Physics

Associate of Science

The Associate of Science degree with a field of study in Physics offers students the opportunity to take a core curriculum of general education with an emphasis in Physics. Additionally, students can choose from pathways in general physics, geoscience/geospatial science, environmental science, and geophysics. 

Physics students have a wide range of scientific and technical fields to choose from for their career. The student should bear in mind that most of these career areas require education or training beyond the Associate of Science degree.

Career fields available to the physics student include:

• Astronomy
• Biophysics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Elementary or Secondary Education
• Engineering - Civil, Electrical, Industrial
• Geophysics
• Hydrogeology
• Medicine
• Meteorology
• Patent Law
• Physics
• Seismology

The course listing for the Associate of Science degree with a field of study in Physics closely parallels the first two years of education that one would receive at most universities. Upon completion of this sequence, many students transfer to obtain a degree in one of the various physics fields. However, students intending to transfer should be aware of the transfer institution’s requirements.

Students with an SAT score of 560+ (SAT II Math Level 1), 520+ (SAT II Math Level 2) or an ACT score of 28+ may also enroll directly into MATH 2413 Calculus I. Otherwise, it is recommended that students take the prerequisite MATH 2412 Pre-Calculus Math the summer prior to the start of the fall semester. Enrollment in MATH 2412 Pre-Calculus Math requires a prerequisite of MATH 1414 College Algebra or ACT scores of 25-27, SAT II Math Level I scores of 520-559, or SAT II Math Level 2 scores of 500-519.

Physics program webpage: https://www.southtexascollege.edu/physics

Program Learning Outcomes

1. The student will solve problems using the principles of Classical Mechanics (particles, rigid bodies, waves).
2. The student will solve problems using the basic concepts of Thermodynamics.
3. The student will solve problems using the principles of electromagnetics.
4. The student will apply the principles of optics.
5. The student will perform experiments using basic techniques and will communicate analysis in written reports.
6. The student will apply calculus-based mathematical skills to solve physics related problems.

TSI Liable

¹

COSC 1436 Programming Fundamentals I is scheduled for 2 credit hours of field of study and 2 credit hours of general education requirements (Component Area Option).

²

GEOL 1404 Historical Geology is scheduled for 2 credit hours of field of study and 2 credit hours of general education requirements (Component Area Option).

³

Physics majors pursuing the General track are required to take the sequence CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I and PHYS 2425 University Physics I to fulfill the Life and Physical Sciences component of the Core Curriculum. Physics majors pursuing the Geophysics track are required to take the sequence CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I and CHEM 1412 General Chemistry II to fulfill the Life and Physical Sciences component of the Core Curriculum. Physics majors pursuing the Environmental Science track are required to take CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I and BIOL 1406 Biology for Science Majors I to fulfill the Life and Physical Sciences component of the Core Curriculum. Physics majors pursuing the Geosciences/Geo-Spatial track are required to take CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I and GEOL 1445 Oceanography  (or GEOL 1447 Meteorology) to fulfill the Life and Physical Sciences component of the Core Curriculum. 

TSI Liable

Recommended Course Sequence - General Track

¹

COSC 1436 Programming Fundamentals I is scheduled for 2 credit hours of field of study and 2 credit hours of general education requirements (Component Area Option).

TSI Liable

Recommended Course Sequence - Geoscience/Geo-Spatial Science Track

¹

GEOL 1404 Historical Geology is scheduled for 2 credit hours of field of study and 2 credit hours of general education requirements (Component Area Option).

²

Students should speak with an advisor and check with the institution they intend to transfer in order to choose the best option. 

TSI Liable

Recommended Course Sequence - Environmental Science Track

¹

GEOL 1404 Historical Geology is scheduled for 2 credit hours of field of study and 2 credit hours of general education requirements (Component Area Option).

TSI Liable

Recommended Course Sequence - Geophysics Track

¹

 GEOL 1404 Historical Geology is scheduled for 2 credit hours of field of study and 2 credit hours of general education requirements (Component Area Option).