Astronomy Courses
These listings are sourced from Curricunet, and some courses may not be offered every semester. For additional information, contact the academic department, speak with counseling or refer to the current Class Schedule and College Catalog.
ASTR 10 - Introduction to Astronomy: The Solar System
( 3.00 - Units )
Introduction to history and physical principles of astronomy, focusing on our Solar System. Includes: constellations; distance scales; historical development of astronomy; gravitation; motion of the Earth, Moon, and Planets; astronomical tools; formation and evolution of the solar system; physical properties, atmosphere, and evolution of the Earth, Moon, and planets within the solar system; asteroids, comets, and other small bodies; discovery of extra-solar planets; possibilities for life beyond Earth. Designed for non-majors in mathematics or a physical science. A companion science lab, Astronomy 30, is also available.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
- explain physical principles relevant to the solar system and its formation, as well as those relevant to the search for extrasolar planets,
- use quantitative reasoning to determine relationships between physical quantities in astronomy,
- describe the ways in which scientific principles have shaped the modern world and relate to daily life.
ASTR 20 - Introduction to Astronomy: Stars and the Universe
( 3.00 - Units )
Introduction to the study of stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Includes the nature of light and matter, telescopes, spectroscopy, stellar formation and evolution, galaxies, quasars, and cosmology. Designed for non-majors in mathematics or a physical science. A companion science lab, Astronomy 30, is also available.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
- explain physical principles relevant to light, telescopes, stars, galaxies, and cosmology.;
- use quantitative reasoning to determine relationships between physical quantities in astronomy;
- describe the ways in which scientific principles have shaped the modern world and relate to daily life.
ASTR 30 - Introduction to Astronomy Lab
( 1.00 - Units )
Introduction to laboratory principles and techniques in astronomy. Includes operation of local and/or remote robotic telescopes, calculation of angular sizes, spectroscopy, lunar phases, eclipses, computer simulations, digital image analysis and processing, motions of the sun, moon, and planets, and identification of constellations and stars in the seasonal night skies.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
- Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between precision and accuracy through a lab report or capstone survey
- Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of angular size and resolution with telescopes through a lab activity, write-up, project, or hands-on demonstration using a telescope
- Relate individual lab exercises to the key concepts in astronomy as well as in the process of science.
ASTR 45 - Descriptive Astronomy
( 3.00 - Units )
Survey of Astronomy at a descriptive level, focusing on current topics of interest including exploration of the planets, black holes, detection of extra-solar planets, search for intelligent life in the universe, astronomy in film and literature, as well as identification of seasonal constellations. Designed for non-majors in mathematics or a physical science.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
- Describe the search for life beyond the Earth, identify the requirements for life in space, and relate the current scientific attempts to locate signs of intelligent life.
- Identify 5 prominent constellations for each season (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) and at least 3 bright stars by name for each season.
- Describe the process of science illustrated through current exploration and discoveries in Astronomy.