# Physical Science (PSCI) courses

Cuesta College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 5 courses

Source: https://cuesta.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/29980/29981/30052

"Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Summer 2026, Fall 2026.

### PSCI 210 — ENERGY AND MATTER

- **Units:** 4
- **Hours:** 6 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- **Prerequisite:** Intermediate algebra or eligibility for college-level math using the current college process.
- **C-ID:** CHEM 140
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** not on the Summer 2026, Fall 2026 schedules
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Letter Grade or P/NP

Investigates basic principles of physics and chemistry. This activity-based course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of physical science with emphasis on their practical importance and application in the real world. Designed for non-science majors, concepts are introduced in lab through inquiry and further developed during discussion.

### PSCI 211 — EARTH SCIENCE

- **Units:** 4
- **Hours:** 6 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- **Prerequisite:** Elementary algebra or eligibility for college-level math using the current college process.
- **C-ID:** GEOL 121
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/cuesta-college/schedule/fall-2026/psci.md)
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Letter Grade or P/NP

Introduces the essentials of Earth Science including a laboratory component. 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.

### PSCI 220 — ENERGY, ELECTRICITY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT

- **Units:** 0.5
- **Hours:** 1 hours per week: (0.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours/1.00 activity hours/0.00 work experience hours)
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Summer 2026, 1 section (/c/cuesta-college/schedule/summer-2026/psci.md)
- Credit - Not Degree Applicable
- Letter Grade or P/NP

Introduces students to basic theoretical and practical concepts in electrical energy production, measurements, usage, and storage. Provides opportunities to research and analyze potential environmental impacts related to the methods in which energy is produced.

### PSCI 242 — PHYSICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH ASSISTANT

- **Units:** 0.5 to 2
- **Hours:** 0.5 to 2 hours per week: (0.50 - 2.00 lecture hours/0.00 - 0.00 lab hours/0.00 - 0.00 activity hours)
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** not on the Summer 2026, Fall 2026 schedules
- Limitations on Enrollment: Enrollment requires panel review of student research goals involving two or more faculty
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Letter Grade or P/NP

Applies principles and methods of research in any of the various disciplines encompassed by the physical sciences.

### PSCI 295 — UNDERGRADUATE STEM SEMINAR

- **Units:** 1 to 2
- **Hours:** 1 to 2 hours per week: (1.00 - 2.00 lecture hours/0.00 - 0.00 lab hours/0.00 - 0.00 activity hours)
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** not on the Summer 2026, Fall 2026 schedules
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Letter Grade or P/NP

Introduces students to a variety of STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) using a seminar format. Explores a broad range of academic and career opportunities in STEM. Emphasizes professional and personal skills for success in STEM. Same as ANTH 295, BIO 295, ENGR 295, MATH 295.