Whatcom Community College
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Physics Pathways
Click on each physics pathway to see the recommended quarter-by-quarter classes and other recommendations.
These pathways assume:
- You will be a full-time student.
- You will start in the fall.
- You are ready to take 100- and 200-level classes.
If not, you can still complete the pathway! You will just need to make adjustments. Talk with your advisor to customize your plan.
Follow this recommended pathway to earn the AS-T degree and prepare for a university major in physics, physics/chemistry education, or physics/mathematics education. Or you can customize your plan even more. Talk with your advisor about adapting it for your individual goals.
This is the pathway to follow if your math placement is MATH&141 Precalculus I or MATH&142 Precalculus II.
| Description | Designed for students new to the college environment. Introduction to college services; study skills and time management; educational planning and career exploration; and skills necessary to become a successful student. Lectures, small group discussion, and experiential exercises. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | The basic properties and graphs of functions and inverses of functions, operations on functions, compositions; various specific functions and their properties including polynomial, absolute value, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; applications of various functions; conics. A graphing calculator is required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH 099 or MATH 132 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course helps students become more effective writers in academic and professional settings. Students learn to enter ongoing academic conversations, analyze and use secondary sources to formulate, develop, revise, and communicate ideas in writing, and shape their message to different purposes, audiences, and media. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL 95 or placement in ENGL& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Critical thinking ability is highly valued among employers. This course introduces you to sound reasoning principles used in daily life. Covers informal, non-symbolic introduction to logic with emphasis on real-life examples. Students learn how to critically evaluate their own reasoning and how to construct arguments. (H) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 12-17
Course note: EDPL 100 is optional, but it can be very helpful if you don't have much college experience. You can take it with either two or three of the other courses. (Don't put off math, though!)
Course note: If your math placement is MATH& 142, take that instead. Talk with your advisor about adjusting the pathway to match.
Career exploration: Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals.
Action item: Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan.
Action item: Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
| Description | Second in a two-course sequence designed to prepare students for the study of Calculus. Intended for students planning to major in math and/or science. Course to include right triangle trigonometry; trigonometric functions and their graphs; trigonometric identities and formulae;applications of trigonometry; parametric equations; and polar coordinates. A graphing calculator is required. A graphing calculator is required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 141 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | First of a three-course sequence designed for science, engineering, and other majors needing a full year general chemistry sequence. Covers basic principles of modern chemistry, structure of atoms, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, bonding, and molecular geometry. Lab work included. Recommended preparation CHEM& 121 or one year of High School Chemistry. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 141 with minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Examines major events and processes in world history from 3500 BCE to 1300 CE, including the agricultural revolution, urbanization, and growth of major civilizations within the Mediterranean Basin/Near East, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Themes include: origins of dominant religious traditions; trade, conquest, and empire; and human-environment interactions. (SSg) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Compare the different physics majors and combined majors at the universities you're interested in.
| Description | This course looks at the study of functions, limits, continuity, limits at infinity, differentiation of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their inverses, and applications. Graphing calculator required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH 133 or MATH& 142 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Second of a three-course sequence designed for science, engineering, and other majors needing a full year general chemistry sequence. Covers gases, thermochemistry, states of matter, solution chemistry, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Lab work included. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CHEM& 161 with minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Introduction to mechanics and physical reasoning strategies and investigation methods for students majoring in technically oriented fields not requiring a calculus based physics course. Newton's laws, work andenergy, kinematics conservation principles. Computer interfaced laboratory investigations, technical writing, problem solving, mathematical reasoning and scientific method of inquiry skills will be emphasized. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 142 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
or a course postponed from Quarter 1 (5 credits)
or another ELECTIVE click for list (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 15
Course note: PHYS& 114 is a prerequisite for PHYS& 221 in Quarter 4. Take PHYS& 114 unless you took a year of physics in high school or took MATH 133 at Whatcom. Otherwise, you can take a course you postponed from Quarter 1 or choose another elective.
Career exploration: Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Action item: Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major. Are you on track?
Summer
If you opted for 12 credits in Quarter 1, this might be a good time to catch up.
| Description | The study of Riemann Sums, methods of integration, numerical methods, polar and rectangular forms, fundamental theorem of Calculus, areas of regions, volumes of solids, centroids, length of curves, surface area, and an introduction to differential equations. Graphing calculator required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 151 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Third of a three-course sequence designed for science, engineering, and other majors needing a full-year general chemistry sequence. Coversacids, bases, acid-base equilibria, solubility and complex-ion equilibria, thermodynamics and equilibrium, electrochemistry, and special topics. Lab work included. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CHEM& 162 with minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Basic principles of mechanics. Emphasis on critical analysis, interpretation, and problem solving, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion, static equilibrium. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 151 with a minimum grade of C and placement in ENGL& 101; and one college level physics course or a high school physics course. |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Participate in original undergraduate research in CHEM& 163.
