Physics A.S. Degree
This program parallels the first two years of baccalaureate degree programs in physics related fields. The major prepares graduates to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue studies in physics, applied physics, computational physics, astronomy, astrophysics, geology, meteorology, material sciences, and other related fields.
Semester I
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : General Chemistry I - Lecture
Course Code : CHM-121
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
A theoretical treatment of principles and laws underlying atomic structure, chemical reactions, enthalpy changes, bonding and states of matter integrated with descriptive material and quantitative calculations.
Prerequisites :
Two years of high school algebra and geometry or MAT-014 and one year of high school chemistry or CHM-020
- Credit : 3
Short Title : General Chemistry I - Lab
Course Code : CHM-125
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
Introduction to the general chemistry laboratory: includes the conduct of inorganic reactions and general laboratory techniques. An appreciation and understanding of safety and environmental aspects of the general chemistry laboratory is developed. General chemistry laboratory techniques such as separation and titration and inorganic multistep synthesis are carried out. A variety of chemical reactions are performed, redox reactions and titrations are carried out, a stock solution and a series of dilute solutions are prepared from the stock, the enthalpy of reaction using Hess’ Law is determined, and the MW of a volatile liquid is determined using the Ideal Gas Law.
Prerequisites :
Two years of high school algebra and geometry or MAT-014 and one year of high school chemistry or CHM-020
Co requisites :
CHM 121
- Credit : 1
Short Title : Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
Course Code : MAT-131
Department Description : Mathematics
Course Description :
Presents fundamental ideas of calculus such as the derivative, integral and their applications. Topics include fundamentals of analytic geometry. The first course in a sequence of calculus courses intended for the student interested in mathematics, engineering and the natural, physical and social sciences. TI83/84 graphing calculator required.
Prerequisites :
MAT-129, MAT-129A/MAT-129B or equivalent, or appropriate score on the College placement test or satisfactory score on the diagnostic examination, or departmental approval
- Credit : 4
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
OR
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Short Title : Graphic Science
Course Code : MEC-119
Department Description : Engineering Technologies
Course Description :
A study of the graphical language specifically designed for the engineering science student. Emphasizes the interpretation of engineering drawings used to communicate ideas in the major engineering disciplines. Topics include: techniques of drafting and sketching and interpretation of chemical, civil, electrical, electronic, mechanical and welding engineering drawings. Laboratory time is divided between using (CAD), computer-aided drafting and sketching techniques to complete required drawings.
- Credit : 2
Semester II
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description : Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : General Chemistry II - Lecture
Course Code : CHM-122
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
A continuation of CHM 121, concentrating on properties of liquids, solids and solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, properties of acids and bases, acid-base and solubility equilibria, thermodynamics and electrochemistry.
Prerequisites :
CHM-121 with a grade of “C” or better
- Credit : 3
Short Title : General Chemistry II - Lab
Course Code : CHM-126
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
The laboratory course associated with CHM 122, General Chemistry II. The labs are related to the lecture topics and are meant to reinforce them. Computers are used for data acquisition and data handling using Microsoft EXCEL.
Prerequisites :
CHM-121 and CHM-125 with a grade of “C” or better
Co requisites :
CHM 122
- Credit : 1
Short Title : Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
Course Code : MAT-132
Department Description : Mathematics
Course Description :
Topics include trigonometric and hyperbolic functions, areas, centroids, techniques of integration, parametric curves and vectors, indeterminant forms, Taylor's formula, infinite series and topics in analytic geometry. Recommended for students majoring in engineering, mathematics, computer science, social sciences and the science related areas of chemistry and physics. TI83/84 graphing calculator is required.
Prerequisites :
MAT-131 or equivalent
- Credit : 4
Short Title : Analytical Physics I - Lecture
Course Code : PHY-133
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
A calculus-based general physics course. Topics include statics, kinematics, dynamics and the conservation of energy and momenta. Appropriate computer and laboratory experiences are included. The first course in a three-course series consisting of PHY 133, PHY 134 and PHY 236.
Prerequisites :
Co requisites :
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 4
Short Title : Analytical Physics I - Lab
Course Code : PHY-135
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
This course is to be taken in conjunction with Analytical Physics I and is the first semester of a three semester laboratory college-parallel sequence for engineering science and physics students. Students will make measurements and develop an understanding of the errors in those measurements and the final result. The importance of maintaining a laboratory notebook is emphasized as well as accurate and concise reporting of the data and results. The importance of interpreting the data is emphasized. The computer is used of data acquisition and analysis. Laboratory safety is also discussed.
