Welcome to Highline College Physics & Engineering Programs

Physics

Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. The goal of physics is to understand how and why things work from the first principles. Applications range from quantum computers to new radiotherapies for curing cancer to sustainable energy sources. Physics is great preparation for almost any career because it teaches us how to analyze complex problems and equips us with strong quantitative reasoning skills that can be applied to any scientific or technical field.

The Associate of Science degree in Physics lays a foundation for a bachelor’s degree in physics or astronomy, as well as a useful starting point for bachelor’s degrees in math or engineering physics. A bachelor’s physics degree is a passport into a wide range of careers in science, engineering, and technology including research, teaching, medicine, law, science journalism, science and energy policy, government, non-profit and finance. The skills obtained can also be immediately applicable to employment as a laboratory assistant, quality control officer or physical sciences technician.

Engineering

If you like to design, innovate, and problem-solve, engineering may be the path for you.  Engineers develop solutions to complex problems in technology, medicine, aerospace, alternative energy, and more. Highline College offers a student-centered, and well-established engineering program. The faculty has developed and is continuously improving high-quality courses equivalent to the courses for freshman and sophomore years of a university engineering degree while providing small classes and meaningful one-on-one faculty-student interaction. Students use our Engineering Makerspace for hands-on projects such as 3D printing and Arduino to name just a few.

STEM Events

Bring Your Kids to College STEAM Workshops

The Bring Your Kids to College (BYKC) program has STEAM workshops on the third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. The workshops consist of multiple stations with a variety of activities or experiments that teach STEAM concepts in a fun and interactive way. Our BYKC team does all the planning and initial setup of stations. Some stations target a younger audience by using Play-Doh, coloring pages, or some type of artwork. Other stations are more challenging with experiments designed for more advanced learners. At least one station typically has a “make-and-take” item that participants can keep. All stations have step-by-step instructions that adults use to help the kids they brought to the workshop learn something about science, technology, engineering, art, and/or math (aka STEAM).

Volunteer facilitators help the kids (and accompanying adults) as needed with the hands-on activities by answering questions and providing guidance. Volunteers also may help with last-minute set-up pre-event and post-event cleanup. Volunteers do not need to know anything about the topic. Our BYKC team will teach them everything they’d need to know. 

Location:  ThunderLab Makerspace, Building 16, Room 106, Highline College campus

2023 Tentative Workshop Schedule

• Sound – January 21
• Robotics – February 18
• Solids, Liquids & Gasses – March 18
• Earth Day – April 22
• Engineering Day: Bridges – May 20
• Tinkering with Circuits – June 17
• TBD – July 15 
• Dinosaur Tracks – August 18
• Bubble Bonanza – September 16
• DNA: Blueprint for Life – October 21
• Nutrition: WOWs and Whys – November 18
• TBD – December 15

Contact Stephaney Puchalski, at (206) 592-4659 for times and specifics on the schedule.