Physics

To succeed in Physics, students will need to display a keen intellectual curiosity that pushes them to ask questions and seek answers about the physical world around them and the universe beyond. Students should have strong critical thinking and analytical skills along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Studying physics offers a unique opportunity to better understand the physical world and the laws that govern it. The Physics Department offers a wide range of courses that fulfill General Education requirements for a variety of majors. The department also offers courses in Astronomy.

We also offer two Associate of Science Degrees in Physics that can help you create a clear path for transfer to a four-year institution. The applications for a degree in physics are broad, including a variety of careers in the sciences and engineering. Many jobs in physics require a Ph.D., so the program at Skyline College is a good launching point for pursuing education at a four-year university.

Physicists spend much of their time working in offices and conducting research in laboratories and observatories. Most physicists work full time. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Physicists in California make an average of $114,450 per year.

Check out the classes offered in current and upcoming semesters.

General Education (GE) Courses

Conceptual Physics (PHYS 105) and Conceptual Astronomy (ASTRO 100) are lecture courses intended to give you a first introduction to the study of the natural world. These courses are minimally mathematical. If you need to fulfill a GE laboratory requirement, you may also wish to consider Conceptual Physics Lab (PHYS 106) and/or Conceptual  Astronomy Lab (ASTRO 101).

General Physics Sequence

One or both semesters of the general physics sequence (PHYS 210-220) are required of many life science majors, including most pre-health fields. Both courses have lecture and lab components which must be taken concurrently.

Entry into this sequence does not require any previous physics experience, but you must be proficient with algebra and trigonometry (pre-requisite of MATH 130 or equivalent.) As optional extra preparation for PHYS 210 (and/or to fulfill a GE requirement), you may wish to take PHYS 105 prior to starting this sequence. 

If you wish to transfer to specific institutions, you may also be required to take the associated supplemental lectures (PHYS 211-221), which require Calculus (or Applied Calculus) as a pre-requisite.

Calculus Physics Sequence

One, two, or three semesters of the calculus-based physics sequence (PHYS 250-260-270) are required of physical science, engineering, computer science, and physics majors. All courses have lecture and lab components which must be taken concurrently.

Entry into this sequence does not require any previous physics experience, but Calculus must variously be taken as pre- or co-requisites (consult course catalog/schedule for details). If you feel that you may need additional extra preparation, you may wish to consider PHYS 105 or PHYS 210 depending on your comfort level.

Physics Majors

If you are interested in majoring in physics, you should take the Calculus Physics sequence and continue your study of mathematics through the Calculus sequence (MATH 251-252-253), Linear Algebra (MATH 270), and Ordinary Differential Equations (MATH 275) to prepare for post-transfer upper division physics course work. Skyline offers a transfer degree in Physics which can give you a preferential advantage in transferring. 

If you are interested in astronomy, you should strongly consider taking ASTRO 100/101 to gauge and confirm your interest in the field, though they are not always pre-requisites for majors courses. If you are interested in studying observational astronomy and/or theoretical astrophysics, you will need to major in physics (see above) and should direct your post-transfer upper division electives towards astronomy-related topics.   

The Skyline College STEM Center brings together academic and student support services for students taking science, technology, engineering and math courses.

The center supports student success by ensuring students have access to resources such as academic tutoring, counseling services, a resource depository for STEM pathways and transfer, a hub for internships and work based learning opportunities, as well as a place where students and staff can collaborate and build a community and supportive connection.

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a basic level of scientific literacy in physics, conceptual understanding of fundamental physics principles, awareness of different fields of physics and corresponding job opportunities. 
• Apply the scientific method, qualitative and quantitative reasoning, advanced mathematical and numerical techniques to find solutions to problems relevant to their future careers and current events. 
• Collaborate as part of a team to conduct lab experiments, measure real-world physical behavior, interpret experimental data using modern statistical tools, and communicate their findings effectively. 
• Critically evaluate the treatment of physics in media and public policy, and demonstrate a basic understanding of how to engage in physics in an ethical and socially responsible way.