Physics
7 courses · Napa Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHYS-110 Descriptive Physics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
A nonmathematical descriptive introduction to physics for non-science majors. Numerous slides and demonstrations will be used to illustrate the fundamental laws and applications of mechanics, heat, electricity, optics, atomic and nuclear physics.
PHYS-111 Descriptive Physics Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours lab; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
A non-mathematical, descriptive physics laboratory for non-science majors. This class is an optional companion to the lecture course PHYS 110, Descriptive Physics. Laboratory exercises will be used to explore the fundamental laws and applications of mechanics, heat, electricity, optics, atomic and nuclear physics.
PHYS-120 General Physics 1
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture; 54 hours lab; 36 hours activity; 126 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of MATH-106 and MATH-108 or eligibility for MATH-C2210 or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This algebra-based physics course covers mechanics, fluids, wave motion, and heat. Biological and medical applications are emphasized.
PHYS-121 General Physics 2
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture; 54 hours lab; 36 hours activity; 126 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHYS-120 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This algebra-based physics course covers electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Biological and medical applications are emphasized in this course.
PHYS-140 Physics for Scientists & Engineers 1
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture; 54 hours lab; 36 hours activity; 126 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of MATH-C2210 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This is a calculus-based introduction to the principles of mechanics and wave motion. Topics include measurements, vectors, kinematics and dynamics, linear and circular motion, gravitation, work and mechanical energy, conservation of energy, linear and angular momentum, rotational motion, static equilibrium, oscillations, and fluid mechanics.
PHYS-240 Physics for Scientists & Engineers 2
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture; 54 hours lab; 36 hours activity; 126 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHYS-140 and MATH-C2220 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This is a calculus-based introduction to the principles of heat, electricity, and magnetism. Topics include temperature, kinetic theory of gases, heat, laws of thermodynamics, electric charge and electric field, Gauss's Law, electric potential, capacitance, resistance, electric current, DC circuits, magnetism, sources of magnetism, Faraday's Law, inductance, and AC circuits.
PHYS-241 Physics for Scientists & Engineers 3
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture; 54 hours lab; 36 hours activity; 126 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHYS-240 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This is a calculus-based introduction to electromagnetic waves, physical optics, relativity, and atomic and quantum physics. Topics include Maxwell's Equations and electromagnetic waves, light, lenses, diffraction and polarization, relativity, quantum mechanics, molecules and solids, nuclear physics and radioactivity, nuclear energy, elementary particles, and astrophysics and cosmology.