Physical Science
8 courses · Butte College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PSC 10 Introduction to Environmental Science
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture, 51 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENVS 100
Introduction to environmental issues from a scientific perspective, focusing on physical, chemical, and biological processes within the Earth system, the interaction between humans and these processes, and the role of science in finding sustainable solutions. Topics include ecological principles, biodiversity, climate change, sustainability, renewable and non-renewable energy, water resources, air and water pollution, and solid waste management. The concepts will be reinforced with an integrated laboratory program. (C-ID ENVS 100).
PSC 11 Earth Science with Lab
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture, 51 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 121
An introduction to the essentials of Earth Science with a laboratory. Topics include the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and solar system. This course focuses on the interactions between physical and chemical systems of the Earth such as the tectonic cycle, rock cycle, hydrologic cycle, weather and climate. (C-ID GEOL 121).
PSC 12 Concepts in Physical Science
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture, 51 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Intermediate Algebra or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 140
This course is an investigation of basic principles of physics and chemistry including matter, physical and chemical properties, energy, motion, light, atomic structure, bonding, solutions and chemical reactions. The inter-dependence of chemistry and physics will be emphasized. This course is intended for non-science majors. (C-ID PHYS 140).
PSC 27 Survey of the Universe
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a survey of our current understanding of the physical Universe. Consideration will range in length scales from the sub-atomic to large clusters of galaxies as well as time scales from the earliest universe through today and into the future. Broad topics will include a foundational example of how we construct knowledge of places we cannot currently visit (the cosmic distance ladder), what stars are and how they evolve, the evolution and current structure of our solar system, current thinking on the probability of extraterrestrial life and models for the evolution of matter in the universe and its ultimate fate. Along the way students will explore cosmic phenomena such as neutron stars, black holes, supernovae, dark matter and the mysterious dark energy.
PSC 50 Introduction to Weather
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to modern meteorology. Topics include air circulation, pressure and wind, temperature, moisture, fronts, storm systems, cloud types and air stability. The course will also include an introduction to interpreting weather maps, synoptic weather forecasting, and climate change. Math will be used at times during this course but emphasis will be on a conceptual understanding of basic meteorology. It is highly recommended that students also enroll in PSC 51.
PSC 51 Weather Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 51 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PSC 50 (or concurrent enrollment)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course will emphasize the practical concepts of physical science and weather using demonstration and experimentation. Topics include the scientific method, Newton's laws of motion, heat and energy transfer, the gas law, and fluid dynamics. Other experiments will demonstrate weather observation techniques, collection and analysis of atmospheric data, weather map study, cloud identification, interpretation of satellite imagery, and basic forecasting skills. This course may include a field trip to a local forecasting facility.
PSC 53 Natural Disasters and Hazards
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides an introduction to the hazards created by the earth's natural and physical processes and covers a broad scientific understanding of earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornados, flooding, wildfires and other disasters. Other topics will include threats from the earth's changing climate and potential impacts from asteroids and comets. Atmospheric and geological processes that create these catastrophes will also be discussed. The concept of science and the scientific method will be introduced and applied to the course material.
PSC 95 Special Studies-PSC
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 51-153 hours independent study
- Prerequisite
- Permission of instructor
- Transfers to
- CSU
Supervised study in researching an area in the student's academic major. Any student interested in registering for a Special Studies course should contact a full-time instructor or chair/coordinator in the appropriate area no later than the last day of the tenth week of instruction. Students may not petition for a Special Studies course until they have completed satisfactorily 12 units of study at Butte College. 51-153 hours Independent Study. This course may be repeated to a maximum of 3.00 units to complete the entire curriculum of the course.