Physical Science

Physical science, the study of the nature and properties of energy and nonliving matter, is an interdisciplinary field that includes astronomy, geology, physics, and chemistry.

Students take physical science courses to explore the discipline, satisfy general education requirements, and meet one of the science requirements for the liberal studies (K–5) teaching major.

Academic and Career Pathway

Math and Sciences

Contact Information

Chairs: Kent McCorkle (Chemistry), Erika Peters (Physical Sciences)

Dean: Michael Fino

https://www.miracosta.edu/academics/degree-and-certificate-programs/math-and-sciences/physical-science/index.html

Department: Chemistry and Physical Sciences

Office: Building OC3600, 760.757.2121 x6924

Certificates

Certificate of Achievement

Sustainability Studies

Sustainability entails lifelong behaviors that ensure societal well-being and survival in the natural world. This certificate prepares students to make sustainability decisions regarding the physical, social, and economic environments in which they live. Students are strongly encouraged to work with a MiraCosta counselor to ensure that this pathway certificate is incorporated into their selected general education pattern.

Program Student Learning Outcome

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to analyze sustainability issues and evaluate the effect on physical, social, and economic environments.

Course Requirements

Select one course:		3
EART 106	Earth and Space Science
EART 106H	Earth and Space Science (Honors)
GEOG 101	Earth's Dynamic Environment: Introduction to Physical Geography
PHSN 106	Introduction to Physical Science: Physics and Chemistry
PHSN 108	Introduction to Climate Change
PHSN 108H	Introduction to Climate Change (Honors)
Select one combined lecture and lab course or a correlating lecture and lab course.		3-4
BIO 102	Introductory Biology: Ecology and Environmental Biology
BIO 108 & 108L	Introductory Biology: Ocean Ecology and Sustainability and Introductory Biology: Ocean Ecology and Sustainability Lab
HORT 115	Soil Science
Complete the courses below.		6
DESN 107	History of Western Architecture-A Sustainable Perspective
GEOG 108	Environmental Sustainability and Society
Total Units		12-13

How to Read Course Descriptions

For more detailed information about a course, such as its content, objectives, and fulfillment of a degree, certificate, or general education requirement, please see the official course outline of record, available on the Courses and Programs webpage.

Courses

PHSN 106: Introduction to Physical Science: Physics and Chemistry

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces the non-scientist to the fundamental concepts of physics and chemistry. Physics topics include motion, force, work, energy, gravity, electricity, magnetism, light, and subatomic particles and forces. Chemistry topics include chemical and physical properties of elements and compounds, the periodic table, atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding, and nuclear structure and processes. This course also teaches students how to analyze and solve problems using critical thinking and the scientific method. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: No credit if taken after college course in chemistry or physics.

PHSN 108: Introduction to Climate Change

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in PHSN 108H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

This course explores the principles underlying the interdisciplinary and rapidly growing field of climate science and climate change. Topics include the Earth's climate system and climate history, the physics and chemistry of greenhouse gases, and evidence for climate change. The course investigates human influences on the climate system, including greenhouse gas emissions and potential impacts of climate change. It also considers various possible responses to climate change, including alternative energy production, policy responses, and adaptation. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for PHSN 108 or PHSN 108H.

PHSN 108H: Introduction to Climate Change (Honors)

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in PHSN 108.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

This course offers students an enriched opportunity to explore the principles underlying the interdisciplinary and rapidly growing field of climate science and climate change. Topics include the Earth's climate system and climate history, the physics and chemistry of greenhouse gases, and evidence for climate change. The course investigates human influences on the climate system, including greenhouse gas emissions and potential impacts of climate change. Students investigate and evaluate various possible responses to climate change, including alternative energy production, policy responses, and adaptation. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for PHSN 108 or PHSN 108H.

PHSN 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-14
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. Fourteen unit maximum in any combination of work experience education and/or internship studies per semester.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.