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Jon Celesia
510.215.4095
Physical Sciences, Room 123

We offer the full spectrum of lower division (freshman/sophomore) physics courses along with one elementary astronomy course.

Our general education courses, namely Descriptive Physics, Descriptive Physics Lab and Elementary Astronomy, satisfy general science requirements for both AA/AS and four-year transfer schools and also serve as a stimulating course for any interested individuals in the community.  Our two sequences for science and applied science majors are appropriate in rigor and content for transferability to four-year institutions.  We promote high standards of evaluation, stay current with curricular materials and strive to create a highly supportive climate.

Engineering

The Engineering Program is the discipline of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design, and build structures, machines, devices, systems, and materials.A background in engineering is important not only to engineers, but also to students interested in chemistry, physics, biology, and medicine. Details of the CCC engineering program appear below.In addition to engineering courses, engineering students will need to develop a strong background in math and physics

Some possible careers:

An Associate in Science degree in Engineering can be used as a strong steppingstone into more advanced studies and a career in engineering fields such as: civil, mechanical, electrical, environmental, aerospace, industrial, chemical, and nuclear engineering. Other related fields include: geology, physics, applied physics, biophysics, biotechnology, and astronomy.

Program Student Learning Outcome statement:

The skill and knowledge for this major include the student being able to: solve static problems related to structures and machines; evaluate the mechanical properties, internal structure, and adaptability of various materials such as cast iron, steel, nonferrous metals, plastics, wood, concrete and composite materials; demonstrate a thorough understanding of basic electrical-circuit components, models and techniques.

Physics

Physics is the science concerned with the properties of matter and energy and the relationships between them.  It relies on making observations and mathematics to describe mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, acoustics, and heat.  Modern physics, based on quantum theory, includes atomic, nuclear, particle, and solid-state studies.  A background in physics is important not only to physicists, but also to students interested in chemistry, biology, engineering, and medicine.  Details of the CCC physics program appear below.  In addition to physics courses, physics students will need to develop a strong background in math.

Some possible careers:

A Physics Associates in Science degree can be used as a strong steppingstone into more advanced studies and a career in physics, applied physics, astronomy, engineering, geology, chemistry, biophysics, science writing, education and related physical science fields.

Program Student Learning Outcome statement:

The skill and knowledge sample measured for this major include the student being able to: draw a free body diagram and use Newton’s Force Laws to analyze the object’s motion; use Ohm’s Law to analyze series and parallel DC-circuits; analyze mirrors and lenses both mathematically and graphically.