Physics 2.0

Associate in Science for Transfer School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog

The Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer degree is designed for students planning on transferring to a California State University (CSU). Upon completion of the transfer associate degree, the student is eligible for transfer with junior standing into the California State University system. Students will be given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college area of emphasis.

The Physics curriculum is designed to meet the lower division requirements of most universities offering a major in physics. This curriculum, combined with the upper division curriculum required at a university, could lead to careers in fields such as astronomer, engineer, geophysicist, mathematician, research scientist, as well as a physicist. People trained in these disciplines are employed in research companies as well as with different governmental agencies.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

A.      Solve application problems using appropriate physics/physical/mathematical principles and express their answers in appropriate form.

B.      Assess the nature of and the casual relationships to the situation and use appropriate tools and technology to analyze and measure the behavior.

C.      Apply the language of physics to communicate their knowledge of physics principles in oral and written form.

D.      Deduce the properties, outcome, mathematical or physical result of a physical situation.

E.      Relate applications to other scientific, technological, or society areas.

For an Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer (AS-T), students must complete the following:

  1. 60 semester CSU-transferable units.

  2. the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)

  3. a minimum of 18 semester units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district.

  4. obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

  5. earn a grade of C (or P) or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis

Note: Students are not required to complete any additional local graduation requirements for the AS-T (e.g., PE and Computer and Information Literacy courses).

Program Requirements:

Program Core: (32-34 Units)

CourseTitleUnits
PHYS-04APhysics I4
PHYS-04BPhysics II4
PHYS-04CPhysics III4
MATH-C2210Calculus I: Early Transcendentals45
orMATH-C2210ECalculus I: Early Transcendentals - Embedded Support
MATH-C2220Calculus II: Early Transcendentals4
MATH-04CMultivariable Calculus4
MATH-06Elementary Differential Equations335
MATH-08Multivariable Calculus
orMATH-05Differential Equations and Linear Algebra
CPSC-06Programming Concepts and Methodology I33
orCPSC-14C++ Programming
Total Units toward the Major32-34

Total Units that may be double counted: (7 Units)

General Education (Cal-GETC) Units: (34 Units)

Elective (CSU Transferable) Units: (5-7 Units)

Total Degree Units: (66 Units)

View in the original catalog

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