Co requisites :
, PHY-133,
- Credit : 1
Semester III
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Short Title : Analytic Geometry and Calculus III
Course Code : MAT-233
Department Description : Mathematics
Course Description :
Emphasis is on the study of analytic geometry and calculus in three dimensions. Topics include solid analytic geometry, partial derivatives, multiple integrals and topics in vector analysis such as Green's theorem, the divergence theorem, surface integrals and Stokes theorem. Recommended for students majoring in engineering, mathematics, computer science, social sciences and the science related fields of chemistry and physics.
Prerequisites :
MAT-132 or equivalent
- Credit : 4
Short Title : Analytical Physics II - Lecture
Course Code : PHY-134
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
A continuation of PHY 133. Topics include wave motion, special relativity, thermodynamics, electrostatics and DC circuits. Appropriate computer and laboratory experiences included. The second course in a three-course series consisting of PHY 133, PHY 134 and PHY 236.
Prerequisites :
Co requisites :
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 4
Short Title : Analytical Physics II - Lab
Course Code : PHY-136
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
This course is to be taken in conjunction with Analytical Physics II and is the second semester of a three semester laboratory college-parallel sequence for engineering science and physics students. Students will make measurements and develop an understanding of the errors in those measurements and the final result. The importance of maintaining a laboratory notebook is emphasized as well as accurate and concise reporting of the data and results. The importance of interpreting the data is emphasized. The computer is used of data acquisition and analysis. Laboratory safety is also discussed.
Prerequisites :
Co requisites :
MAT 132 or equivalent
- Credit : 1
Semester IV
Short Title : GE Mathematics or Science Elective
Course Code : GE MathSci
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
Select a Math or Science Elective from the following:
CHM-221 and CHM-227 or SCI-155 or SCI-157 or SCI-158 or MAT-210.
Short Title : Intermediate PC Applications with Programming
Course Code : CSC-106
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
This course emphasizes problem solving with programming using the Python programming language and problem solving with applications using Microsoft Excel. In addition to problem solving skills the course presents current technologies and their impacts on society. The course is designed for students who already possess familiarity with computer applications. It is recommended for students planning to transfer to an upper division college that has a computer programming requirement in its computer literacy course.
Prerequisites :
MAT-014 or appropriate score on the College placement test
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 1
- Lab Hours : 4
Short Title : Differential Equations
Course Code : MAT-234
Department Description : Mathematics
Course Description :
An introduction to differential equations for students interested in mathematics, and the physical and social sciences. Covers first- and second-order differential equations and systems of first-order equations, both linear and non-linear. Quantitative and numerical analysis are emphasized along with analytic techniques, such as Laplace transform and matrix methods. Applications and modeling of real phenomena are discussed throughout the course.
Prerequisites :
MAT-233 or written permission of the department chairperson
- Credit : 4
Short Title : Analytical Physics III - Lecture
Course Code : PHY-236
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
Continuation of PHY 134. Topics include magnetism, AC circuits, electromagnetic waves, optics and atomic and nuclear physics. Appropriate computer and laboratory experiences included. The third course in a three-course series consisting of PHY 133, PHY 134 and PHY 236.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Analytical Physics III - Lab
Course Code : PHY-239
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
This course is to be taken in conjunction with Analytical Physics III and is the third semester of a three semester laboratory college-parallel sequence for engineering science and physics students. Students will make measurements and develop an understanding of the errors in those measurements and the final result. The importance of maintaining a laboratory notebook is emphasized as well as accurate and concise reporting of the data and results. The importance of interpreting the data is emphasized. The computer is used of data acquisition and analysis. Laboratory safety is also discussed.
Prerequisites :
MAT-132 and PHY-136 or one year of integral and differential calculus.
- Credit : 1
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Master a broad set of knowledge concerning the fundamentals in the basic areas of physics (quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, waves, and special relativity).
- Design and carry out experimental investigations, analyze data with appropriate treatment of errors and uncertainties and form conclusions based on the data and analysis.
- Demonstrate the process of scientific inquiry by formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, recording data, using regression and error analysis, analyzing data, making valid conclusions, writing laboratory reports, and presenting experimental results to colleagues in both written and verbal formats.
- Apply critical reasoning skills to model and solve physics related problems and be able to make connections between content learned and real-world example.
- Acquire interpersonal skills and a willingness to work in team.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Donna Howell, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2592
Contact Email: dhowell@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/natural-sciences/
Frequently Asked Questions
What will students learn if they study Physics - Science Transfer?
Students concentrate on theoretical and applied physics, and mathematics. This prepares them to meet the challenges of advanced physics in professional careers.
Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Students must have a grade of “C” or better in high school algebra II, geometry, advanced algebra and trigonometry and laboratory chemistry. They must also pass the College’s placement test.
Can students transfer to a four-year college or university?
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all of the lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements with private institutions may provide similar transfer provisions. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. They can shorten the amount of time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
Transfer Information
Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements are being worked out with institutions granting baccalaureate degrees to facilitate the transfer process. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at NJTransfer.org to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.