Physics
9 courses · Las Positas College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026
PHYS 29 Independent Study, Physics
- Units
- 0.5-2
- Hours
- 108 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours lab.
PHYS 1A General Physics I
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 72 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- MATH 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 200S (if taken with PHYS 1B+1C+1D), PHYS 205
Introduction to the principles of Newtonian Mechanics and analytical methods of physics using calculus as needed. Topics covered include vectors, kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, and gravitation.
PHYS 1B General Physics II
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 72 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 1A; MATH 2
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 200S (if taken with PHYS 1A+1C+1D), PHYS 215 (if taken with PHYS 1D)
Introduction to fluid dynamics, oscillations, mechanical waves, thermodynamics, light and optics.
PHYS 1C General Physics III
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 72 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- MATH 3, may be taken concurrently; PHYS 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 200S (if taken with PHYS 1A+1B+1D), PHYS 210
Introduction to electricity and magnetism, circuits, Maxwell’s equations and electromagnetic waves.
PHYS 1D General Physics IV
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- MATH 5, may be taken concurrently; PHYS 1B; PHYS 1C
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 200S (if taken with PHYS 1A+1B+1C), PHYS 215 (if taken with PHYS 1B)
Introduction to relativity and modern physics, including: introduction to quantum theory; atomic, molecular, nuclear and particle physics; condensed matter physics; astrophysics and cosmology.
PHYS 2A Introduction to Physics I
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- MATH 39
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 100S (if taken with PHYS 2B), PHYS 105
Introduction to the major principles of classical mechanics using pre-calculus mathematics. Includes Newtonian mechanics, energy, gravitation, fluids, thermodynamics, oscillations, and waves.
PHYS 2B Introduction to Physics II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 2A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 100S (if taken with PHYS 2A), PHYS 110
This algebra-based course is an introduction to the basic principles of electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Topics include electrostatics, magnetism, circuits, electromagnetic waves, optics, relativity, atomic physics, and nuclear physics.
PHYS 10 Descriptive Physics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- Intermediate Algebra or a higher level of mathematics.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Motion, gravitation, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, atoms, and nuclei. Present-day scientific problems and developments such as alternative energy sources, solar energy, nuclear power, lasers, relativity and black holes. Designed for non-majors in physical science.
PHYS 10L Descriptive Physics Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- PHYS 10, may be taken concurrently; Intermediate Algebra or a higher level of mathematics
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to laboratory principles and techniques with emphasis on the basic concepts of physics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, energy, electricity, magnetism, and optics.