IGETC Area 5A: Physical Science

Physical Geology explores the processes that are shaping Earth today. It examines the formation of rocks and mineral resources, the volcanic and tectonic activity that accompany release of Earth's internal heat, and the sculpting of the planet's surface that occurs as air, water and ice move in response to gravity and energy from the Sun. Lab activities include identification of rocks and minerals, interpretation of topographic and geologic maps, and field studies of regional geologic features.

Physical Geology explores the processes that are shaping Earth today. It examines the formation of rocks and mineral resources, the volcanic and tectonic activity that accompany release of Earth's internal heat, and the sculpting of the planet's surface that occurs as air, water and ice move in response to gravity and energy from the Sun. Lab activities include identification of rocks and minerals, interpretation of topographic and geologic maps, and field studies of regional geologic features.

Historical Geology explores how Earth and the life it supports have changed through time. Geologic principles are used to reconstruct the planet's origin and the events that have modified the physical environment, whereas fossils are used to trace the history of life and discover how natural selection and environmental change have shaped living communities. Lab exercises include the identification of rocks and fossils, map interpretation, and field study of regional geologic history.

An introductory course emphasizing the principles and practices of chemistry for the student having no prior background in chemistry. Not open to students currently enrolled in or who have received credit for CHEM 100. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Lab : 3 hours weekly.

A study of the principles and theories of chemistry. Topics include the kinetic molecular theory of matter, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding, gases and stoichiometry. Experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis emphasizing the collection and interpretation of data are covered in the lab. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.

A continuation of Chemistry 150, emphasizing the development of the principles and theories of chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics and electro-chemistry, including an introduction to modern means of instrumental analysis. The laboratory consists of experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.

CHEM 180 focuses on organic compounds and current methods used in the laboratory to synthesize, analyze, and purify. This course discusses physical properties, reactivity, structure, and synthesis of organic compounds and their derivatives during lecture three hours a week. Each week, there are six hours of laboratory time in which gas-chromatography (GC), infrared radiation (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic methods are used to analyze while crystallization, extraction, sublimation, and multiple methods of distillation will be used to purify the various compounds synthesized throughout the experiments. This course is designed for biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, medical, pharmacy, and other majors that require a more intensive course than CHEM 140 when transferring to a four-year institution, or preparing for entrance examinations in the fields of dentistry, medicine, or pharmacy. Total 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

CHEM 181 continues to focus on derivatives of organic compounds and current methods used in the laboratory to synthesize, analyze, and purify. This course discusses physical properties, reactivity, structure, and synthesis of organic compounds and even more derivatives during lecture three hours a week. Each week, there are six hours of laboratory time in which gas chromatography (GC), infrared radiation (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic methods are used to analyze while crystallization, extraction, sublimation, and multiple methods of distillation will be used to purify the various compounds synthesized throughout the experiments. This course is designed for biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, medical, pharmacy, and other majors that require a more intensive course than CHEM 140 when transferring to a four-year institution, or preparing for entrance examinations in the fields of dentistry, medicine, or pharmacy. Total 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

Introduction to the basic principles of physical science and applications of these principles in everyday life. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following: scientific method, measurements, force and motion, work and energy, heat, waves, fluids, electricity, atomic physics, matter, compounds, molecules, chemical reactions, and ions.

Introduction to the basic principles of astronomy and earth sciences and applications of these principles to everyday life. Topics include the solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology, structure and formation of the earth, earth quakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, the atmosphere, the ocean, and weather.

The initial semester of a two-semester introduction to trigonometry-based physics. Emphasizes the origin, nature, and application of fundamental concepts and principles. Required for most life-science and engineering-technology majors. Discusses motion, mechanics of particles and systems of particles, rigid, elastic and fluid systems, vibrations, wave motion, and sound.

A continuation of PHYS 141. Discusses heat, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, geometric and physical optics, atomic and nuclear physics.

The initial semester of a three-semester course in calculus-based physics which emphasizes the origin, nature and application of fundamental concepts and principles. Required for most baccalaureate majors in the physical sciences, engineering and mathematics. Emphasizes mechanics, including measurement, linear and planar motion, statics and dynamics of particles and systems of particles, rigid, elastic and fluid systems.

A continuation of PHYS 161 which discusses temperature, heat, thermodynamics, simple harmonic and wave motion, sound, geometric and physical behavior of light, as well as topics in modern physics, which may include the special theory of relativity, and the quantum theory of atomic and nuclear systems.

A continuation of PHYS 161 which discusses electrostatic forces, fields and potentials, steady electric currents and circuits, magnetic forces and fields, induced electric and magnetic fields, electric and magnetic properties of continuous media, reactive circuits, and electromagnetic waves.

A survey course introducing the general principles and fundamental facts of astronomy. Online homework may be required.

Physical Geology explores the processes that are shaping Earth today. It examines the formation of rocks and mineral resources, the volcanic and tectonic activity that accompany release of Earth's internal heat, and the sculpting of the planet's surface that occurs as air, water and ice move in response to gravity and energy from the Sun. Lab activities include identification of rocks and minerals, interpretation of topographic and geologic maps, and field studies of regional geologic features.

An introduction to the physical processes underlying atmospheric and weather phenomena, including global climate change and the impacts of various weather and climate phenomena on society. Topics include atmospheric structure and composition, solar radiation and energy balances, temperature, seasonal changes, atmospheric moisture, clouds and fog, precipitation, air pressure, winds, air masses and fronts, cyclones, dynamics of the atmosphere and ocean, weather forecasting, climate and climate change.

An introduction to the physical and biological aspects of the marine environment, including processes of heat transfer, tides, currents, waves, life in the marine ecosystem, geological processes of shorelines, deep sea geology, plate tectonics, and marine economic resources. Includes field trips to local Coastal areas.

An overview of the geologic features and history of California emphasizing an understanding of California's past and present plate tectonic setting, unique landscape features, resources and hazards.

A study of humankind's scientific, social, and ethical interactions with earth systems. Topics include earth processes, geologic hazards, the earth's renewable and non-renewable resources, and the earth's ability accept the products of human waste. This course is not open to students who have received credit for Environmental Studies 102.

An overview of the major areas of physics. Emphasis is on concepts, applications, and the consequences for modern life. An historical perspective on the development of physical theory and its impact on civilization is explored.

An introduction to physics with emphasis on units, vectors and the definitions of physical variables. Tools and strategies necessary to be successful in PHYS 161 are covered.