Physical Science
5 courses · Solano Community College · 2025-2026 Catalog
Classes: Spring 2026
PHSC 012 Introduction to Principles of Physical Science
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of the physical universe, from atomic particles to the stars, with emphasis on the basic principles of physics, chemistry, astronomy, and the geosciences. This is a general education course in the physical science area for non-science majors that satisfies the physical science requirement for most universities and colleges. UC limitation of credit: No credit if taken after an ASTR, CHEM, Earth Science, or PHYS course. Field trips may be required.
PHSC 013 Weather and Climate
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 54 contact hours total
- Corequisite
- PHSC 014 (Atmospheric Science Laboratory)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 130, GEOG 130 = PHSC 013 + PHSC 014
This course will invite students to explore the field of modern meteorology. Topics include air circulation, pressure and wind, temperature, moisture, fronts, storm systems, cloud types, and air stability. The course will also include an introduction to interpreting weather maps, synoptic weather forecasting, and climate change.
PHSC 014 Atmospheric Science Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab weekly, 54 contact hours total
- Corequisite
- PHSC 013 (Weather and Climate) or PHSC 015 (Global Climate Change) or PHSC 016 (Natural Disasters)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 130 = PHSC 013 + PHSC 014
This course emphasizes the practical concepts of atmospheric science, using demonstration and experimentation. Topics include the scientific method, Newton's laws of motion, heat and energy transfer, the ideal gas law, and fluid dynamics. Other experiments will demonstrate weather observation techniques, collection and analysis of atmospheric data, weather map study, cloud identification, interpretation of satellite imagery, and basic forecasting skills. This course includes a field trip to a local forecasting facility.
PHSC 015 Global Climate Change
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- PHSC 014 (Atmospheric Science Laboratory)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be invited to explore the principles underlying the interdisciplinary and rapidly growing field of climate science and climate change. Topics include the Earth's climate system and climate history, the physics and chemistry of greenhouse gases, and evidence for climate change. The course investigates human influences on the climate system, including greenhouse gas emissions, and potential impacts of climate change. It also considers various possible responses to climate change, including alternative energy production, policy responses, and adaptation. Field trips may be required.
PHSC 016 Natural Disasters
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- PHSC 014 (Atmospheric Science Laboratory) Concurrent Enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course invites students to explore the hazards created by the Earth's natural and physical processes. It will cover hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes, flooding, wildfires, and other disasters. Other topics will include threats from the Earth's changing climate and potential impacts from asteroids and comets. Atmospheric and geological processes that create these catastrophes will also be discussed. The concept of science and the scientific method will be introduced and applied to the course material. Field trips may be required.