Academic Catalog

Astronomy (AST)

AST101 / Survey of Astronomy
4 Credits / 3.0 Periods for Laboratory, 3.0 Periods for Lecture

Survey of astronomy for the nontechnical student. The history, content, and evolution of the solar system and the universe in general. Astronomical principles and instrumentation. The planets, moons, sun, comets, stars and star formation, galaxies, and cosmology. Prerequisites: None.

Division: Physical Sciences and Engineering
AST106 / Life in the Universe
4 Credits / 3.0 Periods for Laboratory, 3.0 Periods for Lecture

Introduction to the search for life in the universe for the non-science major. Earth's location in space and time, nature of life, light and the spectrum, origin and history of the universe, origin of life on Earth and the possibility of life on other planets. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT090 or MAT091 or MAT092 or completion of higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement.

Crosslisted: GLG106
Fulfills: Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]; Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]-in combo
Division: Physical Sciences and Engineering
AST111 / Introduction to Solar System Astronomy
4 Credits / 3.0 Periods for Laboratory, 3.0 Periods for Lecture

Introduction to astronomy for the non-science major. The scientific method, properties of light, astronomical instruments, our Solar System and solar systems around other stars. Includes hands-on astronomical observations and laboratory exercises. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory district placement.

Fulfills: Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]; Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]-in combo
Division: Physical Sciences and Engineering
AST112 / Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology
4 Credits / 3.0 Periods for Laboratory, 3.0 Periods for Lecture

Introduction to astronomy for the non-science major. Structure and evolution of stars; supernovae, black holes, and quasars; nebulae; star clusters; galaxies; cosmology, including the birth and death of the universe. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory district placement. Course Notes: Note that AST111 is not a prerequisite for this course.

Fulfills: Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]; Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]-in combo
Division: Physical Sciences and Engineering
AST114 / Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology Laboratory
1 Credit / 3.0 Periods for Laboratory

Hands-on astronomical observations and exercises to supplement AST112. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AST112 and permission of Instructor or Department or Division. Course Notes: AST114 is a course intended for those students who have previously completed the corresponding lecture course. Current MCCCD students should enroll in AST112 only.

Division: Physical Sciences and Engineering
AST294AB / Special Topics in Astronomy
1 Credit / 1.0 Periods for Lecture

Conceptual, experimental, and computational aspects of a special topic in astronomy. Prerequisites: Permission of Department or Division. Course Notes: AST294AB may be repeated for credit.

Division: Physical Sciences and Engineering