Action item: Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications.
Action item: Apply for next year's financial aid.
| Description | Multivariate integral and differential calculus. Geometry in R3 and in the plane. The study of vectors, acceleration, curvature; functions of several variables, partial derivatives; directional derivatives and gradients; extreme values; double and triple integrals; applications. Graphing calculator required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 152 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Introduction to the derivation and uses of Taylor Series, intended formath and science majors. The course includes a discussion of error bounds in approximating curves with polynomials, Taylor polynomials, Taylor series expansion, and intervals of convergence. Graphing calculator required. (LE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 152 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Elementary study of the fundamentals of linear algebra. Course is intended for stronger math or science students. Course to include the study of systems of linear equations; matrices; n-dimensional vector space; linear independence, bases, subspaces and dimension. Introductionto determinants and the eigenvalue problem; applications. Graphing calculator required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 151 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Basic principles of thermodynamics, mechanics of fluids and oscillatory motion, and mechanical waves. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 152 and PHYS& 221 with a minimum grade of C; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15-16
Course note: MATH 207 is an optional 1-credit supplement to MATH& 163. Be sure to take it if you plan to transfer to the University of Washington.
Action item: Apply to graduate by week 3 of this quarter.
| Description | This is an introductory course in differential equations. Topics include: first and higher order linear equations, power series solutions, systems of first order equations, numerical methods, LaPlace transforms, and applications. Graphing calculator required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 152 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Functional understanding and appreciation for the foundations of electromagnetism and its applications. Topics include Coulomb's Law, electric potential, circuits and circuit theory, electrical devices, Ampere's Law, electric and magnetic flux, and induction. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of PHYS& 222 with a minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Examines the history of international relations and theories of how such relations work, possible trends in globalization or interdependence, problems of authority, concepts and reality of conflict and security, and economics. Studies key international actors such as nation-states, international organizations and others including multinational corporations, and terrorist groups. Also addressed: diplomacy, human rights and international law. (SSg) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or another SOCIAL SCIENCE click for list (5 credits)
or a HUMANITIES click for list (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 15
Course note: You need three courses from humanities and social sciences (one of each, plus a third one that can be in either area).
Action item: Attend the spring job fair.
Follow this recommended pathway to earn the AS-T degree and prepare for a university major in physics, physics/chemistry education, or physics/mathematics education. Or you can customize your plan even more. Talk with your advisor about adapting it for your individual goals.
This is the pathway to follow if your math placement is MATH&151 Calculus I.
| Description | Designed for students new to the college environment. Introduction to college services; study skills and time management; educational planning and career exploration; and skills necessary to become a successful student. Lectures, small group discussion, and experiential exercises. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course looks at the study of functions, limits, continuity, limits at infinity, differentiation of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their inverses, and applications. Graphing calculator required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH 133 or MATH& 142 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course helps students become more effective writers in academic and professional settings. Students learn to enter ongoing academic conversations, analyze and use secondary sources to formulate, develop, revise, and communicate ideas in writing, and shape their message to different purposes, audiences, and media. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL 95 or placement in ENGL& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | First of a three-course sequence designed for science, engineering, and other majors needing a full year general chemistry sequence. Covers basic principles of modern chemistry, structure of atoms, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, bonding, and molecular geometry. Lab work included. Recommended preparation CHEM& 121 or one year of High School Chemistry. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 141 with minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 12-17
Course note: EDPL 100 is optional, but it can be very helpful if you don't have much college experience. You can take it with either two or three of the other courses. If you prefer a light first quarter, postpone starting the chemistry series until Quarter 2. Finish the chemistry series in the summer.
Career exploration: Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals.
Action item: Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan.
Action item: Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
| Description | The study of Riemann Sums, methods of integration, numerical methods, polar and rectangular forms, fundamental theorem of Calculus, areas of regions, volumes of solids, centroids, length of curves, surface area, and an introduction to differential equations. Graphing calculator required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 151 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Second of a three-course sequence designed for science, engineering, and other majors needing a full year general chemistry sequence. Covers gases, thermochemistry, states of matter, solution chemistry, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Lab work included. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CHEM& 161 with minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Critical thinking ability is highly valued among employers. This course introduces you to sound reasoning principles used in daily life. Covers informal, non-symbolic introduction to logic with emphasis on real-life examples. Students learn how to critically evaluate their own reasoning and how to construct arguments. (H) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Compare the different physics majors and combined majors at universities you're interested in.
