James Corkins

Residential Faculty - Physics

Physical Science

Physical Science

Office: PS 15 - Room: PS211

480-461-7878

480-461-7878 (alt)

Office Hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
 

I will either be in PS211or PS107 for my office hours.  Please email me the day before for any online appointments.

Profile

Some background information about myself, I was born and raised in the Phoenix, AZ area. Some of my hobbies include olympic lifting, surfing, drawing cartoons, boardgames, RPGs, and walking doggies.   My wife Jennifer is a 4th grade teacher.  We have no children, but are in the process of adopting puppers =)

I attended Arizona State University for all three of my degrees: Bachelor’s of Science- Physics, Master’s of Science, Doctorate of Education- Physics. At ASU, I received the award for Instructor of the year and was nominated for dissertation of the year.

I was also researcher and post-doc with ASU working on the JiTTILL grant- a study funded by the NSF which proposes to innovate on teaching methods of university engineering and physics classrooms through valid and reliable assessments.

I was also the director of research at a local technology and e-learning company where I designed and implemented new curriculum, created and validated diagnostic and summative assessments and items, integrated new technology into the instructional design, and I was responsible for all research data analyses.

Classes Taught

Fall 2026

PHY111 General Physics I 4 Credits

Includes motion, energy, and properties of matter.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT182 or MAT187 or MAT188 or MAT220 or MAT221 or eligibility for MAT220 as indicated by appropriate placement or 1 yr high school Trigonometry with a grade of C or better or permission of Department or Division.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
15805
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
08/24/2026 – 12/18/2026

Class Started

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Students registering in this class will need to have access to a computer with a webcam and microphone. A mobile device will not be sufficient to complete the activities in this section.

This course requires one or more online proctored exams on the date(s) listed in the syllabus. Proctoring costs are expected to be less than $60.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 15805 must also register for .
15806
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
08/24/2026 – 12/18/2026

Class Started

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 15806 must also register for .
PHY112 General Physics II 4 Credits

Includes electricity, electromagnetism, and modern physics.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY111.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
17221
Dobson Campus

PS 107
In-Person
Lecture
08/24/2026 – 12/18/2026
MoWe
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Class Started

Notes: Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 17221 must also register for .
16667
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
08/24/2026 – 12/18/2026

Class Started

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Students registering in this class will need to have access to a computer with a webcam and microphone. A mobile device will not be sufficient to complete the activities in this section.

This course requires one or more online proctored exams on the date(s) listed in the syllabus. Proctoring costs are expected to be less than $60.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 16667 must also register for .
17222
Dobson Campus

PS 107
In-Person
Lab
08/24/2026 – 12/18/2026
MoWe
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

Class Started

Notes: Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 17222 must also register for .
16668
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
08/24/2026 – 12/18/2026

Class Started

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 16668 must also register for .
PHY121 University Physics I: Mechanics 4 Credits

Kinematics, Newton's laws, work, energy, momentum, conservation laws, dynamics of particles, solids, fluids, mechanical waves, and sound.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or permission of Department or Division. One year of high school physics suggested but not required.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
15807
Dobson Campus

PS 107
In-Person
Lecture
08/24/2026 – 12/18/2026
MoWe
7:30 AM – 8:45 AM

Closed

Notes: Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 15807 must also register for .
15808
Dobson Campus

PS 107
In-Person
Lab
08/24/2026 – 12/18/2026
MoWe
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Closed

Notes: Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 15808 must also register for .

Spring 2027

PHY111 General Physics I 4 Credits

Includes motion, energy, and properties of matter.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT182 or MAT187 or MAT188 or MAT220 or MAT221 or eligibility for MAT220 as indicated by appropriate placement or 1 yr high school Trigonometry with a grade of C or better or permission of Department or Division.

Course Notes: It is highly encouraged that you attend the FREE MCC Physics and Astronomy Boot Camp that occurs prior to the beginning of the semester. Participants will review key skills necessary for success; participants will be better prepared for their course. Visit https://www.mesacc.edu/students/foundations-student-success/boot-camps for more information and to register.

General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
10632
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
01/19/2027 – 05/14/2027

Open

12 of 27
Seats Available

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

This course requires proctored assessments/exams administered either online or in person (on dates specified in the syllabus). Free in-person proctoring is available at Mesa Community College; students using alternative proctoring services or online options are responsible for any associated fees, which are expected to be under $60. Contact your instructor for further details.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 10632 must also register for .
10633
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
01/19/2027 – 05/14/2027

Open

12 of 27
Seats Available

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

This course may require in person proctored assessments or exams that will be administered at Mesa Community College at no charge. Proctoring services not administered at Mesa Community College may be used and students are responsible for any additional costs incurred. Contact the instructor for further details. This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information. Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this ""Z Class"" is $0.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 10633 must also register for .
PHY112 General Physics II 4 Credits

Includes electricity, electromagnetism, and modern physics.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY111.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
10654
Dobson Campus

PS 107
In-Person
Lecture
01/20/2027 – 05/14/2027
MoWe
7:30 AM – 8:45 AM

Open

19 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 10654 must also register for .
10634
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
01/19/2027 – 05/14/2027

Open

10 of 27
Seats Available

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Class 10634 This course requires one or more online proctored exams on the date(s) listed in the syllabus. Proctoring costs are expected to be less than $60.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 10634 must also register for .
10655
Dobson Campus

PS 107
In-Person
Lab
01/20/2027 – 05/14/2027
MoWe
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Open

19 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 10655 must also register for .
10637
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
01/19/2027 – 05/14/2027

Open

10 of 27
Seats Available

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

This course may require in person proctored assessments or exams that will be administered at Mesa Community College at no charge. Proctoring services not administered at Mesa Community College may be used and students are responsible for any additional costs incurred. Contact the instructor for further details.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 10637 must also register for .
PHY121 University Physics I: Mechanics 4 Credits

Kinematics, Newton's laws, work, energy, momentum, conservation laws, dynamics of particles, solids, fluids, mechanical waves, and sound.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or permission of Department or Division. One year of high school physics suggested but not required.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
10640
Dobson Campus

PS 106
In-Person
Lecture
01/20/2027 – 05/14/2027
MoWe
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

Open

12 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 10640 must also register for .
10641
Dobson Campus

PS 106
In-Person
Lab
01/20/2027 – 05/14/2027
MoWe
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM

Open

12 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 10641 must also register for .

Degrees & Awards

Bachelor's of Science- Physics

Master's of Science- Physics

Doctorate of Education- Physics

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