Astronomy Courses

ASTR 1, Cosmic Evolution
Lec-52.5

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Introductory astronomy course with an emphasis on the development of the cosmos and its components. The origin, evolution, and final state of our physical universe. Properties, formation, and evolution of our galaxy and other galaxies, the sun and other stars, and our solar system. Extrasolar planets and the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
ASTR 4, Life in the Universe
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

The origin and evolution of life on Earth and the possibility of life elsewhere in the
Universe. Applying the disciplines of astronomy, biology, and planetary science, students
study the chemical and biological basis for life, limits of life on Earth, and techniques
used to search for life beyond Earth.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
ASTR 16, Observational Astronomy
Lab-52.5

PREREQ: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: ASTR 1 or ASTR 17 or ASTR 18 or ASTR 19 ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Through direct investigation, students will examine the motion and appearance of the
night sky, characterize and classify astronomical objects such as planets, moons, stars,
nebulae, and galaxies, and become familiar with modem observational tools and
techniques.

UC/CSU
Units: 1
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
ASTR 17, Planets
Lec-52.5

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Methods and practice of planetary science and its impact on humanity. Fundamental physical sciences for understanding the origin and evolution of planetary systems. Comparative examination of planetary attributes including atmospheres, geospheres, magnetospheres, and hydrospheres. Solar System and extra-solar planetary systems and life-bearing possibilities. Detailed planetary information revealed by space missions.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
ASTR 18, Stars
Lec-52.5

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Introduction to stars and stellar systems, including their apparent motions and their use in
navigation. Observations and theories regarding stars as the primary producers of energy
in the universe and of the chemical elements necessary for life. Evolution of stars and
their impact within galaxies and on planets.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
ASTR 19, Galaxies and the Universe
Lec-52.5

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Introduction to cosmology, galactic and extragalactic astronomy, with a focus on basic questions of existence: Where do we come from and what is our fate? Covers the universe's origin, evolution, fate, expansion and acceleration, cosmological models explaining these, large scale structure, dark matter and dark energy, properties and phenomena of galaxies, including the Milky Way and active galactic nuclei.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable