Academic Catalogs

Physics, Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (AS-T)

Banner Code: 1_AST_PHYS

Control Number: 32074

Financial Aid Eligible


The Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer, also known as the Physics AS-T, provides students with foundational knowledge in physics and mathematics for transfer into a Physics program within the California State University system or other four-year university. The degree, in combination with upper-division coursework completed after transfer, prepares students for STEM-related careers in research, industry, and education. Students completing this degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework are guaranteed admission into the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.

The Physics AS-T requires the completion of 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum GPA of 2.0. This includes 30-31 semester units in the major (Required Core) along with the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC). Coursework in differential equations and linear algebra (e.g. MATH A285) is also strongly recommended for transfer preparation, although not required for this degree

Program Outcomes

  1. Identify and describe major concepts and theoretical principles as applied to physics.
  2. Apply appropriate physical laws and mathematical techniques to analyze various physical situations.
  3. Perform various scientific experiments and to analyze data to check agreement with theoretical predictions.
  4. Students will be eligible and prepared for admission (SB 1440 and Education Code 66746) to California State University system schools.

Associate Degree for Transfer Requirements

The following is required for all AA-T or AS-T degrees:

  1. Minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
  2. Minimum GPA of at least 2.0 in all CSU transferable courseworkWhile a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors require a higher GPAConsult with a counselor for more information.
  3. Completion of a minimum of 18-semester units in the major as detailed in the Degree and Certificate section of this catalogAll courses in the major must be completed with a grade of C (or “P”) or better.
  4. Certified completion of the Cal-GETC/Breadth.
  5. A minimum of 12 units in residence within the Coast Colleges (Orange Coast College, Golden West College and/or Coastline College).
Course Title Units
Required Courses
PHYS A185/A185HCalculus-Based Physics: Mechanics with Lab5
PHYS A280Calculus-Based Physics: Electricity/Magnetism with Lab5
PHYS A285Calculus-Based Physics: Modern with Lab5
MATH A180/A180HCalculus 15
MATH A185/A185HCalculus 25
MATH A280Calculus 35.0 - 6.0
or MATH A280H Calculus 3 Honors
Total Major Units30-31
Cal-GETC General Education Requirements34
Double Counting GE 1-7.0
Transfer elective units needed to satisfy 60-unit degree requirement3.0 - 2.0
Total Degree Units60
1.

Area 5A/C and Area 2 are fulfilled through the Required Core (7 units double-counted)

Program Sequence - Cal-GETC

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
MATH A180
Calculus 1
or Calculus 1 Honors
5
Cal-GETC GE AREA 1A - CHOOSE ONE 3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 3A - CHOOSE ONE 3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 3A OR 3B - CHOOSE ONE 3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 5B no lab - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units17
Semester 2
MATH A185
Calculus 2
or Calculus 2 Honors
5
PHYS A185 Calculus-Based Physics: Mechanics with Lab 5
Cal-GETC GE AREA 1C - CHOOSE ONE OR ELECTIVE (UC TRANSFERABLE) 1 3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 1B - CHOOSE ONE 3-4
 Units16-17
Year 2
Semester 1
MATH A280
Calculus 3
or Calculus 3 Honors
5 - 6
PHYS A280 Calculus-Based Physics: Electricity/Magnetism with Lab 5
HIST A170
History of the United States to 1876 2
or History of the United States to 1876 Honors
or History of the United States Since 1876
or History of the United States Since 1876 Honors
3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units16-17
Semester 2
PHYS A285 Calculus-Based Physics: Modern with Lab 5
POLS A180
American Government and Politics
or American Government and Politics Honors
3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (UC TRANSFERABLE) 4 3
Foreign Language or ELECTIVE (UC TRANSFERABLE) 5 3-5
 Units17-19
 Total Units66-70
1

CalGETC GE Area 1C - CSU Requirement

2

American Institutions Requirement - Cal-GETC GE AREA 3B and CSU Graduation Requirement OR take another course from Cal-GETC GE AREA 3B

3

American Institutions Requirement - Cal-GETC GE AREA 4 and CSU Graduation Requirement OR take another course from Cal-GETC GE AREA 4

4

VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 TRANSFERABLE UNITS