Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
HARLINGEN, Texas – Physics is a study of matter, motion, and behavior through space and time related to energy and force. In Texas State Technical College’s Physics program, students receive the building blocks to support technical programs and educational goals.
TSTC Physics campus department chair Jose Alvarez said that the mastery of physics can lead a student into a multitude of career opportunities.
He went on to explain the types of skills that students learn and how physics can be applied outside the classroom.
What is the length of the program?
The program is five semesters. Upon successful completion, a student will earn an Associate of Science degree.
What can students expect when they graduate?
Students in this program will gain a strong foundation in the fundamentals of physics and mathematics. Many of the students go on to, or have completed, a technical program such as engineering, education and training, or computer science.
What skills do students learn in Physics?
Students learn the math and chemistry behind areas such as acceleration, motion, electricity, magnetism, optics, mechanics and heat.
What types of technology are used to learn these skills?
In this program, students have access to labs and numerous tools for experiments such as speed-of-sound testers, electrostatic generators, force tables, compressors, condensers and mini-boilers.
How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?
Physics is a stepping stone into more in-depth learning after graduation. Many students who graduate from this program and continue their education will go on to find careers in engineering, computer programming, computer science, or medical equipment design and repair.
