PHSC R170 - Concepts in Physical Science

    Recent Professors
    Antonio Calisto
    Recent Semesters
    Fall 2026, Spring 2026, Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
    Class Size
    30 students
    Credits
    4
    Prerequisite
    Course taught at the level of intermediate algebra or placement as determined by the college's multiple measures assessment process
    Fall 2026 Sections
    View Fall 2026 sections of PHSC R170
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 5C · Cal-GETC Area 5A · IGETC Area 5C · IGETC Area 5A · CSU GE Area B3 · CSU GE Area B1
    Description
    This introductory course focuses on principles, laws, and concepts in physics, chemistry, and earth and space science. Students model scientific reasoning and experimentation processes: questioning, forming hypotheses, testing hypotheses experimentally, and performing analysis and additional questioning that lead to further experimentation. Lab activities are closely sequenced with the lecture topics, which include measurements and data analysis; fundamentals of classical mechanics; sources and transformations of energy; thermodynamics; waves; electricity and magnetism; light; atomic and nuclear theory; the periodic table; reactions; solutions; fundamentals of organic chemistry; geological processes, with a brief study of rocks and minerals; and the history and structure of the Earth, solar system, and universe. The course incorporates current knowledge of science teaching and concept development. It is aimed at current and prospective teachers, or anyone desiring to acquire basic literacy in physical science.
    Usually Held
    Mon 5:30pm–8:20pm, Mon 7:00pm–9:50pm, Tue 5:30pm–8:20pm