PHYSICS
Associate in Science
Program Details
The Cuesta College Physics Program engages students in the study of how the physical world works and why materials and objects behave the way they do. Physics students will learn to deduce the underlying principles and laws of nature, and apply those principles and laws to make estimations and predictions. The students completing this degree will have a proficiency in mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, waves, electric and magnetic forces and fields, relativity, quantum physics, and atomic physics.
PHYSICS Pathways
Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2026-2027. Maps for previous years are available on each pathway page. What is a catalog year?
Featured Careers (2)
Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | Doctoral degree, Master's degree | Stable | 97,360 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Declining | 64,580 |
Program Pathways Mapper incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.
- Analyze systems where quantum effects and relativity are appropriate.
- Apply conservation of momentum and the relationship between impulse and momentum in order to solve problems involving: a) general collisions b) forces applied over time c) perfectly elastic and inelastic collisions
- Apply statics and dynamics principles in order to solve problems involving: a) motion of masses b) electric forces c) gravitational forces d) magnetic forces
- Safely perform laboratory experiments based on qualitative and quantitative analyses utilizing various apparatuses.
- Utilize the concept of conservation of energy in problems involving: a) motion of masses b) electric fields and potentials c) electric circuits d) gravitational fields