# Physical Science (PHS) courses

Lake Tahoe Community College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 3 courses

Source: https://ltcc.elumenapp.com/catalog/2026-2027/department/physical-science

"Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027.

### PHS 102 — Survey of Concepts in Chemistry and Physics

- **Units:** 5
- **Hours:** 4 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 84 contact hours total
- **Prerequisite:** MAT 152B with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent.
- **C-ID:** PHYS 140
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section listed as PHS-102 (/c/lake-tahoe-community-college/schedule/spring-2027/phs.md)
- LTCC- Local General Education Curriculum: Area 5: Physical Science
- CSU General Education Curriculum: Area B1: Physical Universe
- IGETC Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum: Area 5A: Physical Science
- 25/26 - Local General Education Curriculum: Area 5: Physical & Biological Sciences
- Cal-GETC: Area 5A: Physical Science

This course investigates the basic principles of physics and chemistry including matter, physical and chemical properties, energy, motion, light, atomic structure, bonding, solutions, and chemical reactions. The interdependence of chemistry and physics will be emphasized. This course is intended for non-science majors. *UC unit/course limit

### PHS 111 — Astronomy

- **Units:** 4
- **Hours:** 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules
- LTCC- Local General Education Curriculum: Area 5: Physical Science
- CSU General Education Curriculum: Area B1: Physical Universe
- IGETC Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum: Area 5A: Physical Science
- 25/26 - Local General Education Curriculum: Area 5: Physical & Biological Sciences
- Cal-GETC: Area 5A: Physical Science

This course presents a broad view of astronomy and its importance to humanity, without complex mathematics. Topics include our planetary system, stars and stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology (the Big Bang and possible fate of the universe.) Telescope viewing of the night sky will be included. *UC unit/course limit

### PHS 117 — Oceanography

- **Units:** 5
- **Hours:** 4 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 84 contact hours total
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Winter 2027, 1 section listed as PHS-117 (/c/lake-tahoe-community-college/schedule/winter-2027/phs.md)
- LTCC- Local General Education Curriculum: Area 5: Physical Science
- CSU General Education Curriculum: Area B1: Physical Universe
- IGETC Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum: Area 5A: Physical Science
- 25/26 - Local General Education Curriculum: Area 5: Physical & Biological Sciences
- Cal-GETC: Area 5A: Physical Science

This course is an introduction to the marine environment. Students will explore the physical and biological characteristics of the world's oceans. Areas of emphasis will include ocean basin geology, waves and tides, ocean circulation, coastal features and processes, marine ecology, ocean flora and fauna, and human/environmental pressures. *UC unit/course limit