PHYSC

Subject

PHYSC

Type

alias

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

An introduction to the principles of mechanics and heat. Topics included are: kinematics, Newton’s Laws of Motion, gravity, projectile motion, work, energy, momentum, waves, vibration and sound. Comprehension of the basic principles of physics and their application to problem solving is stressed. Algebra and trigonometry are used extensively. Laboratory experiments are performed on the topics covered.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

Prerequisite

MATH 161 - Precalculus (Functions & Coordinate Geometry) ; OR MATH 181 - Calculus 1 ; OR MATH 191 - Calculus 2 with minimum grade of C or higher; OR permission of department chair

A continuation of PHYSC 111 College Physics 1 . Topics included are: heat, temperature, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, light, optics, and selected topics in modern physics. Laboratory work is done on the topics covered.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

Prerequisite

PHYSC 111 College Physics 1 , or equivalent. Pre or

Corequisite

PHYSC 111 College Physics 1 may be taken as a pre- or

An introduction to the physical sciences geared towards the non-science student. This class is an introduction to critical thinking and a survey of modern science wrapped into one package. Students will learn what science really is and how to survey the world through the lens of scientific scrutiny. A foundation in the ideas of physics, natural hazards, and climate change will be provided. While the course is largely conceptual, basic mathematical skills will be used.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

Prerequisite

Successful completion of MATH 92 - Prealgebra or Course Placement

An introduction to the principles of Mechanics, Oscillations, and Acoustic Waves. Topics included: Kinematics and Dynamics, Work, Energy, Momentum, Hydrostatics, Simple Harmonic Oscillator, Waves, Superposition Principle, and Interference. Laboratory exercises are performed on the topics covered.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

5

Credits (max)

5

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

Prerequisite

MATH 161 Precalculus (Functions & Coordinate Geometry) Pre or

Corequisite

MATH 181 Calculus 1

An introduction to the principles of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, electricity, magnetism, and optics. Topics included are: temperature, thermal expansion, calorimetry, heat transfer, laws of thermodynamics, electrostatics, Coulomb’s Law, electric field, Gauss’s Law, electric potential, capacitance, dielectrics, current resistance, and electromotive force, direct current circuits, magnetic field, inductance, alternating currents, electromagnetic waves, an introduction to the principles of geometrical and physical optics, quantum mechanics and atomic physics.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

5

Credits (max)

5

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

Prerequisite

PHYSC 121 Engineering Physics 1 Pre or

Corequisite

MATH 191 Calculus 2

An introductory survey of the science of physical oceanography. The course covers the origin of Earth’s oceans from a planetary perspective, and the history of the science of oceanography. The course also covers chemical properties of sea water, ocean-atmospheric interactions, global climate change, seafloor features, ocean waves, tides, currents, marine geology, coastal processes, plate tectonics, types and interrelation of marine organisms, ocean resources, marine pollution and ocean environmental issues.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

Prerequisite

None

Provides non-science majors with a geological understanding of the planet we inhabit. Students study Earth’s physical environment, resources, natural hazards, and geological history. The course includes an investigation of dynamic Earth processes such as weathering, glaciation, running water, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and plate tectonics.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

Prerequisite

None

An enhanced Honors version of PHYSC 143 . Provides students with an understanding of the planet we inhabit. Students study Earth’s physical environment, rocks and minerals, natural hazards, geological history and the fossil record. The course incluses and invetigation of dymanic Earth processes such as wethering, glaciation, flooding, earthqyakes, volcanic activity, plate tectonics and climate change. Please note that this is an Honors version of the standard course. Additional topics will be covered as well as mutual topics being covered in greater depth.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

Prerequisite

College-level math course successfully completed

A course for the non-science major designed to introduce the student to elements of weather, meteorology, and weather forecasting with a non-mathematical approach. Topics include radiation and heating of the atmosphere, forces and wind, the general circulation, moisture and stability, fronts and cyclones. The student is introduced to basic forecast methods utilizing charts, data, radar, and satellite imagery. Contemporary topics of global warming, ozone depletion, air pollution, and El Niño are also addressed.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

Prerequisite

None

A general education introduction to the fundamentals of astronomy. This course examines how modern scientists have developed accurate models of the structure and organization of the Universe through observation and experimentation. Emphasis is placed on stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Other topics include the daily and seasonal appearance of the day and nighttime skies and the nature of light and gravity. Laboratory activities utilize computer simulations, and original data collection and analysis.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

Prerequisite

None

Course covers all aspects of climate change, both past and present, and predicting future climate change. Students learn about how climate science works and how we measure climate changes including the effects of a warming world on rain, snow, clouds, atmospheric circulation and storms, ice sheets and sea ice, sea level, and ocean circulation. Topics include the workings of the atmosphere and the greenhouse effect. Course will also examine climate policy, economic, and technological solutions to reduce carbon emissions.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

Prerequisite

None

An introduction to the production and use of conventional and alternative energy resources. Topics include renewable energy resources (solar, wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal), passive and active solar energy building designs and home energy efficiency, nuclear power and fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas). Modern approaches to energy efficiency and electricity production and storage (e.g., hydrogen fuel cells) and the effects of energy use on the environment will also be examined.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

Prerequisite

None

A tour of the solar system from the viewpoint of various physical sciences (astronomy, geology, and physics). Students learn about the structure and formation of the solar system, and the varied characteristics of the different planets and moons that inhabit our solar system. Includes a historical background of the space program, an overview of the current search for extra-solar planets (planets in other solar systems), and a discussion of the possibilities for extra-terrestrial life within our solar system and the Universe.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

Prerequisite

MATH 92 - Prealgebra or course placement

Students will learn how to think like a scientist- they will collect and analyze data from a variety of solar system data sources to answer research questions. Topics/data sources include the characteristics of planets and moons in our solar system, impact cratering, planets around stars other than the Sun (exoplanets), geologic features on the moon, and more.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu

Prerequisite

MATH 92 - Prealgebra

Corequisite

PHYSC 167 The Solar System - Lecture

Ten days of intensive study with Cambridge University professors and an on-site WCC Honors instructor. Students register for two specialized seminars in Science Summer School at Cambridge and attend one class per day, in addition to morning plenary and evening lectures. All written work is submitted to and graded by the WCC instructor. Certificate of Completion from Cambridge University; three WCC Honors Science (non-lab) credits.

Subject

PHYSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Catalog

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 Academic Catalog

Source

catalog.sunywcc.edu