Physics
12 courses · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHYS 19 Introductory Physics Preparation
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 24-27 hours lab
This course is designed for students that could benefit from a math review and introduction to physics concepts before beginning their first course in physics (General Physics I or Mechanics). The focus is on problem solving, mathematical processes, unit conversions, vector operations, and modeling physical systems. This course will not replace a failing grade in General Physics I or Mechanics. The course will not satisfy the prerequisite for any physics sequence (General Physics I or Mechanics).
PHYS 100 Introductory Physics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better or appropriate placement based on California Title 5 regulations.
This course is designed for transfer-level students or for those wanting to acquire basic knowledge in physics with a minimum preparation in mathematics. A comprehensive coverage of subject matter in physics is presented, including mechanics, wave motions, thermodynamics, optics, electromagnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. Emphasis is on the conceptual aspects, including explanation of natural phenomena. Concepts are reinforced through laboratory work.
PHYS 125 General Physics
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 64 - 72 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MATH 104 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or MATH 116 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introductory survey of the concepts and principles of physics. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the properties of matter, mechanics, heat, and sound. This course is intended for students taking liberal arts and/or pre-professional courses that do not require physics with calculus.
PHYS 126 General Physics II
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 64 - 72 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 125 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This second course in a two-part introductory survey explores the concepts and principles of physics. Topics include electricity, magnetism, light, and modern physics. This course is intended for students taking liberal arts and/or pre-professional courses that do not require physics with calculus.
PHYS 180A General Physics I
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 64 - 72 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MATH 121 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or MATH 150 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introductory survey of the concepts and principles of physics. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the properties of matter, mechanics, heat and sound in order to make calculations and solve fundamental physics problems. This course is designed for students interested in biological sciences.
PHYS 180B General Physics II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 64 - 72 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 180A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introductory survey of the concepts and principles of physics. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the properties of electricity, magnetism, light and modern physics in order to make calculations and solve fundamental physics problems. This course is designed for students interested in biological sciences.
PHYS 181A General Physics Laboratory I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: PHYS 180A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This laboratory course is a hands-on study of the properties of matter, mechanics, heat and sound through laboratory experiments. This course is designed for students interested in the biological sciences.
PHYS 181B General Physics Laboratory II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 180A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: PHYS 180B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This laboratory course is a hands-on study of the principles of electricity, magnetism, light and modern physics through laboratory experiments. This course is designed for students interested in the biological sciences.
PHYS 195 Mechanics
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 64 - 72 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MATH 150 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: MATH 151 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the first of a three-semester calculus-based general physics sequence designed for scientists and engineers. Topics include linear kinematics, Newton's Laws, energy, rotational kinematics, rigid-body rotation, momentum, fluid mechanics, gravity, oscillatory motion, and thermodynamics. This course is intended for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering.
PHYS 196 Electricity and Magnetism
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 64 - 72 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 195 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and MATH 151 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- MATH 252 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the second course of a three-semester calculus-based general physics sequence. Topics include the basic principles and applications of electrostatics; magnetostatics; time-varying electric and magnetic phenomena; direct and alternating current circuits; elementary electronics; and electromagnetic waves. Emphasis is placed on the mathematical analysis of physical problems. Laboratory work on various aspects of electric and magnetic phenomena emphasizing direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) circuits is included. This course is intended for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering.
PHYS 197 Waves, Optics and Modern Physics
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 64 - 72 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 196 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the third semester of a three semester calculus-based Physics course designed for prospective scientists and engineers. Topics include the fundamental principles of physics of waves, the behavior of light, and an introduction to relativity, quantum physics and the atomic and nuclear properties of matter.
PHYS 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
This course is designed for students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project, or learning activities in the field of physics. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as: preparing problem analyses, engaging in primary research, preparing reports, and meeting with the instructor at specific intervals.