Physics
7 courses · Santiago Canyon College · 2025-2026 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026
PHYS 100 Conceptual Physics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A conceptual introduction to physics. Topics include: mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Recommended for all students interested in a conceptual approach to physics or students planning to take more advanced courses in physics.
PHYS 150AC Introductory Physics I - Calculus
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- MATH 180 (Single Variable Calculus I) or MATH 180H (Honors Single Variable Calculus I)
- Corequisite
- PHYS 150A (Introductory Physics I)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course expands on the topics covered in Physics 150A by adding the application of calculus to problems in physics. Topics will include motion graphs, motion with non-constant acceleration, variable forces, wave motion, and thermodynamics.
PHYS 150B Introductory Physics II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 150A (Introductory Physics I)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A trigonometry-based physics course. Topics include: light, electricity, magnetism and modern physics. Students that have successfully completed Physics 211 at Santa Ana College may not enroll in Physics 150B.
PHYS 150BC Introductory Physics II - Calculus
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 150A (Introductory Physics I) and PHYS 150AC (Introductory Physics I - Calculus)
- Corequisite
- PHYS 150B (Introductory Physics II)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course expands on the topics covered in Physics 150B by adding the application of calculus to problems in physics. Topics will include electric fields, Gauss' Law, Ampere's Law, Faraday's Law, light, and quantum mechanics.
PHYS 250A Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 126 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- MATH 180 (Single Variable Calculus I) or MATH 180H (Honors Single Variable Calculus I)
- Advisory
- PHYS 100 (Conceptual Physics)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Principles of classical mechanics including particle dynamics, forces, work, energy, momentum, rotational motion, equilibrium, harmonic motion, gravity and fluid dynamics. This course is designed for students majoring in physical sciences and engineering.
PHYS 250B Physics for Scientists and Engineers II
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 126 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- MATH 185 (Single Variable Calculus II) and PHYS 250A (Physics for Scientists and Engineers I)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduces the basic principles of thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism. The main topics are the laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, electro-magnetic induction, and Maxwell’s equations. This course is designed for students majoring in physical sciences and engineering.
PHYS 250C Physics for Scientists and Engineers III
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 126 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 250B (Physics for Scientists and Engineers II)
- Advisory
- MATH 280 (Intermediate Calculus)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduces the basic principles of mechanical waves, sound, light, geometrical and wave optics, special relativity and quantum mechanics. This course is designed for students majoring in physical sciences and engineering.