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Our Mission

Las Positas College is an inclusive, learning-centered, equity-focused environment that offers educational opportunities and support for completion of students' transfer, degree, and career-technical goals while promoting lifelong learning.

Physics Associate of Science (AS)

About the Program

The Associate of Science in Physics is designed to prepare students for to transfer ready for upper division work towards a bachelor's degree in Physics, Applied Physics, and related fields such as Astronomy and Astrophysics. The study of Physics encompasses a wide variety of disciplines and specializations, ranging from technology-driven fields to the study of the fundamental laws and structure of the universe.

Program Outcomes

  • Upon completion of an AS in Physics, students are able to analyze physical situations quantitatively using fundamental physics principles, ranging from Newtonian mechanics to modern physics.
  • Upon completion of an AS in Physics, students are able to design and conduct laboratory experiments, and analyze and interpret their data.
  • Upon completion of an AS in Physics, students are able to effectively communicate the methods, analysis, results, and conclusions of their own scientific experiments.

Required Core: (36.5 units)

Course Number Course Title Units
MATH 1 Calculus I 5
MATH 2 Calculus II 5
MATH 3 Multivariable Calculus 5
MATH 5 Ordinary Differential Equations 3.5
PHYS 1A General Physics I 5
PHYS 1B General Physics II 5
PHYS 1C General Physics III 5
PHYS 1D General Physics IV 3

Total Units in the Major: 36.5

The Associate Degree is conferred upon those students who complete the required 60 or more semester units of the degree pattern with a grade-point average of 2.0 or better, of which 12 units must be earned at Las Positas College. In addition, students must complete a General Education pattern in order to earn a degree: see the Las Positas College General Education Pattern for Associate of Science (AS) Degree, California State University General Education-Breadth, or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (for CSU) patterns for listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program, the optional course(s) taken, and the GE pattern selected. Elective units are degree applicable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.