Physics, Area of Concentration in Arts & Sciences (AS)
Award: Associate of Science Degree
No. of credits required: 60
For more information: Contact Assistant Professor Gene Cooper, 443-412-2031, gcooper@harford.edu (August 15th - June 15th); or Admissions, 443-412-2109; or stem@harford.edu.
Program Description
The physics program is designed to prepare students for transfer to a Bachelor’s degree in general physics or applied physics. Physicists seek to discover and describe the rules governing natural phenomena at all scales, from the sub-nuclear building blocks to the large-scale structure of the universe. They are concerned with the properties, changes and interactions of matter, energy and other physical phenomena. They conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories and laws, and devise methods of applying the laws of physics to industry, medicine and other fields. Physicists may specialize in several areas such as astrophysics, bio- and medical physics, quantum physics, solid state physics, nuclear physics, acoustical physics, fluid and plasma physics, and education.
Program Goals
Upon successful completion of the Associate of Sciences Degree, Option in Arts and Sciences, Physics, the student will be able to:
- Explain and apply the fundamental principles of physics.
- Perform laboratory experiments and projects (collect, report and analyze data) by applying theoretical concepts and the scientific method.
- Demonstrate safe laboratory skills.
- Recognize and discuss the ethical issues in the discipline.
- Locate, identify, evaluate and use scientific information effectively.
- Apply computational skills in reasoning, estimation, problem-solving, and analysis.
- Use appropriate grammatical forms in both oral and written formats to effectively communicate ideas and concepts.
Transfer Information
Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should check the requirements of that institution. If they are significantly different from the courses listed, the student should consult an advisor for academic guidance and other curriculum options to follow such as General Studies.
Employment Information
This program provides the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree in physics. Scientific research and development services firms and the Federal Government employ three out of five physicists. Employment opportunities are more numerous for those with an advanced degree, particularly graduates from programs preparing them for applied research and development, product design, and manufacturing positions in the industry. Despite keen competition for traditional physics positions, individuals with a physics degree at any level will find their skills useful for entry into many other occupations that involve problem solving using scientific methods.
Diversity Requirement
To satisfy the diversity requirement: Associate degree students must complete one 3-credit diversity course (D). It is recommended that students select one of the 3-credit (GB), (GAH), (GI) course electives from those that also appear on the approved list of diversity course graduation requirements.
Degree Requirements
Recommended Course Sequence
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I (GL) | 4 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition (GE) | 3 |
| MATH 203 | Calculus I (GM) | 4 |
| Behavioral/Social Science Elective (GB) | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II A (GL) | 4 |
| MATH 204 | Calculus II (GM) | 4 |
| PHYS 201 | General Physics I: Mechanics (GL) | 4 |
| Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH) | 3 | |
| General Elective 1 | 2 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| MATH 208 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| PHYS 204 | General Physics II: Heat, Electricity and Magnetism (GL) | 4 |
| CIS Elective | 3 | |
| Behavioral/Social Science Elective (GB) | 3 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| MATH 206 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 217 | Linear Algebra | 4 |
| PHYS 205 | General Physics III: Waves, Optics and Modern Physics | 4 |
| Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH) | 3 | |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
The general elective should be chosen to satisfy requirements of the institution to which transfer is planned. ENG 109 English Composition: Research Writing is recommended.
General Education Degree Requirements
Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:
Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)