Physical Science PSCI

PSCI 101 Physical Science

Units

4

Hours

54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours, 108 contact hours total

Advisory

Completion of ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000H and intermediate algebra or placement by multiple measures.

Transfers to

CSU, UC

Applies to the associate degree or certificates (AVC)

Designed to meet lower division physical science requirements for the non-science major. Introduces basic concepts in physics and chemistry (motion, energy, atoms and chemical reactions) emphasizing concepts with a minimum of math. Especially recommended for students interested in teaching, library science, and humanities.

Offered: Fall 2026 (4 sections)

PSCI 302 Introduction to Quantitative Atmospheric Dynamics and Thermodynamics

Units

3

Hours

54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total

Prerequisite

Completion of MATH 135 and PHYS 101.

Transfers to

CSU

Limitation on enrollment: Must be enrolled in an AVC bachelor's degree program to take this course.

Applies to the associate degree or certificates (AVC)

This course provides a quantitative understanding of general meteorology. It introduces the physics and thermodynamics of the atmosphere to understand the horizontal and vertical transport of atmospheric heat and momentum which are directly related to cyclones, anticyclones, hurricanes, weather fronts, mesoscale disturbances, severe storms, tornadoes, sea and land breezes, atmospheric boundary layer and turbulence. Insight into these mechanisms will be gained through the use of spreadsheet-based calculations by allowing relationships to be studied by plotting the data graphically and then explaining the meaning of those relationships using the graphs. Atmospheric thermodynamic processes will be quantified using various thermodynamic calculations and in some cases, computational diagrams such as the Skew-T and Stüve diagrams.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)