Astronomy (ASTRO)
ASTRO 010 Introduction to Astronomy 3 Units
Astronomy 010 is an introductory science course for non-science majors covering all major topics of modern Astronomy. Described are the origins of the Solar System, the apparent motion of sky objects, seasons, the causes of periodic sky events such as the phases of the moon, solar and lunar eclipses, and meteor showers. The course highlights the recent discovery of thousands of exoplanets, and the current search for biosignatures on those exoplanets. Additional topics include the origins of stars, the various physical processes involved in stellar evolution, a full description of the Universe in large scale, and the main tenets of the Big Bang Theory. The scientific method and the fundamental laws of physics are stressed.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Recommended: 3 units of MATH 111 with P or placement based on math assessment
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: 2
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: B1 IGETC: 5A District GE: B1
ASTRO 010L Introductory Astronomy Lab 1 Unit
ASTRO 010L is an introductory laboratory course in Astronomy designed for non-science majors, that includes substantial work at the Montgomery Hill Observatory with state of the art telescopes and cameras. Students will identify constellations and asterisms, measure the apparent motion of planets and stars, investigate the geology of terrestrial objects throughout the solar system, and discuss the dramatic chemical differences in solar system planets and their moons. This course will cover the different stages of stellar evolution, making use of computer simulations to illustrate changes in size and energy output of stars as they age. Course work will conclude with explorations of large scale structures such as galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and the expanding Universe. Acceptable as a CSU lab science requirement only if student has completed ASTRO 010, or ASTRO 014, or ASTRO 016 previously or concurrently.
Lecture Hours: None Lab Hours: 3 Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: ASTRO 010 or ASTRO 014 or ASTRO 016; with C or better or concurrent enrollment
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: 1
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: B3 IGETC: 5C District GE: B3
ASTRO 014 Solar System Astronomy 3 Units
Solar System Astronomy is an introductory course focusing on the main physical processes governing the solar system formation and its evolution. It introduces the scientific methodology adopted by astronomers to establish self consistent models of celestial processes. It highlights the latest achievements in space exploration on planets and their moons, and other minor bodies such as asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets. Special consideration is given to current research focusing on origins of life and the search for evidence of extraterrestrial life, past or present.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: 2
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: B1 IGETC: 5A District GE: B1
ASTRO 016 Stars, Galaxies, and the Origin of the Universe 3 Units
Stars and Galaxies is an introductory course for non-science majors highlighting the following subjects: stellar properties, stellar evolution, shapes of galaxies, and structure of the universe in large scale. It presents the main phases of stellar evolution, the stellar population in different sections of Milky Way Galaxy, the distribution of galaxies within clusters, and Hubble flow. Additional topics include a brief history of the Big Bang Theory, the presence of dark matter in the galactic halo, and dark energy. This course satisfies the requirement of a general education course in Physical Science without a laboratory component.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: 2
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: B1 IGETC: 5A District GE: B1