Physics
6 courses · Gavilan College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHYS 1 Introduction to Physics
- Units
- 4
- Advisory
- Skills equivalent to those in an Elementary Algebra course
This course is an introduction to the fundamental physical principles that control the world around us. Students will explore the fundamental principles of physics, their historical development, their application to everyday phenomena, and their impact upon political, social, and environmental issues. Laboratory exercises will explore the everyday world. ADVISORY: Skills equivalent to those in an Elementary Algebra course.
PHYS 2A General Physics I
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- MATH 8A. High-school level reading and writing skills strongly recommended
- C-ID
- PHYS 105
An introduction to the principles of physics using algebra and trigonometry. Topics include kinematics in one and two dimensions, vectors, equilibrium and non-equilibrium applications of Newton's Laws, work and energy, momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, simple harmonic motion, elasticity, thermal physics, thermodynamics, and waves. PREREQUISITE: MATH 8A. High-school level reading and writing skills strongly recommended. (C-ID: PHYS 105), (C-ID: PHYS 100S: PHYS 2A + PHYS 2B)
PHYS 2B General Physics II
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 2A with a grade of 'C' or better. High-school level reading and writing skills strongly recommended
- C-ID
- PHYS 110
An introduction to the principles of physics using algebra and trigonometry. Topics include electricity and magnetism, light and optics, modern physics, and an introduction to relativity. PREREQUISITE: PHYS 2A with a grade of 'C' or better. High-school level reading and writing skills strongly recommended. (C-ID: PHYS 110) (C-ID: PHYS 100S: PHYS 2A + PHYS 2B)
PHYS 4A Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Completion of MATH 1A with a grade of 'C' or better
- Corequisite
- MATH 1B
- Advisory
- A year of high school physics or PHYS 1 or PHYS 2A
- C-ID
- PHYS 205
An introduction to the principles of physics using calculus. Topics include kinematics in one, two and three dimensions, vectors, equilibrium and non-equilibrium applications of Newton's Laws, work and energy, momentum, systems of particles, rotational kinematics and dynamics, properties of materials, and fluid mechanics. (C-ID: PHYS 205) (C-ID: PHYS 200S: Phys 4A + Phys 4B + Phys 4C) PREREQUISITE: Completion of MATH 1A with a grade of 'C' or better. CO-REQUISITE: MATH 1B. ADVISORY: A year of high school physics or PHYS 1 or PHYS 2A.
PHYS 4B Physics for Scientists and Engineers II
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHYS 4A and MATH 1B with grades of 'C' or better
- Corequisite
- MATH 1C
- C-ID
- PHYS 210
An introduction to the principles of physics using calculus. Topics include oscillations, charge, electric fields, Gauss' Law, electric potential, capacitance, current and resistance, circuit analysis, magnetic fields, Ampere's Law, Faraday's Law and Maxwell’s equations (C-ID: PHYS 210) (C-ID: PHYS 200S: Phys 4A + Phys 4B + Phys 4C) PREREQUISITE: Completion of PHYS 4A and MATH 1B with grades of 'C' or better. CO-REQUISITE: MATH 1C.
PHYS 4C Physics for Scientists and Engineers III
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHYS 4A and MATH 1B with grades of 'C' or better
- Corequisite
- MATH 1C
- C-ID
- PHYS 215
An introduction to the principles of physics using calculus. Topics include waves, sound, optics, interference, diffraction, thermal energy, the Laws of Thermodynamics, the kinetic theory of gases, an introduction to special relativity and selected topics from modern physics. (C-ID: PHYS 215) (C-ID: PHYS 200S: Phys 4A + Phys 4B + Phys 4C) PREREQUISITE: Completion of PHYS 4A and MATH 1B with grades of 'C' or better. CO-REQUISITE: MATH 1C.