Physics
12 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHYS 101 Introduction to Physics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion of intermediate algebra or the equivalent, or eligibility for, or completion of any course between MATH 110 and 245 (excluding MATH 197, MATH 120, or PSYC/SOC 205, SOC 180, or BUS 204) based on multiple measures.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introductory survey course in classical physics, electricity and magnetism and modern physics. Topics include position, velocity acceleration, momentum, energy, projectile motion, circuits, light, and sound. Physics 101 Lab must be taken at the same time. Not intended for science majors.
PHYS 102 Introduction to Physics (Lecture)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion of intermediate algebra or the equivalent or eligibility or completetion of any course between MATH 110 and MATH 245 (excluding math 197, math 120 or PSYC/SOC 205 ,SOC 180, or BUS 204) based on multiple measures.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introductory survey course in classical and modern physics. Not intended for science majors.
PHYS 120 General Physics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MATH 110 or MATH 110E Recommended Preparation: MATH 115 or MATH 115E
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 105
The fundamental principles of classical mechanics, wave motion, sound, thermodynamics, and fluids.
PHYS 121 General Physics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 120
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- C-ID PHYS 110
A second semester continuation of PHYS 120. The fundamental principles of optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.
PHYS 197 Physics Topics
- Units
- 0.5-5
- Hours
- 0.50-5.00 hours lecture, 1.50-15.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Topics in Physics. See Class Schedule for specific topic offered. Course title will designate subject covered.
PHYS 200 Fundamentals of Physics
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): MATH C2210 or MATH C2210E
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 105
A calculus-based course in classical mechanics, waves, sound, fluids and thermodynamics, with an emphasis on life science pre-professional, and architectural fields.
PHYS 201 Fundamentals of Physics
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 200 Prerequisite: (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): MATH C2210 or MATH C2210E
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 110
A calculus-based course in classical electromagnetism, optics and atomic physics, with an emphasis on life science, pre-professional, and architectural fields.
PHYS 210 Matlab for Science and Engineering
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): MATH C2220 or MATH 141E
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to programming in Matlab, with an emphasis in numerical analysis of basic scientific and engineering problems. Recommended for students that will major in any Physical Science or Engineering degree.
PHYS 230 Principles of Physics
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): MATH C2220 or MATH 141E
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 205
Classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics. Required for students whose major field is physics, chemistry, or engineering. This is the first semester of a three semester sequence.
PHYS 231 Principles of Physics
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 230 Prerequisite: (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): MATH 205
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 210
Classical electromagnetism, electromagnetic waves, and optics. Required for students whose major field is physics, chemistry, or engineering.This is the second semester of a three semester sequence.
PHYS 232 Principles of Physics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 231 or PHYS 201 and MATH 205
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- C-ID PHYS 215
Modern Physics. Required for students whose major field is physics, chemistry, or engineering. This is the third semester of a three-semester sequence.
PHYS 295 Directed Study in Physics
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 3.00-9.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Approval of project or research by department chairperson
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed for the student who has demonstrated a proficiency in physics subjects and the initiative to work independently on a particular sustained project which does not fit into the context of regularly scheduled classes.