Physics
What is Physics?
Physics is the study of matter and energy, along with the fundamental laws governing the interaction between them. This ranges from the interactions between the most massive celestial objects, to the smallest building blocks of matter itself…along with everything in between.
Physicists can pursue careers in industry (such as engineering or medical/radiological physics), research, and academia.
Physics at LAVC
A variety of physics courses/sequences are offered at LAVC. Your intended career/academic pathway will determine which sequence to take. In addition, LAVC also offers physics courses that satisfy general education/transfer requirements, including lab requirements. All courses are UC and CSU transferable and an AS degree in Physics may also be earned. For additional information, see the College Catalog or speak with an Academic Counselor.
Prerequisites
Advanced courses generally have prerequisites. If you feel you have met these prerequisites you can meet with a counselor or contact the Department to have your prerequisite validated.
If you would like to challenge a course prerequisite, fill out a Prerequisite Challenge Form and email it to the Department along with supporting documentation, such as unofficial transcripts. Emails must be from your LACCD student email address.
Programs
Physics Degree
Click the tabs below to find out about the Physics Degree.
Students will learn about the major topics in classical physics– mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics and wave theory. They will also be introduced to topics in modern physics-- quantum theory, atomic structure and relativity theory. Calculus will be used to solve problems in these areas. This degree partially meets the guidelines of the University of California Transfer Pathways for students wishing to complete a bachelor’s degree in physics at a UC campus.
Students will learn about the major topics in classical physics—mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics and wave theory. They will also be introduced to topics in modern physics-- quantum theory, atomic structure and relativity theory. The calculus will be used to solve problems in these areas. This degree is designed for students who wish to transfer to a California State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in physics. For a complete listing of CSUs that accept this degree as meeting lower division major preparation, please go to the Counseling Department.
Faculty
Full-time Faculty
| Name | Contact Information |
|---|---|
|
Lucas Haley |
haleyll@lavc.edu |
| Karapet Karapetyan | karapek2@lavc.edu |
| Alex Lee |
Faculty Profiles
Click below to learn about the Manufacturing faculty.
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MS in Physics, UC Riverside
- Teaches Phys 37, 38, 39, Phys 6, 7, Phys Sci 4, Astr 1
- Areas of interest include High Energy and Solar Astrophysics, Materials Science
- Department Chair, JPL SIRI Faculty Sponsor, Tutoring Liaison
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When I am not working, I enjoy being with my family, spending time outdoors, and tending to my dachshunds, goats, chickens, ducks, and the rest of my animals.
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MS in Physics, CSUN
- Teaches Phys 37, 38, 39, Phys 6, 7, Phys Sci 4, Astr 1, Physics 5, Physics 66, 67
- Areas of interest include General Astrophysics, Exoplanets, and Planetary Sciences
- CAP representative, MESA Liaison
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I enjoy spending time with my family, reading (mostly science fiction, and non-fiction science/finance books), and traveling. I also enjoy sushi, and probably drink way too much coffee.
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MS in Physics, CSUN
- Teaches Physics 37 - Calculus-based physics (Mechanics), and Physics 6 - Trig-based physics (mechanics, waves, and thermodynamics)
- Areas of interest include Optical Properties of Materials
- MESA Liaison
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Outside of class I enjoy spending time with family and being outdoors.
Learn About Physics
Video: Physics