This degree provides students with a comprehensive education in the physical sciences,
emphasizing foundational principles of physics. Students will develop a strong understanding
of the laws governing motion, forces, energy, and matter. Students explore essential
topics including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and modern
physics, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Through rigorous
coursework complemented by hands-on laboratory experiences, students build quantitative
reasoning abilities, develop precision in experimentation, and master the interpretation
of scientific data. The curriculum includes exposure to a wide range of physical science
courses, enhancing students' overall scientific literacy. Graduates are well-prepared
for transfer to four-year institutions, participation in scientific research, and
careers across various STEM-related fields.
The Associate of Science degree is granted to students who have completed at least
12 semester units of the required 60-degree applicable semester units at Glendale
Community College. The required 60 semester units must include all of the following:
(1) Completion of the courses required in the major or area of emphasis with a grade
of “C” or better, or a “P” grade. (2) Completion of one of the following general education
patterns: GCC General Education Requirements or the California General Education Transfer
Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements. (3) A minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 60 semester
units.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program, students will be able to explain the difference between
evidence and theory in science and cite an example in their explanation; use instruments
and computers to accurately measure, graph, and analyze physical properties (these
instruments will include calipers, micrometers, mass balances, spectrometers, interferometers,
and digital oscilloscopes depending upon which courses the student had taken); and
interface computers and sensors using digital conversion technology and the Data Studio
Software package to perform experiments in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics,
and chemistry.
Associate of Science Program Map
| REQUIRED COURSES FOR MAJOR |
UNITS |
CHEM 110
or
CHEM 101 |
Elements of General Chemistry
or
General Chemistry A |
5
or
5 |
OCEAN 115
or
GEOL 101/101H |
Oceanography
or
Physical Geology
|
3
or
3 |
ASTRO 110
or
ASTRO 120 |
Astronomy of the Solar System
or
Astronomy of Stars and Galaxies
|
3
or
3 |
| CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS |
|
| Option 1: |
|
|
| PHY 101 |
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A |
5 |
PHY 102
or
PHY 103 |
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: B
or
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: C |
5
or
5 |
|
Option 2:
|
|
|
|
PHY 105
|
Algebra-Based Physics: A |
4 |
|
PHY 106
|
Algebra-Based Physics: B |
4 |
| TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED |
19-21 |
Units for the major may be double counted for Cal-GETC or GCC General Education. Elective
units may be used to reach the 60-unit degree requirement.
NOTE: ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK MIGHT BE REQUIRED DUE TO PREREQUISITES. SEE A COUNSELOR
FOR A PERSONALIZED STUDENT EDUCATIONAL PLAN.
| Spring 2026 |
GCC Catalog Addendum 2025-2026 |
| Important Notice: In the event of a discrepancy between the information presented
above and the online and/or print versions of the GCC Catalog, please contact a counselor
or the office of Admissions and Records. For previous years requirements please see
the catalog from that year. |
