Physics - PHYS
5 courses · Bakersfield College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHYS B2A General Physics-Mechanics and Heat
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of MATH B1B or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 105, PHYS 100S
This course is the first in a two-course trigonometry-based series intended for students not majoring in physics or engineering but needing a one-year course in physics as a requirement for their major program. In this course, students will study the properties of matter, mechanics, and heat. This class emphasizes understanding laws, principles, and theories governing the physical universe.
PHYS B2B General Physics - Sound, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, Modern Physics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of PHYS B2A or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 110, PHYS 100S
This course is the second in a two-course algebra/trigonometry-based general physics sequence required of many science, pre-medical, and other pre-professional, and technical majors. In this course, students will study electricity and magnetism, geometrical and physical optics, quantum physics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, and relativity. This course emphasizes principles, laws, and problem solving as well as their application in experiments.
PHYS B4A Mechanics and Wave Motion
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of MATH B6A or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
- Advisory
- Concurrent Enrollment in MATH B6B is highly recommended as MATH B6B is a prerequisite of PHYS B4B, the next course in the PHYS B4 series.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 205, PHYS 200S
This course is the first in a sequence of three semester courses required of physics, engineering, and other majors requiring a thorough physics background. In this course, students will learn fundamental principles in physics which relate to mechanics. Students will study vectors, kinematics, dynamics, momentum, energy, rotation, gravitation, oscillations, fluids, and wave motion.
PHYS B4B Heat, Electricity, Magnetism
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of MATH B6B or equivalent with a grade of C or better. AND Successful completion of PHYS B4A or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
- Advisory
- It is recommended for some majors to take MATH B6C concurrently with PHYS B4B. Though it is not required, several concepts are covered in both courses and some majors (e.g. Physics, Engineering) will need to complete the Calculus 1-3 series for their degree.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 210, PHYS 200S
This course is the second of a three-course calculus-based physics sequence required of physics, engineering, and other majors requiring a thorough physics background. In this course, students will study thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, AC circuits, and other electromagnetic phenomena. Key components of this class include the defining of physical principles and laws associated with these areas of physics as well as their application in experiments and problem-solving.
PHYS B4C Optics and Modern Physics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of PHYS B4B or equivalent with a grade of C or better. AND Successful completion of MATH B6B or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
- Advisory
- Completion of second semester calculus (MATH B6B or equivalent) and concurrent enrollment in third semester calculus (MATH B6C or equivalent).
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 215, PHYS 200S
This course is the third of a three-course calculus-based physics sequence required of physics, engineering, and other majors requiring a thorough physics background. In this course, students will study geometric and physical optics, relativity, quantum physics, quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular physics, and nuclear physics. Key components of this class include the defining of physical principles and laws associated with these areas of physics, as well as their application in experiments and problem-solving.