Physics

Why Study Physics

Physics, the fundamental science, conceptualizes the basic principles of the universe and establishes the foundation for astronomy, chemistry and geology. The beauty of physics lies in a small number of powerful concepts which expand our view of the world around us and which lead to many engineering applications from which we derive many benefits.

What you can do with a degree in Physics

Students collaborating on hands-on physics activity.

A major in Physics can prepare you for:

Astrophysics
Geophysics
Engineering physics
Nuclear physics
Space physics
Physics education

Physics Show at Foothill

Experience the wildly popular Foothill College Physics Show, where exciting demonstrations bring physics concepts to life. Performances take place during the fall and winter quarters.

See Upcoming Show Dates

Degrees & Certificates

View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.

For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.

Associate in Science for Transfer

Physics, AS-T Program Map

Associate in Science

Physics, AS Program Map

Quick Look at Physics Courses

For complete course details, including units, hours and prerequisites, view course catalog. For when a course is offered, view class schedule.

PHYS 2A General Physics
PHYS 2AM General Physics: Calculus Supplement
PHYS 2B General Physics
PHYS 2BM General Physics: Calculus Supplement
PHYS 2C General Physics
PHYS 2CM General Physics: Calculus Supplement
PHYS 4A General Physics (Calculus)
PHYS 4B General Physics (Calculus)
PHYS 4C General Physics (Calculus)
PHYS 4D General Physics (Calculus)
PHYS 6 Introductory Physics
PHYS 12 Introduction to Modern Physics
PHYS 70R Independent Study in Physics
PHYS 71R Independent Study in Physics
PHYS 72R Independent Study in Physics
PHYS 73R Independent Study in Physics

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the classes offered?

The following chart gives you an idea of which quarters the different physics classes are offered (and if they are day or night classes). The different sequences are outlined on different lines in the table. For example, if you are taking Physics 4 and start the sequence in the fall, look at line 2 in the table. If you start in the winter, look at line 3. With the exception of Phy 4C and 4D, which may be taken in any order, the courses must be taken in order (A then B then C). This chart represents a “typical” schedule of classes. For exact time and location information, consult the current class schedule.

	Fall	Winter	Spring	Summer
1	2A (Day & Night)	2B (Day & Night labs, 5:30-7:20 lecture)	2C (Day & Night labs, 5:30-7:20 lecture)
2	4A (Day & Night)	4B (Day & Night)	4C (Day & Night) 4D following spring
3	4B (Day Only)	4C (Day & Night)	4A, 4D (Day only)	4A (Day only)
4	6 (Online)			6 (Online)
5			12 (Day only)

Should I major in physics?

Do you like mathematics? Mathematics is the language of physics. If you have a flair for math and its applications, it is very likely you will have a flair for physics. Do you like solving puzzles and other kinds of problems? Are you interested in new discoveries in science? Do you enjoy working with computers, or hope to work with them? If your answers to most of these questions is yes, you may want to consider physics as a career or simply as a field of study on which to base some other career.

The biggest myth about physics is that it is too difficult for all but the next Einstein. This is simply not true. Yes, physics can be challenging, but so is anything that you study seriously. Many successful physicists can tell you that they were not the top students in their schools. What they had was interest and motivation.

As a career, physics offers challenge, excitement, an attractive salary, and a chance to make important contributions to society.

What careers are there for physics majors?

A major in Physics is a very solid foundation for many career choices, including teaching. The type of degree earned (BS, MS, or PhD) also plays a role in career choices. For example, a BS degree is necessary for teaching physics or science in a high school, but a PhD is required for teaching at a university. Many physicists work in fields that are directly related to physics (almost any engineering discipline, mathematics, materials science, and astronomy). Physicists may also be found working in medicine, law (especially patent law), the military, power plants, and in both research and management positions in private industry and in the government. A person trained in physics develops skills that make him or her a valuable employee in many settings.