Physics
A.S. - Transfer Degree
Physics is the study of nature’s most basic interactions between matter and energy. This program prepares students for transfer to a university to major in physics or in a closely related career for which physics is an integral part.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge in physics that will prepare them for transfer to the university and (2) critical thinking skills in AWC’s General Education focus areas.
Learning Outcomes
- Collect, analyze, and communicate information about basic mechanical systems.
- Engage in scientific inquiry.
- Apply physics principles to solve problems.
- Collect, analyze, and communicate information about basic electric systems.
- Collect, analyze, and communicate information about basic magnetic systems.
Program Map
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
This program map has been updated for new students starting in Fall 2025 (or after) to reflect the new Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements. Students following previous catalogs can find corresponding program maps in Self-Service/Student Planning. For official requirements, refer to the AWC Catalog.
The recommended plan below meets all program requirements. If the classes listed as recommended don’t align with your schedule or interests, alternative options are available. Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan or schedule an appointment with your Faculty Advisor or the Advisement Services Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation (AGEC certificate also included)
Prior to First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT 150 & 183 or MAT 151 & 183 or MAT 187 * |
College Algebra w/ Review & Plane Trigonometry or College Algebra: Standard & Plane Trigonometry or Precalculus * |
5+2 or 4+2 or 5 |
Pre-requisite for MAT 220 (counts towards elective credits) |
| This requirement can be waived for students with appropriate ACT/SAT/GPA scores or by completing the Next Generation Advanced Algebra & Functions Placement Test. Visit AWC Testing Services for more information (please note that additional elective credits may be required for those students waived from this requirement) | 5-7 |
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| CHM 151 | General Chemistry I/GE (recommended) | 4 | GE-Natural Sciences |
| MAT 220 | Calculus I with Analytic Geometry | 5 | GE-Quantitative Reasoning |
| EGR 123 | Introduction to Structured Programming | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHY 121 | University Physics I | 4 | Major Requirement |
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| MAT 230 | Calculus II with Analytic Geometry | 5 | Departmental Requirement |
| PHI 103 | Introduction to Logic/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT 241 | Calculus III with Analytic Geometry | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| PHY 131 | University Physics II | 4 | Major Requirement |
| ECN 250 | Principles of Microeconomics/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| ART/HUM | Choose one course from Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| 14 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT 262 | Differential Equations | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| SPC 215 | Public Speaking/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE-Oral Communication |
| POS 110 | American Politics/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE-Institutions in the Americas |
| SOC/BEH | Choose one course from Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| 12 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
Transfer Information
| UNIVERSITY | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | BS, BA, BAE | Physics, Biophysics, Earth & Space Exploration, Secondary Education | required for BA in Physics only |
| Northern Arizona University | BS, BSED | Physics, Astronomy, Secondary Education | None |
| University of Arizona | BS | Physics, Astronomy | 2nd Semester Proficiency |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.