The college I attended for my bacheolor's was divided into quarters. Like most science classes the introduction class general lasted the whole year. (eg general biology, general chemistry, basic physics, biochemistry) I needed only one year of physics which entailed Physics 1A,1B,1C lecture and the corresponding laboratory class. Generally as you further your studies, the classes may only be 1 or 2 quarters for a specific topic. It really depends on your course of study.

edit: What avenue of physics you plan to study will greatly determine what your curriculum will be; especially when you start your upper division courses. This probably isn't terribly helpful but true.

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And all this science, I don't understand. It's just my job 5 days a week. Rocket Man (EJ/BT)