Physics

Degrees / Certificates Offered

Associate in Science Transfer (Track 2) - Engineering, Computer Science, Physics and Atmospheric Science

Contact Us

Vincent Jobando
Vincent.Jobando@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8012

Office Location

Bldg. 27, Room 316

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A young woman draws a physics model on a whiteboard

About

If you are curious about the mysteries of the universe—and you enjoy math and science—physics could be a good choice for you.

In this program, you’ll explore Newton’s Laws of Motion, conservation of energy and momentum, and other principles that help explain the physical world. You’ll test these concepts in the lab and gain a strong understanding of the scientific method of experimentation, observation and analysis.

As a basis for many sciences, physics builds a foundation for careers in science, engineering, technology, education and other fields. This pre-major program prepares you to transfer at the junior level into a physics or other science-related degree program at a four-year college or university.

Detailed Information

Courses

PHYS 100 — Introductory Physics — 5.0 Credits

This course is intended for nonscience majors to provide exposure to the culture of physics-its history, principles, laws, recent developments and societal impacts. Math is minimal, and weekly laboratory study is required.
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PHYS 101 — General Physics — 5.0 Credits

This course is for science and other majors not requiring calculus-level physics. There is an emphasis on mechanics, Newton’s Laws of Motion, rotation motion and conservation principles. This course also requires a weekly laboratory. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in one of the following MATH courses: MATH& 141, 142, 151, 152, 153, 254, MATH 220, 225, 274.
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PHYS 102 — General Physics — 5.0 Credits

For science and other majors not requiring calculus-level physics. Emphasis on wave motion optics, thermodynamics and fluids. Requires weekly laboratory. Prerequisite: PHYS 101.
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PHYS 103 — General Physics — 5.0 Credits

For science and other majors not requiring calculus-level physics. Emphasis on electricity, magnetism, relativity and quantum physics. Requires weekly laboratory. Prerequisite: PHYS 101.
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PHYS 120 — Fundamentals of Medical Physics — 5.0 Credits

This course emphasizes applications of physics in the health science areas for cardiopulmonary and echocardiographic instrumentation. Topics covered include mechanics, fluid statics (Archimedes' and Pascal's Principles), molecular phenomena related to biological processes, elasticity and wave motion, physics of sonographic imaging, and instruments. Prerequisite: MATH 99 or equivalent; PHYS 100 or high school physics. Enrollment is limited to invasive or noninvasive cardiovascular technology students.
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PHYS 201 — Engineering Physics I — 5.0 Credits

Calculus-level classical physics with emphasis on mechanics. This course is for engineering and physical science majors transferring to four-year institutions. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, gravity, momentum and energy. A weekly laboratory is required. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MATH& 151 or higher.
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PHYS 202 — Engineering Physics II — 5.0 Credits

Calculus-level classical electricity and magnetism for physical science and engineering majors. Topics include AC and DC circuits, Gauss' Law, Kirchhoff's Laws and Maxwell's equations. A weekly laboratory is required. Prerequisite: A grade of 2.0 or higher in PHYS 201 and concurrent enrollment in MATH& 152 or higher.
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PHYS 203 — Engineering Physics III — 5.0 Credits

Calculus-level classical thermodynamics and wave mechanics for physical science and engineering majors. Topics include laws of thermodynamics, thermal properties of matter, mechanical waves, sound and light. A weekly laboratory is required. Prerequisite: A grade of 2.0 or higher in PHYS 201 and concurrent enrollment in MATH& 152 or higher.
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