| Description | Multivariate integral and differential calculus. Geometry in R3 and in the plane. The study of vectors, acceleration, curvature; functions of several variables, partial derivatives; directional derivatives and gradients; extreme values; double and triple integrals; applications. Graphing calculator required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 152 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Introduction to the derivation and uses of Taylor Series, intended formath and science majors. The course includes a discussion of error bounds in approximating curves with polynomials, Taylor polynomials, Taylor series expansion, and intervals of convergence. Graphing calculator required. (LE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 152 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Third of a three-course sequence designed for science, engineering, and other majors needing a full-year general chemistry sequence. Coversacids, bases, acid-base equilibria, solubility and complex-ion equilibria, thermodynamics and equilibrium, electrochemistry, and special topics. Lab work included. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CHEM& 162 with minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Introduction to mechanics and physical reasoning strategies and investigation methods for students majoring in technically oriented fields not requiring a calculus based physics course. Newton's laws, work andenergy, kinematics conservation principles. Computer interfaced laboratory investigations, technical writing, problem solving, mathematical reasoning and scientific method of inquiry skills will be emphasized. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 142 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Investigation of systems of formal logic with emphasis on symbolic reasoning. (QSR) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH 99 with minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
or any other ELECTIVE click for list (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 15-16
Course note: MATH 207 is an optional 1-credit supplement to MATH& 163. Be sure to take it if you plan to transfer to the University of Washington.
Course note: PHYS& 114 is a prerequisite for PHYS& 221. Take it if you didn't take a year of physics in high school and didn't take MATH 133 at Whatcom.
Course note: a learning contract is an independent study with a faculty mentor.
Career exploration: Participate in original undergraduate research in CHEM& 163.
Career exploration: Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Action item: Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major. Are you on track?
Summer
If you postponed starting the chemistry series until your second quarter, this summer is when you should take CHEM& 163.
Total credits this quarter: 5
Career exploration: Participate in original undergraduate research in CHEM& 163.
| Description | Elementary study of the fundamentals of linear algebra. Course is intended for stronger math or science students. Course to include the study of systems of linear equations; matrices; n-dimensional vector space; linear independence, bases, subspaces and dimension. Introductionto determinants and the eigenvalue problem; applications. Graphing calculator required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 151 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Basic principles of mechanics. Emphasis on critical analysis, interpretation, and problem solving, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion, static equilibrium. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 151 with a minimum grade of C and placement in ENGL& 101; and one college level physics course or a high school physics course. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Examines major events and processes in world history from 3500 BCE to 1300 CE, including the agricultural revolution, urbanization, and growth of major civilizations within the Mediterranean Basin/Near East, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Themes include: origins of dominant religious traditions; trade, conquest, and empire; and human-environment interactions. (SSg) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Action item: Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications.
Action item: apply for next year's financial aid.
| Description | This is an introductory course in differential equations. Topics include: first and higher order linear equations, power series solutions, systems of first order equations, numerical methods, LaPlace transforms, and applications. Graphing calculator required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 152 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Basic principles of thermodynamics, mechanics of fluids and oscillatory motion, and mechanical waves. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 152 and PHYS& 221 with a minimum grade of C; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course provides an introduction to computer programming with Java. It covers computer architecture, machine instruction processing, basic data types, program control structures, functional decomposition, classes, and fundamental data structures. Recommended for math, science, engineering, computer science, and software development majors. CS 101 recommended. (MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH 099 |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Course note: MATH 238 and PHYS& 222 are best taken in the same quarter.
Action item: Apply to graduate by week 3 of this quarter.
| Description | This is the second quarter of multivariable calculus. Topics include multiple integration in different coordinate systems, the gradient, the divergence, and the curl of a vector field. Also covered are line and surface integrals, Green's Theorem, Stoke's Theorem and Gauss' Theorem. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 163 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Functional understanding and appreciation for the foundations of electromagnetism and its applications. Topics include Coulomb's Law, electric potential, circuits and circuit theory, electrical devices, Ampere's Law, electric and magnetic flux, and induction. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of PHYS& 222 with a minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Examines the history of international relations and theories of how such relations work, possible trends in globalization or interdependence, problems of authority, concepts and reality of conflict and security, and economics. Studies key international actors such as nation-states, international organizations and others including multinational corporations, and terrorist groups. Also addressed: diplomacy, human rights and international law. (SSg) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or a HUMANITIES click for list (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 15
Course note: MATH& 264 and PHYS& 223 are best taken in the same quarter.
Course note: You need three courses from humanities and social sciences (one of each, plus a third one that can be in either area).
Action item: Attend the spring job fair.