I.COURSE RECOMMENDATION
The goal of all physics classes at Foothill College is to develop an understanding and appreciation of the laws that govern the world we live in through improved problem-solving skills and laboratory investigations.
PHYS 4A GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS): (A, B, C, and D) is a 4 quarter, calculus-based sequence designed for students in engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and other physical sciences. Math 1B is a prerequisite for this course (may be taken concurrently). Mathematics-physics interrelationships, classical Newtonian mechanics.
Units: 6
Class Size: Lecture-60
Lab-30
Corequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in MATH 1B or 1BH.
Advisory: Students who have not taken physics in high school are strongly encouraged to take either PHYS 2A or 6 prior; not open to students with credit in PHYS 5A and 5B.
Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
Workload: 5 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (96 hours total per quarter.)
Offer Terms: Every quarter.
Foothill College GE Area: Natural Sciences
Transferability: CSU and UC
Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:foothill.edu/transfer/forms/current_transfer_ge_guide.pdf
II. The Professor We Recommend
David Marasco
Class Type: On-campus PHYS 4A GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS)
Teaching Habits: You need to show up at David's lecture. There is a lot of material to cover in his class and you will need to go through a lot of things to understand what he is saying most of the time. Study hard and it will pay off. He is funny, understanding, and approachable. In-office hours he is very helpful. He expects you to keep up with the reading and there are daily quizzes. His tests are good and fair if you study the material hard. Read a lot and do lots of problems.
Frank Cascarano
Class Type: On-campus PHYS 4A GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS)
Teaching Habits: Frank is very nice, very good at explaining ideas conceptually, and does great demos. Unfortunately, he doesn't do a great job of explaining the problems that involve calculus, and his lab's arent very good. The labs were very results-oriented and often way ahead of the lecture, so they were confusing and not helpful. Don't fall behind! It is very difficult to recover as his class moves at a fast pace. He gives you lots of resources to learn the material in-depth (beyond what is covered in class); be sure to use them extensively before taking his tests. His tests tend to be conceptual so a clear understanding of the material is essential. Tough but fair!
Bobby Lau
Class Type: On-campus PHYS 4A GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS)
Teaching Habits: AMAZING lecturer and overall funny and clear, he's a likable guy! However, the tests are difficult. But as he will curve, you can get a good grade if you understand the chapter. Easy and fun lab section. Sometimes he spaces out during lectures as if lost in creative thought about some physics concept that is way beyond advanced out there. Very helpful in office hours!
III. AVAILABLE ACADEMIC RESOURCE ON CAMPUS
STEM CENTER — Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Math, Networking, Physics, The Garden, The Village
Hours MONDAY–THURSDAY: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. MONDAY–THURSDAY: 9 p.m.–12 midnight (CS ONLY) FRIDAY: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. SATURDAY: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. SUNDAY: 12 noon–12 midnight (CS ONLY)
For topic-specific tutor availability, see
TEACHING & LEARNING CENTER — Support with reading and writing for all subjects
Hours MWF: Noon–6 p.m. TTH: 9 a.m.–Noon and 3-9 p.m. TLC ZOOM ROOM