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| Astronomy |
The Astronomy Department offers classes to students who wish to satisfy the Natural Sciences requirement for the associate degree. For students intending to transfer to a four-year university that has a laboratory science requirement, 1-unit laboratory classes are offered that may be taken prior to, concurrently with or after completion of a lecture course. For students interested in astronomy or astrophysics as a career, the department provides instruction in a broad range of courses to prepare the student for transfer to four-year physics and astronomy programs. For further information, contact the department chairperson at (415) 452-5666.
ASTR 4. Life in the Universe (3)
Lec-3, field trips
Biological perspective on areas of current space research that seeks
to unify topics such as understanding the origin of life on Earth, studying
environments in which life exists, and identifying environments which might
support extraterrestrial life in the Solar System and beyond. CSU/UC
ASTR 14. Exploring the Universe (3)
Lec-3
(Designed for students who have not completed ASTR 1, 17, 18, 19,
or 20 with a final grade of C or higher)
A non-math course stressing the observational universe as seen through
the use of telescopes, space probes, theoretical and computer modeling,
and other aids. The great ideas of ancient and modern astronomy. Fundamental
ideas in the physical sciences appropriate to understanding the structure
of the universe and the origin of life. CSU
ASTR 16. Observational Astronomy (1)
Lab-3, field trips
PREREQ.: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ASTR
1 or 14 or 17 or 18
or 19
Through direct investigation, students will learn the motion and appearance
of the night sky, investigate astronomical objects such as stars, planets,
and nebulae, and become familiar with modern observational tools and techniques.
CSU/UC
ASTR 17. Solar System (3)
Lec-3
An introduction to the modern study of planetary astronomy and the
possibilities of extraterrestrial life. Emphasis on the characteristics
of the Solar System's planets, analysis of their life-support possibilities.
Examination of planetary system's origins and characteristics. Modern methods
of planetary exploration and analysis of the challenges of interplanetary
and interstellar travel and communication. CSU/UC
ASTR 18. Stars (3)
Lec-3
An introduction to the modern study of the characteristics and evolution
of stars and stellar systems. Observations and theories regarding stars
as the primary producers of energy in the universe and of the chemical
elements necessary for life. Properties of the final states of stars: supernovae,
white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts. Understanding
the effects of stellar evolution on galaxies and cosmology. CSU/UC
ASTR 19. Galaxies and the Universe (3)
Lec-3
An introduction to modern cosmology and extragalactic astronomy, with
a focus on basic questions of humankind's existence: where do we come from
and what is our fate? Topics include the origin and evolution of the universe,
Big Bang cosmology, expansion of the universe, large scale structure, dark
matter, properties of galaxies and active galactic nuclei, and phenomena
in our own and other galaxies. CSU/UC
ASTR 20. Introduction to Astrophysics (4)
Lec-3, conf-1
PREREQ.: ASTR 1, 14,
or
16
Designed for students who desire an astronomy course more advanced
than the general survey course. Emphasis is on the current state of theoretical
astrophysics and research astronomy. An opportunity for students to pursue
independent research projects or to develop teaching aids for astronomy.
The college planetarium and observatory, including the Celestron 14-inch
telescope, a CCD camera, and fiber-optic spectrograph are available for
the student. CSU/UC