Are you a curious person who is always looking to understand the world around you? If you are ready to learn how the world and everything in it works, then Allan Hancock College’s physics program is for you!
Physics is the science that explains how objects and energy interact with each other. It is the most fundamental of all the sciences; biologists, chemists, computer scientists, and especially engineers utilize the core concepts of physics. Studying physics will help students understand conceptually what happens in any given physical scenario, compute predictions of how fast or how far things will go, learn to simulate physical phenomena (with coding), and clearly and concisely communicate these processes.
Allan Hancock College’s physics program has engaging coursework that will allow students to test the performance of electric circuits, analyze patterns and images formed by light, evaluate temperature and phase changes of machines exposed to heat, code simulations of motion to compare to data from video tracking, model the behavior of objects subjected to multiple forces, and more. In addition, students will develop their communication and collaboration skills by presenting information to instructors and peers through both formal and informal reports.
Graduates of the physics program are prepared for entry-level careers as computer programmers, lab technicians, or research assistants. Students may also choose to transfer to a four-year university for further study.
This program will help you to:
- conceptually understand the world around you
- develop basic computer literacy
- learn coding simulations
- write and speak clearly
- synthesize multiple concepts and calculations into a complete understanding of physical behaviors
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
This suggested plan assumes a student is eligible for MATH 181, PHYS 161 and CHEM 150.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
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.
The first in a two-semester sequence comprising first-year calculus. Topics include functions, limits, continuity, the derivative, differentiation of algebraic, trigonometric and transcendental functions, applications of differentiation, the definite integral, and the use of technology to solve calculus problems.
Intended for students pursuing majors in a STEM discipline. Introduces students to related career choices, academic planning, and college resources. Develops appropriate skills necessary for academic success in a STEM major.
Total Units:
14
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 150
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.
Prerequisite: MATH 181
The second in a two-semester sequence comprising first-year calculus. Topics include methods and applications of integration, sequences and series, Taylor series, an introduction to differential equations, and the use of technology to solve calculus problems.
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.
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.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
13
Summer Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Choose one of the following courses:
- ES 1231, African American History
- HIST 107, U S History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History to 1877
- HIST 119, History of California
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
6
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
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.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ANTH 102, 103, 105; BUS 141; ECON 141; ENGL 105; GBST 141; GEOG 102, 103; LGBT 101, 102; POLS 104, 105; SOC 101, 102, 120, 122; SPCH 110
Or select one course from this list.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ART 101, 105, 109, 170; DANC 101p; DRMA 103; ENGL 130, 131, 139, 140, 148; ECS 116; FASH 104; FILM 101, 102, 103, 108, 109; HIST 101, 102, 103, 120; HUM 101, 102, 103; MUS 104, 106; PHIL 121; SPAN 102, 103, 104, 105, 112
Designed to help students assess their health status and use those assessments to change the behaviors that contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle. Students are provided with a broad foundation of knowledge dealing with mental health, stress management, fitness, diet and weight control, prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, drugs and alcohol, first aid, cancer prevention and control, and the scope of community health services.
Total Units:
13
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
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.
Select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
14
A major of 30 units is required for the associate in arts degree. Required core courses (30 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
CHEM 150 | General Chemistry 1 | 5 |
CHEM 151 | General Chemistry 2 | 5 |
MATH 181 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
MATH 182 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
PHYS 161 | Engineering Physics 1 | 4 |
PHYS 162 | Engineering Physics 2 | 4 |
PHYS 163 | Engineering Physics 3 | 4 |
Recommended electives:
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
MATH 183 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
MATH 184 | Linear Algebra/Differential Equations | 5 |
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
This suggested plan assumes a student is eligible for MATH 181 and PHYS 161.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
The first in a two-semester sequence comprising first-year calculus. Topics include functions, limits, continuity, the derivative, differentiation of algebraic, trigonometric and transcendental functions, applications of differentiation, the definite integral, and the use of technology to solve calculus problems.
Intended for students pursuing majors in a STEM discipline. Introduces students to related career choices, academic planning, and college resources. Develops appropriate skills necessary for academic success in a STEM major.
Select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
12
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: MATH 181
The second in a two-semester sequence comprising first-year calculus. Topics include methods and applications of integration, sequences and series, Taylor series, an introduction to differential equations, and the use of technology to solve calculus problems.
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.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENGL 103, Critical Thinking and Composition
- PHIL 112, Logic
- PHIL 114, Critical Thinking
- SPCH 106, Argumentation and Debate
No courses offered at this time. See a counselor for recommendations.
