# Liberal Arts and Sciences: Science Studies-Physics (Associate of Arts Degree)

San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Physics

Source: https://sdccd.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/17540/18643/18644/17541/17661

### Summary

The Science Studies–Physics is intended to help students prepare for possible majors within a physics-related major. Common university majors in this field include: Physics, Chemical Physics, and Physiological Science. This degree is designed to accommodate the differing requirements of a wide variety of transfer institutions and major options. Because admission and major preparation requirements vary at each transfer institution, courses used to complete this major must be selected with the assistance of a San Diego Mesa College counselor.

Liberal Arts and Sciences associate degrees require a minimum of 60 transferable units to a California State University, University of California, or a private/independent college or university.

**Award Note:**
The Associate Degree requires a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units.

**Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Liberal Arts and Sciences: Science Studies-Physics Program will be able to:**

1.  Think critically by analyzing problems, weighing evidence, and drawing conclusions. The student will utilize both inductive and deductive reasoning in these efforts.
2.  Articulate critical thinking outcomes in writing.
3.  Assess the value of technology in the endeavor to understand the natural world. In laboratory settings, the student will employ technology in the gathering of evidence about the natural world and in the analysis of that evidence.
4.  Demonstrate understanding of the impact of science on the environment and on society.

### Requirements

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR:** | | 15 |
| PHYS 195 | Mechanics | 5 |
| PHYS 196 | Electricity and Magnetism | 5 |
| PHYS 197 | Waves, Optics and Modern Physics | 5 |
| **Select a minimum of 3 units:** | | 3 |
| MATH 150 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 5 |
| MATH 151 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| MATH 252 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry III | 4 |
| CHEM 200 | General Chemistry I - Lecture | 3 |
| CHEM 200L | General Chemistry I - Laboratory | 2 |