Physical Science Associate in Science Degree Program
Program Overview
The Associate in Science in Physical Science provides a comprehensive foundation in astronomy, chemistry, geology, and physics. It prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate programs in physical science or related fields, and for careers in various scientific disciplines, including astronomy, chemistry, geology, and physics. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills through hands-on laboratory experiences and rigorous coursework.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Associate in Science (AS) degree in Physical Science aims to provide students with:
- A broad understanding of the physical sciences including astronomy, chemistry, geology, and physics.
- In-depth knowledge in specialized fields within these disciplines.
- Preparation for transfer to baccalaureate institutions as majors in Physical Science or related fields.
Outline:
The program consists of:
- Required Core Courses (18 units):
- One or more courses from each of the following groups:
- Group 1: ASTR 100 (Introduction to Astronomy) and ASTR 101 (Astronomy Laboratory)
- Group 2: CHEM 210 (General Chemistry I) or CHEM 410 (Health Science Chemistry I)
- Group 3: GEOL 100 (Survey of Geology) and GEOL 101 (Geology Laboratory)
- Group 4: PHYS 100 (Conceptual Physics), PHYS 210 (General Physics I), or PHYS 250 (Physics with Calculus I)
- Additional Major Requirements (if needed): Courses from the following list to reach a total of 18 units
- CHEM 231 (Organic Chemistry I)
- CIS 255 (CS1) Programming Methods: Java
- CIS 278 (CS1) Programming Methods: C++
- MATH 251 (Calculus with Analytic Geometry I)
- MATH 252 (Calculus with Analytic Geometry II)
- MATH 253 (Calculus with Analytic Geometry III)
- MATH 275 (Ordinary Differential Equations)
- PHYS 220 (General Physics II)
- PHYS 260 (Physics with Calculus II)
- PHYS 270 (Physics with Calculus III)
- General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.
Assessment:
Information about assessment methods and criteria is not provided in the context.
Teaching:
Information about teaching methods, faculty, and unique approaches is not provided in the context.
Careers:
The program prepares students for careers in various fields, including:
- Astronomer
- Chemist
- Geographer
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Meteorologist
- Oceanographer
- Physicist These careers are found in various sectors, including government agencies, chemical industries, computer industries, construction industries, drug industries, food industries, industrial electronics industries, manufacturing industries, and petroleum industries. Additionally, opportunities exist in:
- Energy management
- Mineral exploration
- Land-use planning
Other:
- The program learning outcomes are listed as:
- Analyzing relationships between force, mass, and motion of objects
- Explaining the significant role of energy in understanding the structure of matter and the universe
- Differentiating between various forms of energy and their roles in motion and transformations of matter (physical, chemical, and nuclear)
- Proficiently using scientific terms in describing phenomena
- Performing quantitative analysis relating graphical and numerical data obtained from laboratory experiments to test hypotheses and verify physical concepts, principles, and laws.
