Astronomy
Associate in Science
Transfer Preparation * (Major Code: 01500)
Some areas of study in astronomy include the solar system, stars and stellar evolution, interstellar medium, compact objects and black holes, the Milky Way and galaxies, and cosmology. Astronomers work for educational institutions as professors and researchers, for government agencies (e.g. NASA, national observatories, national laboratories), or in space industries.
Astronomy curricula stress very strong initial study in mathematics and physics. Students are encouraged to follow the course sequence listed below. Most of the courses are prerequisites for the next courses. Students must add General Education courses each semester that satisfy either local associate degree, CSU breadth, or IGETC requirements.
Program Student Learning Outcome
- Develop mathematical skills, acquire physics knowledge, and practice applying these skills and knowledge to understand astronomical techniques and astrophysical phenomena.
| First Semester | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| ASTR 201 | ASTRONOMY FOR SCIENCE MAJORS | 3 |
| MATH 250 | ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I | 5 |
| Units | 8 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| MATH 251 | ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS II | 4 |
| PHYS 270 | PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS I | 3 |
| Units | 7 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| MATH 252 | ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS III | 4 |
| PHYS 272 | PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS II | 3 |
| PHYS 273 | PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS LABORATORY II | 1 |
| Units | 8 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| PHYS 274 | PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS III | 3 |
| PHYS 275 | MODERN PHYSICS AND PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS LABORATORY III | 2 |
| Units | 5 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| PHYS 271 | PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS LABORATORY I | 1 |
| Units | 1 | |
| Total Units | 29 | |
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended Electives | ||
| ASTR 205 | ELEMENTARY ASTROPHYSICS | 3 |
| ENGR 221 | COMPUTER PROGRAMMING AND APPLICATIONS - MATLAB | 3 |
- *
Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should complete courses specific to the transfer institution of choice. University requirements vary from institution to institution and are subject to change. Therefore, it is important to verify transfer major preparation and general education requirements through consultation with a counselor in either the Counseling Center or Career and Transfer Connections. See catalog Transfer Courses Information section for further information.
To earn an associate degree, additional general education and graduation requirements must be completed.