Astronomy (ASTR)


Division Dean

Patricia Menchaca


Faculty

Ron Armale
Michael Frey


Counselor

Ernesto Heredia


The courses taught by this department contribute to the following ISLO/PSLOs: A-Breadth of Knowledge, Competencies, and Skills, B-Communication Skills, and C-Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Information Competency Skills; specifically, the following ISLO/PSLO subcategories: A1-Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, B1-Reading, B2-Writing, B3-Communicating, B4-Presenting, C1-Analysis, C2-Computation, C4-Problem Solving, and C5-Technology.

ASTR 116 C Introduction to Astronomy 3 Units

Term hours: 54 lecture. This course is an introduction to the ideas, concepts, and theories of astronomy. Topics include the night sky, history of astronomy, the solar system, extra solar planets, stars, the interstellar medium, galaxies, cosmology, and extraterrestrial life in the universe. On-campus observation sessions may be held. Duplicate credit not granted for ASTR 116HC. Pass/No Pass/Letter Grade Option. (UC/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC)

ASTR 116HC  Honors Introduction to Astronomy 3 Units

Term hours: 54 lecture. This Honors-enhanced course introduces the concepts and theories of astronomy. Topics include the night sky, history of astronomy, the solar system, the sun, moon, planets, extra solar planets, stars, the interstellar medium, black holes, galaxies, cosmology, and life in the universe. Telescope observation sessions will be held on campus. Duplicate credit not granted for ASTR 116 C. (UC/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC)

ASTR 117 C Astronomy Lab 1 Unit

Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ASTR 116 C or ASTR 116HC, with a grade of C or better.

Term hours: 54 laboratory. This course comprises an introduction to techniques of Astronomical measurement and analysis of Astronomical data. Emphasis will be on understanding how scientific knowledge is constructed, i.e. answering the question: how do we know what we know about the universe? Students will perform hands-on measurements, observations and exercises in data analysis relating to the solar system, stars, galaxies, large-scale structure of the universe, and cosmology. On campus telescopic observing may be done by students in the Astronomy Laboratory. Duplicate credit not granted for ASTR 117HC. (UC/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC)

ASTR 117HC Honors Astronomy Lab 1 Unit

Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ASTR 116 C or ASTR 116HC, with a grade of C or better.

Term hours: 54 laboratory. This Honors-enhanced course comprises an introduction to Astronomical measurement and analysis of Astronomical data. Emphasis will be on how scientific knowledge is constructed, i.e. answering the question: how do we know what we know about the universe? Students will perform hands-on measurements, observations and exercises in data analysis relating to the solar system, stars, galaxies, large-scale structure of the universe, and cosmology. Students will learn how to use a telescope, which may be computer controlled and take digital images. Duplicate credit not granted for ASTR 117 C. (CSU/UC Credit Limitation/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC)