Physics/Astronomy
Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. The goal of physics is to understand how and why things work from first principles. Applications range from quantum computers to new radiotherapies for curing cancer to sustainable energy sources. Physics is great preparation for almost any career because it teaches us how to analyze complex problems and equips us with strong quantitative reasoning skills that can be applied to any scientific or technical field. This is typically achieved through active learning in lecture- or discussion-based teaching combined with hands-on laboratory experience. The broad range of outcomes satisfies requirements for various majors in STEM, as well as developing or improving scientific literacy applicable to many industrial settings.
Career
The Associate of Science degree in Physics lays a foundation for a bachelor’s degree in physics or astronomy, as well as a useful starting point for bachelor’s degrees in math or engineering physics. A bachelor’s physics degree is a passport into a wide range of careers in science, engineering, and technology including research, teaching, medicine, law, science journalism, science and energy policy, government, non-profit and finance. The skills obtained can also be immediately applicable to employment as a laboratory assistant, quality control officer or physical sciences technician.
Associates Degrees
An Associate in Science – Transfer Track 2 (AS-T Track 2) in Physics shows prospective employers that you have the necessary quantitative reasoning, science-based communication and laboratory skills for a wide variety of applications. The degree is directly transferrable to a university for further study at the bachelor or graduate level in science or medical fields.
Program Map
Department/Program URL:
GPA Requirement:
Minimum 2.0 cumulative college-level GPA
Number of Credits:
Minimum of 90 college-level credits (courses numbered 100 or above)
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the physics of motion, Newton’s laws, conservation of energy and momentum, electricity and magnetism, basic thermodynamics, waves and oscillations.
- Apply algorithmic and symbolic thinking to the problem-solving process.
- Use order of magnitude calculations to understand the scale of phenomena.
- Compare and contrast observations of physical phenomena with expected, theoretical and/or modeled behavior.
- Prepare, logical, well-reasoned, clear and concise lab reports.
- Understand, interpret and assess the value of publicly presented science issues.
- Apply classroom knowledge to private and public discussions of science issues.
Top Transfer-To institutions
- University of Washington
- Seattle University
- Central Washington University
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
MATH& 151 (Calculus I) is a prerequisite for beginning the 200-level physics sequence. For timely degree completion, students should complete math placement before or at the latest during their first quarter at Highline. Students who have not started college-level math may need to take math in the summer or consider a three-year plan. The physics 200 sequence only starts in Fall and Winter terms.
For students who do not have at least one year of high school physics at a passing grade or equivalent physics at the college level, PHYS 139 will need to be completed as a prerequisite before starting the physics 200 sequence.
At least one sequence course – e.g., the three-quarter physics sequence – should be completed at Highline College.