A minor in physics (20 units) is a great option for STEM majors who want to become sharper, more analytical thinkers, and/or more competitive and prepared for graduate school. This minor will give you a much greater understanding of how God made the universe to work.

Complete a two-semester sequence from the following:

This course covers topics such as units, vectors, motion (in one, two and three dimensions), Newton's laws of motion, work, kinetic and potential energy, momentum, impulse, collisions, conservation laws, dynamics of rotational motion, equilibrium, gravitation, and periodic motion. Six (6) hours per week of inquiry-based instruction. Prerequisite: MAT145 or EGR182 or MAT245 (4 Units)

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This course covers topics such as fluids, temperature and ideal gas, electric charge and field, Gauss' Law, electric potential, capacitance and dielectrics, current, resistance and electromotive force, direct-current circuits, magnetic field and force, Ampere's and Faraday's laws, electromagnetic induction, inductance, alternating current circuits, and electromagnetic waves. Six (6) hours per week of inquiry-based instruction. Prerequisite: (PHY201,MAT245) (4 Units)

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The first course in a 2-semester calculus-based physics sequence for science and mathematics majors. A study of mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, waves, sound, and the mathematical methods of physics. Should be taken with PHY 214L - Physics for Scientists I Lab and PHY 214D - Physics for Scientists I Discussion. Prerequisite: MAT145 or MAT245 (3 Units)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
PHY214-A
Snapp-Kolas, Christopher R.
05/11/2026 M 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Yeager Center B259

This laboratory course, designed to be taken concurrently with PHY 214 - Physics for Scientists I, emphasizes scientific measuring and reporting techniques. Observational laboratories will reinforce topics in mechanics, including kinematics, Newton's Laws, momentum, energy, waves, sound, and thermodynamics. (1 Units)

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PHY214L-A
Snapp-Kolas, Christopher R.
05/11/2026 Sa 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM James Complex 122

The second course in a 2-semester calculus-based physics sequence for science and mathematics majors. Includes a study of electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, optics, and modern physics topics. Should be taken with PHY 224L - Physics for Scientists II Lab and PHY 224D - Physics for Scientists II Discussion. Prerequisite: PHY214 (3 Units)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
PHY224-A
Snapp-Kolas, Christopher R.
07/06/2026 Th 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Yeager Center B259

This laboratory course, designed to be taken concurrently with PHY224 - Physics for Scientists II, emphasizes scientific measuring and reporting techniques. Observational laboratories will reinforce topics in electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. (1 Units)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
PHY224L-A
Snapp-Kolas, Christopher R.
07/06/2026 Sa 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM James Complex 121

An advanced study of waves and optics, with explicit investigation into mechanical and electromagnetic waves. Topics include (but are not limited to): simple harmonic motion, superposition, dampening, forced oscillations, beats, elasticity, coupling, normal modes, polarization, constructive and destructive interference, single and double slit interference, diffraction gratings, lenses, ray optics, geometric optics, physical optics, beams, and Doppler effect. The course is a very lab intensive class taught in a semi inquiry-based manner. The class and lab are heavily integrated. Prerequisite: PHY201 or PHY214 (4 Units)

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An advanced study of modern physics theories. Topics include (but not limited to): relativity, photons, photoelectric effect, the Bohr-model, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, Compton scattering, de Broglie waves, wave particle duality, wave packets, Schroedinger's equation, nuclear models, decay and reactions, Rutherford scattering. Prerequisite: PHY203 or PHY224 (4 Units)

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Complete 4 additional upper division units in physics.