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Physics

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Academic Programs

Associate in Science Degree with a Concentration in Physics (417)

The concentration in Physics prepares students to transfer to four-year universities to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, and/or Computer Science.

The associate in science (A.S.) degree is designed to complete the lower-division (freshman and sophomore) portion of a bachelor of science degree in STEM-related majors. As a result, the A.S. degree does not include the entire General Education Core Curriculum (GECC). Therefore, students will need to complete MORE general education courses after transfer by completing the GECC curriculum while enrolled at the participating Illinois transfer institution OR fulfilling the general education requirements of their selected non-participating transfer institution.

Physics - IAI Recommended Course Sequence

Follow this link for career information.

Transfer Considerations

Students who have already chosen the university to which they plan to transfer should consult that institution's catalog or department advisor and an SVCC academic advisor in planning their program.

  1. Bachelor's programs in physics are based on an in-depth foundation of sequential coursework in science and math, while upper-division coursework provides the preparation necessary for graduate studies and/or work in industry. Multiple tracks are often available. For example, some institutions offer a specialty in applied physics or certification for high school teaching.
  2. PHY 211 and PHY 212 (Calculus-based Physics Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism), MAT 203, MAT 204, and MAT 205 (Calculus & Analytic Geometry I, II, & III), and CHE 205 and CHE 206 (General Chemistry I & II) are recommended electives based on top transfer school requirements (for a Physics B.S.). Some schools also require completion of a computer-programming language, MAT 231 and/or MAT 211 before students may begin junior-year required courses.

Competitive Admissions

Since admission is competitive, completing the recommended courses does not by itself guarantee admission. Students who have already chosen the university to which they plan to transfer should consult that institution's catalog or department advisor and an SVCC academic advisor in planning their program.

Special Considerations

Mathematical ability and computer skills are essential to the career success of physicists. Advanced degrees, often the Ph.D., are required for career advancement.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

  • Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
  • Dr. James Chisholm, Professor of Physics, 815-835-6215

Minimum Total Credit Hours - 65 Hours

Suggested Course Sequence

First Semester - 17 Hours

  • Life Science 3 Semester hour(s)
  • Personal Development 1 Semester hour(s)
  • CHE105 - General Chemistry I ( 5 Semester Hours)

    This course involves the study of matter, measurements, the periodic table of the elements, atomic structure, basic concepts of quantum theory, bonding, stoichiometry of compounds and reactions, solution chemistry, introduction to acids and bases, thermochemistry, the gaseous state, and basic concepts of the liquid and solid states. This class is for chemistry, engineering, premedical, and science majors. Prerequisite: One year of high school chemistry or CHE 103 or CHE 102. 5 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): P1 902L, CHM 911 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 3 lab/week

  • ENG101 - Composition I ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course (1) develops awareness of the writing process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and editorial strategies; (3) stresses the variety of uses for writing; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in reading, thinking, and writing. Prerequisite: Required placement score on approved English placement test, high school unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, or a grade of C or higher in ELA 099. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • FYE101 - First Year Experience ( 1 Semester Hours)

    The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills, goal setting, academic planning, time and money management, and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment, students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. Prerequisite: None 1 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 1 lec/week

  • MAT203 - Calculus & Analytic Geometry I ( 4 Semester Hours)

    The elementary concepts of differential and integral calculus are introduced and applications are discussed. These include limits, continuity, the derivative, rules of differentiation, the indefinite and definite integral. Trigonometric functions are dealt with. Some applications are: related rates, graphing, extreme value problems, and Newton's method for finding roots of equations. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MAT 121, College Algebra, AND MAT 122, Trigonometry OR appropriate placement (see current placement score prerequisite chart) 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): M1 900-1, MTH 901 Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/week

Second Semester - 18 Hours

  • Personal Development 1 Semester hour(s)
  • CHE106 - General Chemistry II ( 5 Semester Hours)

    This course is a continuation of CHE 105. This course involves the study of solutions, acids and bases, equilibria, acid-base equilibria, solubility equilibria, kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, coordination compounds, and nuclear chemistry. This class is for chemistry, engineering, premedical, and science majors. Prerequisite: CHE 105 General Chemistry I or equivalent with a C or higher. 5 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): CHM 912 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 3 lab/week

  • ENG103 - Composition II ( 3 Semester Hours)

    An advanced course in essay writing with emphasis on formal research, ENG 103 serves to develop a proficiency in the collection and selection of data as applied to the completion of a formal research paper. In addition, students receive instruction in logic and reasoning, including the fundamentals of argumentative and persuasive writing. Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in ENG 101 or its equivalent or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 901R Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • MAT204 - Calc & Analytic Geometry II ( 4 Semester Hours)

    The methods of differentiation and integration are extended and power series are introduced. The new methods deal with: logarithms, exponential, hyperbolic and inverse trigonometric functions. Some applications are: area between two curves, volumes of revolution, arc length, and work. The techniques of integration by parts, partial fractions, trigonometric substitution and numerical integration are covered. Power series and the Taylor series function representation are introduced. Prerequisite: MAT 203 with a grade of C or higher. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): M1 900-2, MTH 902 Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/week

  • PHY211 - Engineering Physics I ( 5 Semester Hours)

    An examination of the basic principles of mechanics with special emphasis on conceptual and mathematical problem-solving. Topics include linear kinematics, Newton's Laws, rotational motion, equilibrium, harmonic motion and waves. Prerequisites: High school physics or PHY 201 and MAT 203. 5 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): P2 900L and PHY 911 Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec, 2 lab/week

Third Semester - 15 Hours

  • Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)
  • Social/Behavioral Science 3 Semester hour(s)
  • Personal Development 1 Semester hour(s)
  • COM131 - Intro to Oral Communication ( 3 Semester Hours)

    The oral communication course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. The course: (1) develops awareness of the communication process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and expressive strategies; (3) promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in listening, reading, thinking, and speaking. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C2 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • PHY212 - Engineering Physics II ( 5 Semester Hours)

    An examination of the basic principles of electricity and magnetism with selected topics in electric and magnetic fields, potentials, network theory, dielectric and magnetic properties of matter, capacitance, inductance, dc and ac circuits, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic waves. Prerequisite: PHY 211 and MAT 204 or concurrent enrollment in MAT 204. 5 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): PHY 912 Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec, 2 lab/week

Fourth Semester - 15 Hours

  • Humanities 3 Semester hour(s)
  • Social/Behavioral Science 3 Semester hour(s)
  • MAT205 - Calc & Analytic Geometry III ( 4 Semester Hours)

    The elementary ideas concerning conic sections, polar curves, and vector-valued and multivariate functions are covered. These topics include: area, arc length and tangents for polar curves. In addition, vectors, vector derivatives, curvature and motion in two and three space are studied. The multivariate concepts of differentiability, partial differentiation, gradient vectors, LaGrange multipliers, finding relative extreme values, and multiple integration are studied. The course also includes material on vector fields, line integrals, independence of path, Green's Theorem, surface integrals, the Divergence Theorem, and Stokes's Theorem. Prerequisite: MAT 204 with a grade of C or higher. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): M1 900-3, MTH 903 Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/week

  • PHY213 - Engineering Physics III ( 5 Semester Hours)

    An introduction to heat and thermodynamics, universal gravitation, geometrical and physical optics, the properties of light, relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, elementary particles, and solid-state physics. Prerequisite: PHY 212 and MAT 204. 5 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): PHY 915A Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec, 2 lab/week