Physics

Physics is that branch of science, which is involved in the study of matter, energy, force and motion and the inter-relationship of these aspects of nature. The field of Physics incorporates mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, and thermodynamics. Modern physics now includes several new areas of investigation, such as, quantum mechanics, relativity and nuclear physics. The study of physics requires a high level of aptitude and experience in mathematics.

Students interested in pursuing higher education in the field of physics should follow the prescribed curriculum below.

Engineering and Science Transfer Program Goals

Engineering and Science Transfer program will produce graduates who:

  1. Are qualified to transfer to a 4-year engineering or science-based curriculum.
  2. Are prepared to complete their Baccalaureate Degree in two additional years.
  3. Have developed critical thinking skills.
  4. Have developed mathematical methods of problem-solving.
  5. Can communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  6. Can conduct research from a variety of sources.
  7. Are computer literate.
(PHYS.AS) Curriculum
Semester 1
No. Course Title Credits  
ENGL-100 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 3  
CHEM-103 GENERAL CHEMISTRY 1 4  
CSCI-111 INTRO. TO THE JAVA PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE 4  
MATH-155 CALCULUS 1 4  
ELHUM GENERAL HUMANITIES ELECTIVE (Notes) 3 OR
ELSOC GENERAL SOCIAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE (Notes) 3
Total: 18  
Semester 2
No. Course Title Credits  
ENGL-200 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 2: AN INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE 3  
CHEM-203 GENERAL CHEMISTRY 2 4  
MATH-255 CALCULUS 2 4  
PHYS-132 CLASSICAL PHYSICS 1 4  
ELHUM GENERAL HUMANITIES ELECTIVE (Notes) 3 OR
ELSOC GENERAL SOCIAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE (Notes) 3
Total: 18  
Semester 3
No. Course Title Credits  
MATH-355 CALCULUS 3 4  
PHYS-232 CLASSICAL PHYSICS 2 4  
ELGED GENERAL EDUCATION ELECTIVE (Notes) 3  
ELSOC GENERAL SOCIAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE (Notes) 3 OR
ELHUM GENERAL HUMANITIES ELECTIVE (Notes) 3
ELTEC GENERAL TECHNICAL ELECTIVE (Notes) 3 OR
ELMAT GENERAL MATH ELECTIVE-100 LEVEL OR HIGHER (Notes) 3
ELSCI GENERAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE (Notes) 3
Total: 17  
Semester 4
No. Course Title Credits  
MATH-455 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 4  
PHYS-332 MODERN PHYSICS 3 4  
ELGED GENERAL EDUCATION ELECTIVE (Notes) 3  
ELHUM GENERAL HUMANITIES ELECTIVE (Notes) 3 OR
ELSOC GENERAL SOCIAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE (Notes) 3
ELMAT GENERAL MATH ELECTIVE-100 LEVEL OR HIGHER (Notes) 3 OR
ELSCI GENERAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE (Notes) 3
ELTEC GENERAL TECHNICAL ELECTIVE (Notes) 3
Total: 17  
Total (PHYS.AS) Curriculum Program Credits: 70  

Notes:

  1. Check curriculum of school you plan to attend to determine what this elective should be.

Upon the successful completion of requirements for this program, the degree of Associate in Science in Engineering and Science Transfer will be awarded.


Department Personnel
Name Title Office Phone Email
Carl Gustavson Technical Lab Coordinator 17/601 413-755-4771 cgustavson@stcc.edu
Margaret E. McCarthy Ph.D. Professor of Physics 17/341 413-755-4624 mmccarthy@stcc.edu
Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh Associate Professor 17/339 413-755-4591 bmcginnis-cavanaugh@stcc.edu
Joris Taupier Assistant Professor 17/343 413-755-4824 jtaupier@stcc.edu
Barbara Washburn Professor, Dept. Chair Physics 17/333 413-755-4587 washburn@stcc.edu