NOTE: Students who started at Allan Hancock College (or any CCC or CSU) prior to Summer 2021 and have maintained continuous enrollment are not required to complete Area F for CSU GE Certification. See a counselor for further information.
Total Units:
14
Summer Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Recommended one from this list:
- ES 121, African American History
- HIST 107, US History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History American Institutions Requirement
Or choose a course from this list.
Note: Recommended courses also fulfill CSU US History and American Institutions Graduation Requirement
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
6
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: MATH 182
Topics include vectors, functions of several variables; differentiation and integration in several dimensions; change of variables; parameterized curves and vector fields, line and surface integrals; Green's, Stokes', and divergence theorems.
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.
Choose one of the following courses:
- SPCH 101, Public Speaking,
- SPCH 102, Small Group Communication,
- SPCH 106, Argumentation and Debate,
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
14
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
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.
Select one course from this list.
Recommended one from this list:
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
Or choose a course from this list.
Note: Recommended courses also fulfill CSU US History and American Institutions Graduation Requirement
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
13+
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 24 units is required for the degree. Required core courses (24 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
MATH 181 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
MATH 182 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
MATH 183 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
PHYS 161 | Engineering Physics 1 | 4 |
PHYS 162 | Engineering Physics 2 | 4 |
PHYS 163 | Engineering Physics 3 | 4 |
General Education
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
This suggested plan assumes a student is eligible for MATH 181 and PHYS 161.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
The first in a two-semester sequence comprising first-year calculus. Topics include functions, limits, continuity, the derivative, differentiation of algebraic, trigonometric and transcendental functions, applications of differentiation, the definite integral, and the use of technology to solve calculus problems.
Intended for students pursuing majors in a STEM discipline. Introduces students to related career choices, academic planning, and college resources. Develops appropriate skills necessary for academic success in a STEM major.
Select one course from area Area 3A: Arts or from area Area 3B: Humanities
Total Units:
12
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: MATH 181
The second in a two-semester sequence comprising first-year calculus. Topics include methods and applications of integration, sequences and series, Taylor series, an introduction to differential equations, and the use of technology to solve calculus problems.
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.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENGL 103, Critical Thinking and Composition
- PHIL 114, Critical Thinking
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU campus, it is recommended that you take one U.S. History course (HIST 107, 108 or 118) AND one American Institutions (POLS 101 or 103) course. If not, select one course from this list.
Total Units:
14
Summer Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU campus, it is recommended that you take one U.S. History course (HIST 107, 108 or 118) AND one American Institutions (POLS 101 or 103) course. If not, select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
6
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: MATH 182
Topics include vectors, functions of several variables; differentiation and integration in several dimensions; change of variables; parameterized curves and vector fields, line and surface integrals; Green's, Stokes', and divergence theorems.
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.
Choose one of the following courses:
- SPCH 101, Public Speaking
- SPCH 102, Small Group Communication
- SPCH 106, Argumentation and Debate
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
14
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
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.
Select one course from this list.
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU campus, it is recommended that you take one U.S. History course (HIST 107, 108 or 118) AND one American Institutions (POLS 101 or 103) course. If not, select one course from this list.
STEM Pathway Elective: Students who are planning to transfer to UC and have not satisfied the IGETC Area 6 requirement should take a course to fulfill this requirement. Students who are planning to transfer to UC and have satisfied the IGETC Area 6 requirement should take any UC transferrable course as an elective. Students who are planning to transfer to CSU should take a course to fulfill the CSUGE Area F (Ethnic Studies) requirement. Make sure you will complete 60 units total to meet graduation requirements.
Total Units:
14+
A major of 24 units is required for the degree. Required core courses (24 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
MATH 181 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
MATH 182 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
MATH 183 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
PHYS 161 | Engineering Physics 1 | 4 |
PHYS 162 | Engineering Physics 2 | 4 |
PHYS 163 | Engineering Physics 3 | 4 |
General Education
Programs you may also be interested in exploring:
Contact Information
Department Chair
Ashley Wise
805-922-6966 ext. 5239
amwise@hancockcollege.edu
Administrative Assistant
Christina McMillan
805-922-6966 ext. 3202
cmcmillan@hancockcollege.edu
Dean, Academic Affairs
Sean Abel
805-922-6966 ext. 3537
sean.abel@hancockcollege.edu
LOCATION
Santa Maria Campus
Bldg. M
805-922-6966 ext. 3202