Launch Your Future in Physics
Whether you aspire to analyze data, educate future generations, conduct groundbreaking research, or innovate in technology, the Physics Transfer Major degree at Iowa Lakes is your launching pad to success.
Earn your Physics Transfer Major degree from Iowa Lakes and build a strong foundation with courses like Classical Physics I & II and Calculus I, II, & III, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the rigorous coursework of a bachelor’s degree program. At Iowa Lakes, you’ll develop critical problem-solving, analytical, and computational skills that will serve you in engineering, astrophysics, research, data science, and education.
Completing your Physics Transfer Major Degree will satisfy the general education and physics prerequisites for a seamless transfer to top regent universities like the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa, and Iowa State University. Your transfer major will be recorded on your transcripts, simplifying your transition to a four-year institution. Our dedicated advisors will help you navigate specific transfer requirements, ensuring you stay on track for success.
Explore career pathways and salary expectations in physics-related fields through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. Ready to take the next step? Connect with an enrollment coach today and start building your future in physics!
Find Your It!
Your Pathway to a Physics Career
A Degree with Endless Possibilities
A physics degree opens doors to careers in aerospace, data science, renewable energy, education, medical physics, and more. Whether you plan to pursue advanced studies, enter the workforce, or specialize in a field like quantum mechanics or astrophysics, Iowa Lakes provides the knowledge and experience you need.
Seamless Transfer for Advanced Study
Completing your Physics Transfer Major degree at Iowa Lakes ensures that your coursework meets your chosen four-year institution’s general education and major-specific requirements. Since transfer pathways can vary, working closely with an advisor will help you plan the most efficient route to your bachelor’s degree in physics.
Program Details
Length
4 terms
Degree
Associate in Science (64 credits)
Campus
Estherville
Additional Information
Term 1
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET, COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
MAT 211 – Calculus I
A general course in differential and integral calculus and its applications. Topics include limits and continuity; differentiation; application of differentiation; integration; logarithmic, exponential and other transcendental functions; and applications of integration.
Prerequisites: MAT 127 – College Algebra and Trig or equivalent
SDV 103 – Successful Learning
Students master the academic and personal skills needed to succeed in higher education and in life. Content will cover academic, communication and life management skills. Goal setting, time management, note taking, test taking and how to be a lifelong learner will also be covered.
Term 2
ENG 106 – Composition II
Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and documentation as well as literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I
MAT 217 – Calculus II
Continuation of MAT 211. Integration techniques, sequences, infinite series, conic sections, parametric equations, polar coordinates, vectors, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, and vector-67 values functions.
Prerequisites: MAT 211 – Calculus I or equivalent
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
SPC 112 – Public Speaking
This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is placed on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis.
SPC 122 – Interpersonal Communications
Examines how humans communicate in one-on-one situations through personal and professional relationships.
Choose either SPC 101, SPC 112 or SPC 122
Social Science: 3 credits
Term 3
MAT 218 – Calculus III
Continuation of MAT 217. Explores functions of several variables; partial derivatives; directional derivatives and gradients; multiple integration; vector analysis; and a brief look at differential equations.
Prerequisites: MAT 217 – Calculus II or equivalent
PHY 212 – Classical Physics I
Demonstrations, lectures recitations and laboratory work beginning a two-semester sequence covering the subject. Mechanics is primarily covered in the first semester. Recommended for those planning to major in engineering, physics, chemistry and mathematics.
Prerequisites: MAT 210 or MAT 211. Recommend elementary understanding of differentiation and integration.
Term 4
PHY 222 – Classical Physics II
Continuation of PHY 212. Thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and geometric optics are covered in this course. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: PHY 212 – Classical Physics I
Corequisites: MAT 216 or MAT 217 – Calculus II
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
By obtaining an Associate in Science (AS) degree from Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
Communications:
- Students are able to communicate clearly, both written and oral using the correct medium.
- Students are able to support ideas with appropriate and adequate information.
Science:
- Demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
- Apply scientific inquiry/scientific method to answer questions about the natural world.
Mathematics:
- Apply mathematical methods to solve real world problems.
- Evaluate the validity of mathematical solutions.
Social Science:
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in written and oral communication.
- Students will critique the diversity of human experience, individually and collectively.
Humanities:
- Respond critically using established aesthetic principles or criteria, or an ethical judgement of specific examples as it relates to the discipline.
- Express the principles of the discipline within the global community by using the language, syntax, and cultural context of the discipline appropriately.
Computers:
- Integrate the technology necessary in the workplace environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge in utilizing software application tools.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Associate in Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Transfer data to Iowa Regent Universities
First Year University GPA
Note: This is the average of transfer with associates and transfer, no associates
2.94
Average Retention One Year After Transferring to a Regent University
86%
Average University Graduation Rates Three Years After Entry to a Regent University
58%
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
 |
Trevor Friesner Academic Advisor 712-362-7984 | tfriesner@iowalakes.edu |