Physics and Astronomy
Degrees and Certificates
Physics
A.S. Degree • Suggested Curriculum
The physicist is concerned with theoretical scientific principles. Employment opportunities for engineers and physicists include theoretical research activities plus many other options. In the typical four-year curriculum, the first two years concentrate on the basic sciences including mathematics, chemistry and physics. The last two years emphasize advanced mathematics and science courses. Prairie State College offers courses applicable to the first two years of the curriculum, and will grant an Associate in Science degree to successful students.
I. GENERAL EDUCATION CORE (39-40)
Area A: Communication (9 credits)
ENG 101 [C1 900] Composition I - with a grade of C or better (3)
ENG 102 [C1 901R] Composition II - with a grade of C or better (3)
COMM 101 [C2 900] Principles of Communication (3)
Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credits)
Select three courses from the list for Area B on pages 50-52, with at
least one course from humanities and one course from fine arts.
Area C: Mathematics (5 credits)
MATH 171 [M1 900-1] Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (5)
Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (7-8 credits)
CHEM 110 [P1 902L] General Chemistry I (5)
One life science course from the list for Area D on pages 50-52 (3-4).
Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 credits
Select three courses in at least two different disciplines from the list
for Area E on pages 50-52.
II.AREA OF CONCENTRATION/MAJOR FIELD (a min. of 23)
Physics core courses:
PHYSI 210 University Physics I (4)
PHYSI 220 University Physics II (4)
PHYSI 230 University Physics III (4)
Support courses:
CHEM 130 General Chemistry II (5)
MATH 172 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (5)
MATH 173 Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (5)
MATH 201 Engineering Computer Programming (3)
MATH 216 Differential Equations (3)
Required A.S. Degree Program Total: 62 credits
Astronomy
A.S. Degree • Suggested Curriculum
The astronomer is concerned with the earth and its position in the solar system and the universe. Employment opportunities include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), air traffic control, and weather forecasting and monitoring. In the typical four-year curriculum, the first two years are spent studying the basic sciences, including mathematics and physics. The last two years emphasize advanced mathematics and science courses. Prairie State College offers courses comparable to the first two years of the curriculum required for a major in astonomy and will grant the Associate in Science degree to successful students.
I. GENERAL EDUCATION CORE (39-40)
Area A: Communication (9 credits)
ENG 101 [C1 900] Composition I - with a grade of C or better (3)
ENG 102 [C1 901R] Composition II - with a grade of C or better (3)
COMM 101 [C2 900] Principles Communication (3)
Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credits)
Select three courses from the list for Area B on pages 50-52, with at least one course from humanities and one course from fine arts.
Area C: Mathematics (5 credits)
MATH 171 [M1 900-1] Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (5)
Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (7-8 credits)
ASTRO 104 [P1 906L] The Solar System and Beyond (4)
Life Science Elective (3-4)
Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 credits)
Select three courses in at least two different disciplines from the list for Area E on pages 50-52.
II.AREA OF CONCENTRATION/MAJOR FIELD (17)
MATH 172 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (5)
PHYSI 210 University Physics I (4)
PHYSI 220 University Physics II (4)
PHYSI 230 University Physics III (4)
III. ELECTIVES (5-6)
Select additional science, calculus, and foreign language courses or other general education core courses.
Required A.S. Degree Program Total: 62 credits
Foreign Language Requirements: Some universities have a foreign language requirement. Generally, four years of a single foreign language in high school or four semesters of language in college will fulfill this requirement. It is recommended that students complete the entire sequence at one institution.