit, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: A C grade or higher or Pass or concurrent enrollment in Physical Science 110 or equivalent.
Designed to accompany and augment Physical Science 110. An introductory approach to scientific investigation designed primarily for the student who is not majoring in science. The course provides an opportunity to explore a variety of physical materials, phenomena, and concepts such as motion, power, sound, light, solar energy, and radioactivity.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont College B2; CSU B3; IGETC 5A Transfers to: CSU, UC (credit limited: see page 30 of course catalog)

 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE 120
 
Fundamentals of Scientific Computing (M A T L A B)
4 units, 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisites: “C” grade or higher, or “Pass”, in Math 103 or Math 110 or equivalent (Intermediate Algebra).
No previous programming experience necessary.
Problem solving, data manipulation, and visualization using the M A T L A B computing environment. Applications from: physical science, engineering, life sciences, mathematics and statistics. Students will learn to analyze data, write simple algorithms for data processing and simulation, and visualize the results. Topics include: operations and variables; graphics and programming; solving equations and model fitting.
By the end of this course, students will understand the basic principles of implementing scientific concepts in M A T L A B. They will be able to write numerical algorithms and evaluate the computational results using graphical representations.
Satisfies General Education for Grossmont College A3; CSU B4. Transfers to: CSU, UC.

 

ASTRONOMY 110
Descriptive Astronomy
3 units, 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: None
This course enables students to view the historical development of astronomy, to be aware of the tools of astronomy, and to critically analyze collected data to achieve an appreciation of the nature of the universe. This study begins with the ancient concept of the heavens, through medieval investigations of natural laws, and leads to present concepts in planetary systems, stellar evolution, cosmology and exobiology.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont College B2; CSU B1; IGETC 5A Transfers to: CSU, UC

 

ASTRONOMY 112
General Astronomy Laboratory
1 unit, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: A C grade or higher or Pass or concurrent enrollment in Astronomy 110 or equivalent.
Designed to accompany and augment Astronomy 110. Topics can include constellations and astronomical coordinates, astronomical instruments, the solar system, stars and stellar systems, and the Universe. These will be addressed using naked eye and telescope observations, laboratory experiments, computer simulations and calculations.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont College B2; CSU B3; IGETC 5A Transfers to: CSU, UC

 

ASTRONOMY 120
Exploration of the Solar System
3 units, 3 hours lecture - acceptable for ASTR112 laboratory and GE Science requirements for transfer
Prerequisite: None.
This course investigates the origin of our Solar System and how its contents change with time. The course surveys and analyzes the physical properties of solar system contents, including the Sun, planets, moons, rings, comets, and asteroids. Methods of space exploration will be discussed as related to past, current, and future efforts. Topics include: origins of the elements in our solar system, formation and evolution of the solar system; comparative p l a n e t o l o g y (geology and atmospheres), gravitational and thermal effects on solar system objects, space exploration, and recent developments in the search for extrasolar planets.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont College B2; CSU B3; IGETC 5A Transfers to: CSU, UC