Physical Science
Associate of Science Physical Science · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Natural Sciences Division www.elcamino.edu/academics/naturalsciences
The physical science program provides students the opportunity to investigate diverse methods of inquiry by experiencing courses from a cross section of science disciplines. Students will develop critical thinking skills, learn to communicate effectively in writing, and acquire an understanding of major scientific concepts. Through course options, students will use mathematical concepts to solve problems and employ methods of scientific inquiry to understand the world around them. Completion of the degree requirements will prepare students with the skills and resources needed to facilitate academic and career decisions. Competencies will be assessed through regularly scheduled theory and laboratory examinations.
Required Core: 7-10 units
Complete one of the following two-semester sequences:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 1A | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 1B | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| orPHYS 1A | Mechanics of Solids | 4 |
| PHYS 1B | Fluids, Heat and Sound | 3 |
| PHYS 1A 4 units | ||
| PHYS 1C | Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
| orPHYS 2A | General Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 2B | General Physics | 4 |
| orPHYS 3A | General Physics with Calculus | 5 |
| PHYS 3B | General Physics with Calculus | 5 |
10-13 units from:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ASTR 12 | Astronomy Laboratory | 1 |
| ASTR 20 | The Solar System | 3 |
| orASTR 20H | Honors The Solar System | 3 |
| ASTR 25 | Stars and Galaxies | 3 |
| orASTR 25H | Honors Stars and Galaxies | 3 |
| CHEM 4 | Beginning Chemistry | 5 |
| orCHEM 4H | Honors Beginning Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 7A | Organic Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 7B | Organic Chemistry II | 5 |
| CSCI 1 | Problem Solving and Program Design Using C++ | 4 |
| GEOG 1 | Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOL 1 | Physical Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 2 | History of Planet Earth | 3 |
| GEOL 3 | Physical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOL 4 | History of Planet Earth Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOL 15 | Natural Disasters | 3 |
| MATH 180 | Precalculus | 5 |
| MATH 190 | Single Variable Calculus and Analytic Geometry I | 5 |
| MATH 191 | Single Variable Calculus and Analytic Geometry II | 5 |
| MATH 220 | Multi-Variable Calculus | 5 |
| MATH 270 | Differential Equations with Linear Algebra | 5 |
| OCEA 10 | Introduction to Oceanography | 4 |
| orOCEA 10H | Honors Introduction to Oceanography | 4 |
| PHYS 1C | Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
| PHYS 1D | Optics and Modern Physics | 4 |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
| orSTAT C1000H | Introduction to Statistics - Honors | 4 |
Total Major Units: 20
GE Patterns
Complete one of the following:
ECC GE: 24 units
Required for local degrees (AA and AS).
Cal-GETC: 34 units
Required for transfer degrees (AA-T and AS-T).
Electives
As needed to reach a minimum of 60 degree-applicable units.
Minimum Degree Total: 60 units