PHYS 004C: Engineering Physics - Light, Heat, and Waves | West Valley College

Catalog 2026-2027

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PHYS 004C: Engineering Physics - Light, Heat, and Waves

Course Description

This is the third course in a three-semester, calculus-based physics sequence designed for physical science and engineering majors. This course covers key topics in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanical waves, optics, and modern physics, including wave-particle duality, matter waves, and special relativity. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding, mathematical modeling, and the application of calculus to solve real-world physics problems. Together with the previous two courses in the sequence, this course completes the core physics curriculum required for most STEM transfer pathways.

Units: 4

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Transferable to both UC and CSU

Course Details

  • Grade Options: Letter Grade
  • In-Class Lecture Hours: 48 – 54
  • In-Class Lab Hours: 48 – 54

Requisites and Advisories

  • Prerequisites: MATH C2220, PHYS 004A
  • Co-Requisites: None
  • Advisory: None
  • Additional Requisite Information:
    The honors version of the same course may be used to satisfy a requisite requirement.

Transfer Details

  • CSU/UC: Transferable to both UC and CSU
  • WVC GE: Area A-5: Natural Sciences
  • C-ID: PHYS 215 - Calculus-Based Physics for Scientists and Engineers: C
  • Cal-GETC GE: Area 5A: Physical Science
    Area 5C: Laboratory
Last Updated 6/30/26