Astronomy

• Description: Non-technical introduction to astronomy, focusing on the search for life in the universe. The course starts with examination of the planets, moons, and other small bodies which make up our solar system, and continues to the scientific search for life elsewhere in the universe, including the thousands of planets we have found orbiting other stars. Topics include the nature of light, the atom, and telescopes; an examination of the planets and their moons and rings, dwarf planets, comets, asteroids, and meteors; catastrophic events (including the impact that may have killed the dinosaurs); the search for planets and life around other stars, the challenges of space travel, and evidence-based views on extraterrestrial contact. No background in science or math is assumed.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory: Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ASTR 10L.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 5 hours lecture per week. 60 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:Natural Sciences w/ Lab
• Transferability: Both
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: A hands-on approach to the scientific method, using astronomical data and equipment. Divided into small lab groups, students will do experiments and observing projects about a range of astronomical topics, including the motions and geometry of the solar system, patterns in the behavior of the sun, and skeptical examination of astronomy-related misinformation. Students will use data from modern telescopes to measure and make inferences about the properties of astronomical objects, and write about their findings in ways suitable for communication with the general public.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ASTR 10A, 10B or 10BH.
• Advisory:
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 3 hours lab per week. 36 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:Natural Sciences w/ Lab
• Transferability: Both
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Astronomy beyond the classroom by completing a project or an assignment arranged by agreement between the student and instructor. The student is required to contract with the instructor to determine the scope of assignment and the unit value assigned for successful completion. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory:
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 3 hours lab per week. 36 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Astronomy beyond the classroom by completing a project or an assignment arranged by agreement between the student and instructor. The student is required to contract with the instructor to determine the scope of assignment and the unit value assigned for successful completion. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory:
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 6 hours lab per week. 72 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Astronomy beyond the classroom by completing a project or an assignment arranged by agreement between the student and instructor. The student is required to contract with the instructor to determine the scope of assignment and the unit value assigned for successful completion. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory:
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 9 hours lab per week. 108 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Astronomy beyond the classroom by completing a project or an assignment arranged by agreement between the student and instructor. The student is required to contract with the instructor to determine the scope of assignment and the unit value assigned for successful completion. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory:
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 12 hours lab per week. 144 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note: