Physics
15 courses · College of the Desert · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
PH 001 Introductory Physics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MATH 054.
- Advisory
- ENG 061.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts, theories, and principles of physics. Topics include mechanics, properties of matter, heat, electricity and magnetism, waves, and modern physics. Note: This course is designed for students in general education who need to satisfy a laboratory requirement in the physical sciences, and for those in technical programs who need an introduction to physical concepts.
PH 002A College Physics I
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MATH 005 ENG 061.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
- C-ID
- PHYS 100S, PHYS 105
This is an algebra and trigonometry-based physics course designed for majors not seeking a degree in the sciences or engineering. This course is the first semester of the Physics 2 sequence. Topics include mechanics, sound, fluids, thermodynamics, and wave motion. This course is offered in the Fall semester of even-numbered years. (C-ID PHYS 100S; PHYS 105)
PH 002B College Physics II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- PH 002A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
- C-ID
- PHYS 110, PHYS 100S
This is an algebra and trigonometry-based physics course designed for majors not seeking a degree in the sciences or engineering. This course is the second semester of the Physics 2 sequence. Topics include electricity, magnetism, optics, and selected topics from modern physics. This course is offered in the Spring semester of odd-numbered years. Note: The physics 2 sequence satisfies the physics requirement for some pre-professional students. (C-ID PHYS 110; PHYS 100S)
PH 003A Engineering Physics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MATH 001A.
- Advisory
- ENG 001A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
- C-ID
- PHYS 205
This is the first semester of the three-semester calculus-based physics sequence for scientists and engineers including those entering the computer fields. Topics include mechanics, wave motion, and sound. (C-ID PHYS 205)
PH 003B Engineering Physics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- PH 003A MATH 001B or concurrent enrollment.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
- C-ID
- PHYS 210
This is the second semester of the calculus-based physics sequence for scientists and engineers including those entering the computer fields. Topics include electricity, magnetism, and thermodynamics. (C-ID PHYS 210)
PH 003C Engineering Physics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- PH 003B.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
- C-ID
- PHYS 215
This is the third semester of the calculus-based physics sequence for scientists and engineers including those entering the computer fields. Topics include electromagnetic waves, geometric and physical optics, relativity, quantum physics, and the physics of atoms, nuclei, and elementary particles. (C-ID PHYS 215)
PH 006A Electric Circuits for Engineering & Science
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MATH 001A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is the first semester of a one year course designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of the theoretical background and experimental application of modern electronic devices and circuitry. It covers basic electronic concepts, solid state devices such as diodes and transistors, and an introduction to basic analog and digital circuit design and analysis emphasizing practical applications, including Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's laws; nodal and loop analysis; analysis of linear circuits; network theorems; transients in RLC circuits; sinusoidal steady-state analysis and application of PSPICE to circuit analysis. (Equivalent to ENGR 006A.)
PH 011 Statics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- PH 003A & MATH 001B.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to the analysis of forces on engineering structures in equilibrium. Vector analysis is utilized to study two- and three-dimensional frames, machines, and trusses. Principles of friction, centroids, center of gravity, and moment of inertia for areas and masses are applied to analyze complex real-world problems. (Equivalent to ENGR 011.)
PH 012 Dynamics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- ENGR 011 or PH 011.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is intended for engineering majors planning to transfer to four-year institutions. It covers the fundamentals of kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies. Topics include kinematics of particle motion, Newton's Second Law, planar and three dimensional motion of rigid bodies, momentum and energy principles for rigid body motion, and an introduction to vibrations and oscillations. (Equivalent to ENGR 012.)
PH 017 Introduction to Meteorology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MATH 054.
- Advisory
- ENG 061.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 130
This course includes the study of the earth's atmosphere, its composition and vertical structure, energy budgets, air pollution and global warming, clouds and precipitation, weather systems and forecasting, severe weather, and atmospheric optics. (C-ID GEOG 130)
PH 017L Introduction to Meteorology Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MATH 054 & ENG 061.
- Corequisite
- PH 017 or previously completed.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This laboratory course is designed to reinforce and enhance the material covered in PH 017, Introduction to Meteorology. It includes activities about the earth's atmosphere, energy budgets, air pollution and global warming, clouds and precipitation, weather systems and forecasting, and severe weather.
PH 020A Physics for Life Sciences Majors I
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MATH 001A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a calculus-based physics course designed for life science majors and transfers. This course is the first semester of the two semester Physics 20 sequence. Topics include mechanics, simple harmonic motion, fluids, and thermodynamics. This course is offered in Fall semesters.
PH 020B Physics for Life Sciences Majors II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- PH 020A MATH 001B or concurrent enrollment.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 100 S and PHYS 110
This is a calculus-based physics course designed for majors not seeking a degree in the sciences or engineering. This course is the second semester of the Physics 20 sequence. Topics include electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, and selected topics from modern physics. This course is offered in the Spring semester of odd-numbered years. Note: The Physics 20 sequence satisfies the physics requirement for some pre-professional students. (C-ID PHYS 100 S and PHYS 110)
PH 031 Undergraduate Research Experience
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- PH 003B.
- Advisory
- LIS 001.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Under the supervision of STEM faculty, students will select a project to be completed during the semester. Topics will include information retrieval, computer skills applied to laboratory research, time management and organizational skills, application of modern research methods, experimental design, data collection and analysis, presentation skills (written and oral), and applying for summer internship opportunities. This course is intended for students pursuing a STEM degree and who have completed a minimum of 35 college level units.
PH 095A Physics Work Experience
- Units
- 1-5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 270
- Transfers to
- CSU
This work experience course of supervised employment provides students the opportunity to connect academics to applied experiential learning in the workplace. It assists students in developing transferable employability skills, career awareness, learning industry culture, competencies and norms, and developing professional networks that support career mobility. To enroll, students must have a job or internship placement in a part-time or full-time capacity. Credit may be accrued at the rate of one to five (1-5) units per semester based on the student's ability to meet the hours required per unit enrolled. Students must work 54 hours per unit earned. This Work Experience course is available to students whose job or internship placement is directly related to Physics.