Program Codes:
PHY.AS
Associate in Science Degree
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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.
Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion.
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.
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
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.
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.
CHM 121
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.
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.
MAT 131 or equivalent
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.
One year of high school laboratory physics
MAT 131 or equivalent
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
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.
CHM-121 with a grade of “C” or better
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.
CHM 122
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.
MAT-131 or equivalent
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.
MAT 132 or equivalent
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.
MAT 132 or equivalent
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
MAT-132 or equivalent
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.
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.
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.
This course introduces students to a problem solving approach to computer applications through the use of spreadsheets, database, presentation manager, a programming language and Internet skills. It emphasizes Visual Basic and Microsoft Excel, in addition to surveying fundamental computer concepts and is designed for students who already possess a 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. This course is suitable for liberal arts, science transfer and business transfer students who wish to transfer to a university and complete their bachelor,s degree.
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.
MAT-233 or written permission of the department chairperson
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Contact Name: Donna Howell, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2592
Contact Email: dhowell@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/natural-sciences/
Students concentrate on theoretical and applied physics, and mathematics. This prepares them to meet the challenges of advanced physics in professional careers.
Students must have a grade of “C” or better in high school algebra II, geometry, advanced algebra and trigonometry, laboratory chemistry and laboratory physics. They must also pass the College’s placement test.
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.
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.