The Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer (A.S.-T in Physics) is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Physics is the study of our natural surroundings, from the tiniest elementary particle to the entire universe. Physics provides a broad range of knowledge and powerful skills which are useful in practically every discipline. The program at Cabrillo emphasizes topics that affect our everyday lives: forces, motion, gravity, waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, and heat. Atomic excitations, nuclear structure, and introductory cosmology are also included. 

A physics major degree generally transfers to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree. Physics graduates at the bachelor's level are qualified for a variety of technical positions with government or industry and they are also well prepared to enter a graduate program in any other science or in engineering. Physics majors are welcomed into professional programs such as law, business, or medicine. Teaching at the high school or two-year college level is an option if a master's degree is obtained. A physicist generally obtains a Ph.D. degree, which may lead to experimental or theoretical research and/or teaching at the university level or basic research in government or industry. Recommended high school preparation: courses in physics, chemistry, four years of college preparatory mathematics. Cabrillo offers courses that are equivalent to this preparation. The major will require more than two years at the community college level if high school preparation is not complete. 

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS PROGRAM, STUDENTS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO:

🗸 Demonstrate mastery of the laws of classical physics through problem-solving using multiple representations, appropriate diagrams and mathematics, both in independent and collaborative settings.
🗸 Show an ability to make physical estimates with sound scientific reasoning.
🗸 Design and carry out experiments to test hypotheses using appropriate equipment and methods and make valid comparisons with theoretical predictions.
🗸 Communicate experimental concepts and results through appropriate and effective written and verbal techniques.
🗸 Quantify, through estimation or calculation, the uncertainties involved in an experiment
🗸 Create useful models of physical systems and perform basic numerical simulations using the model.