Physics
Associate of Arts or Science (AA/AS) Physics · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
Physics is the foundation discipline which must be incorporated into the education of anyone preparing for a career in engineering, or science. It is equally true for the non-scientist having the responsibility to make meaningful decisions in society — the citizen in politics, the business person or social scientist who deals with problems of a society strongly linked to technology based on application of physical principles. A truly educated person preparing for life in the 21st century can hardly afford not to be aware of the statements of contemporary physics.
Requirements
Associate Degree Graduation Requirements
Complete all of the following:
- All Major Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the major requirements must be completed through SBCC).
- One of the following General Education options:
- OPTION 1: SBCC General Education pattern OR
- OPTION 2: Cal-GETC pattern
- A minimum of 60 semester units of degree-applicable college credit (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher and C1000 and higher).
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in degree-applicable coursework.
- A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Core | ||
| CHEM 155 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 156 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| CS 105 | Programming Methodology | 3-4 |
| orCS 107 | Computer Architecture and Organization | |
| orCS 137 | C Programming | |
| orCS 140 | Object-Oriented Programming Using C++ | |
| MATH 150 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 5 |
| MATH 160 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 5 |
| MATH 200 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 210 | Linear Algebra | 4 |
| MATH 220 | Differential Equations | 4 |
| PHYS 121 | Mechanics Of Solids And Fluids | 5 |
| PHYS 122 | Electricity and Magnetism | 5 |
| PHYS 123 | Heat, Light and Modern Physics | 5 |
| Total Units | 50.00-51.00 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency, both conceptually and mathematically with calculus, in solving static and dynamic mechanical problems involving both solids and fluids.
- Demonstrate proficiency, both conceptually and mathematically with calculus, in solving mechanical wave problems.
- Demonstrate proficiency, both conceptually and mathematically with calculus, in solving thermodynamic problems.
- Demonstrate proficiency, both conceptually and mathematically with calculus, in solving electric, magnetic and electromagnetic problems.
- Demonstrate proficiency, both conceptually and mathematically with calculus, in solving ray and wave optics problems.
- Demonstrate proficiency, both conceptually and mathematically with calculus, in solving modern physics problems.
- Demonstrate proficiency in construction and assembly of experimental apparatuses; conduct and analyze measurements of physical phenomena; assess experimental uncertainty; make meaningful comparisons between experiment and theory; and interpret results.
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.