Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASTR)

Descriptive astronomical properties of the Earth, Moon, other planets and their satellites. Comets, asteroids and other members of the Solar System. Theories of the formation of the Solar System. Opportunities for astronomical observations. Intended for non-engineering and non-science majors. Not open to students who have completed or are taking ASTR 301 or ASTR 302. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area B1 (GE Area B3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Descriptive astronomical properties of the Sun, stars, galaxies and interstellar material. Expanding universe and cosmological models. Opportunities for astronomical observations. Not open to students who have completed or are taking ASTR 301, ASTR 302, PHYS 132 or PHYS 142. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area B1 (GE Area B3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Quantitative and descriptive properties of planetary systems, including our solar system. Physics of planets and their formation, moons, comets, and interplanetary media. Extrasolar planets and astrobiology. 3 lectures.

Quantitative and descriptive properties of stars, galaxies and interstellar material; including stellar structure and evolution, and structure and evolution of galaxies. 3 lectures.

Evolution of navigational science from 1700 to today, covering the 'longitude problem' to the Global Positioning System. Emphasizes relevant concerns with navigation and timekeeping, including celestial navigation, clocks, and the use of technology, mathematics, and science to address societal problems. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog).

Introduction to the basic ideas of modern observational cosmology from the Big Bang to the ultimate fate of the universe. Topics include: special and general relativity, curvature of space, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, type Ia supernovae. 3 lectures.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter.

Individual investigations, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Credit/No Credit grading only. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter.

Introduction to observational astronomy. Coordinate systems, telescopes and observational instruments (CCDs, filters, spectrographs), observational methods and techniques, data reduction and analysis. Laboratory activities include use of a telescope, CCD camera for data acquisition, data reduction and analysis, and presentation of results. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 2 laboratories.