AST 101 - Introductory Astronomy

Credits: 3

Advisory: STAT C1000, MAT 108 or MAT 110 and ENGL C1000
Description: This course is an introduction to general astronomy. Topics include the history of astronomy and the development of modern astrophysics, the structure and origin of the solar system and the Milky Way galaxy, modern techniques and instruments, the characteristics of the nebulae and galaxies, stellar characteristics and theories, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the implications of astronomical discoveries. Special emphasis is placed on recent research in astronomy and the latest discoveries and tools used in modern astronomy.

Transferable
Transferable to both UC and CSU

General Education:

CalGETC: Transfer General Education Requirements ( 5- Physical and Biological Sciences- 5A: Physical Science )

Student Learning Outcomes:

Apply Kepler’s second law to calculate a planet’s speed as it orbits around its star.
Understand the relationship between star’s distance and its parallax angle.
Calculate distance to a galaxy from its recession velocity.

Total Course In-Class (Contact) Hours: 54
Course Duration (Weeks): 18
Weekly Student Hours (In-Class) Lecture Hours: 3