The Ring Nebula in Lyra This is more than just a beautiful picture! Learn the physics of the Universe around you at Harbor College

PHYSICS DEPARTMENT     Division Chair:  Lauren McKenzie (310) 233-4501  Division Secretary:          Angie Vega (310) 233-4500 Faculty Members:              Joan Fu (310) 233-4502 Steven Morris (310) 233-4508 Russ Whiting (310) 233-4497   Class Schedules

ASTRONOMY COURSES

Astronomy 1
Elementary Astronomy (UC:CSU) - 3 units
Recommended Co-requisite: Astronomy 5.
Lecture 3 hours per week.
This is an introductory, non-mathematical course in the general principles and fundamentals of astronomy. It is planned primarily for non-science majors. The planetarium is used as an aid in presenting many topics. This course, together with Astronomy 5, fulfills the requirement for physical science with laboratory at most state colleges and universities.

Astronomy 5
Fundamentals of Astronomy Laboratory (UC:CSU) - 1 unit
Prerequisite: Astronomy 1 or concurrent enrollment.
Laboratory 3 hours per week.
A presentation of the methods astronomers use in order to determine the nature of our universe. This course includes working with astronomical instruments and laboratory equipment. The planetarium is used to study star patterns and constellations.

PHYSICS COURSES

Physical Science 1
Physical Science I (UC:CSU) - 3 units
This course is not available for credit to students who have completed a college-level physics course.  Recommended concurrent enrollment in Physical Science 14 (laboratory).
Prerequisite: Eligibility for English 101, or concurrent enrollment in English 28.
Lecture 3 hours per week.
The fields of physics, chemistry, geology and astronomy are presented with an interdisciplinary approach.  The fundamental concepts and principles of each discipline are developed to allow the student the opportunity to gain an understanding of both science and the scientist's viewpoint.

Physical Science 14
Physical Science Laboratory (UC:CSU) - 1 unit
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in English 21.
Laboratory 2 hours per week.
Experiments in the fields of physics, chemistry, geology and astronomy are presented with an interdisciplinary approach.  The fundamental concepts and principles of each discipline are developed to allow the student the opportunity to gain an understanding of both science and the scientist's viewpoint.

Physics 6
General Physics I (UC:CSU) - 4 units
Prerequisite: Completion of Math 240 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better. Mathematics 240 or concurrent enrollment.
Lecture 3 hours and laboratory 3 hours per week.
This is a basic course in the mechanics of solids, thermodynamics, vibrations and waves. Physics 6 and 7 constitute the standard one-year college physics course required as part of the basic training of students in such fields as medicine, dentistry, optometry, geology and agriculture. The course can be taken with advantage by students in technical and semi-professional fields which require a background of physics. The work includes the solution of problems and laboratory experiments selected to illustrate the major principles of physics.
(CAN PHYS 2)

Physics 7
General Physics II (UC:CSU) - 4 units
Prerequisite: Physics 6.
Lecture 3 hours and laboratory 3 hours per week.
This is a basic course in sound, light, electricity and magnetism together with an introduction to modern physics.
(CAN PHYS 4; PHYSICS 6 + 7 = CAN PHYS SEQ A)

Physics 11
Introductory Physics (UC:CSU) - 4 units
Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in Mathematics 123C or equivalent. This course is not open for credit to students who have credit in Physics 6.
Lecture 3 hours and laboratory 3 hours per week.
Survey course which covers the fundamental principles and concepts of mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism and modern physics.

Physics 37
Physics for Engineers and Scientists I (UC:CSU) - 5 units
Prerequisites: Physics 11 or equivalent and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 265.
Lecture 4 hours and laboratory 3 hours per week.
Physics with calculus for majors in chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics.  Physics 37 includes mechanics, sound and heat.
(CAN PHYS SEQ B)

Physics 38
Physics for Engineers and Scientists II (UC:CSU) - 5 units
Prerequisite: Physics 37 and completion of Math 265 with a grade of "C" or better.
Lecture 4 hours and laboratory 3 hours per week.
Physics with calculus for majors in chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics.  Topics include electricity and magnetism, AC and DC circuits, and optics.
(CAN PHYS SEQ B)

Physics 39
Physics for Engineers and Scientists III (UC:CSU) - 5 units
Prerequisite: Physics 37 and Math 265.
Lecture 4 hours and laboratory 3 hours per week.
Physics with calculus for majors in chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics.  Topics include wave phenomena, optics, modern physics and relativity.
(CAN PHYS SEQ B)