Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Eff Term	Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	10/21/2025
Top Code	191100 - Astronomy
Units	3 Total Units (Lecture Units 3)
Hours	54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	108
Total Student Learning Hours	162
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Open Entry/Open Exit	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S)
Local General Education (GE)	Area 5 Natural Sciences (GB1)
California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)	Cal-GETC 5A Physical Science (5A)
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)	IGETC 5A Physical Science (5A)
California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth)	CSU B1 Physical Science (B1)

Course Description

This course introduces fundamental concepts of astronomy, including the Solar System, stars, supernovae, galaxies, black holes, and the expanding universe. Students learn how to study the cosmos and what the latest discoveries reveal about the origins and fate of the universe. The historical development of the science of astronomy is emphasized. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Explain the historical aspects involved in the development of astronomy.
2. Differentiate between correct and incorrect applications of the scientific method.
3. Summarize how the various instruments used in modern astronomy collect data and how data are analyzed.
4. Classify the various aspects of planetary, stellar, and galactic properties into their respective operational framework.
5. Examine the different evolutionary models concerning stars, galaxies, and the universe.

Course Objectives

• Apply fundamental theoretical principles and evidence-based reasoning to explain how observations and data inform our current understanding of the universe and everyday phenomena.
• Distinguish and compare the size, scale, and structure of astronomical objects.
• Describe the diverse perspectives and contributions that have shaped humanity's understanding of the universe through the field of astronomy.
• Explain how basic sky phenomena, including seasons and the phases of the Moon, are tied to the broader cosmos.
• Describe the features of a science and how it differs from a non-science.
• Explain the laws of motion, the crucial conservation laws of angular momentum and energy, and the universal law of gravitation.
• Discuss the properties of light and matter, spectra, and telescopes.
• Explain the features of our solar system and how it formed.
• Compare and contrast the characteristics of the terrestrial planets, jovian planets, and the small bodies of our solar system.
• Explain the techniques used to detect planets around other stars, the properties of extrasolar planets, and how other planetary systems were formed.
• Describe the composition of the Sun and the process by which it generates light.
• List the important properties of stars, how these properties are measured, and how stars are classified according to their properties.
• Explain the life-cycles of both low- and high-mass stars.
• Identify the end-points in the life-cycles of stars (white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes) and their properties.
• Describe the evolution and properties of the Milky Way.
• Explain the properties and evolution of galaxies other than the Milky Way.
• Examine the Big Bang theory and the evidence supporting it.
• Describe the natures of dark matter and dark energy, the role of dark matter in galaxy formation, and the implications of dark energy for the fate of the universe.

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Lecture Content

1. Scientific method 
2. Observing the sky 
3. History of astronomy across cultures 
4. Gravity, motion, and physical laws 
5. Light, matter, and spectra 
6. Telescopes 
7. Analysis of light 
8. Earth, Moon, Sun system 
9. The Solar System and exoplanets 
10. The Sun 
11. Stars and stellar evolution 
12. The Milky Way 
13. Galaxies 
14. Cosmology 
15. Life in the universe 

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)
• DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
• DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

-

Reading Assignments

Textbook, syllabus, and other instructor assigned readings.

Writing Assignments

Provide a written interpretation of astronomical data.  Explain, in writing, the specific discoveries of the scientists important to the development of astronomy.

Out-of-class Assignments

Problem sets, online homework, and written reports.

Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended

108

Methods of Student Evaluation

• Midterm Exam
• Final Exam
• Short Quizzes
• Written Assignments
• Objective Examinations
• Projects (Individual/Group)
• Problem Solving Exercises

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Examples of potential methods of evaluation used to observe or measure students’ achievement of course outcomes and objectives could include but are not limited to quizzes, exams, activities, projects, research demonstrations, etc. Methods of evaluation are at the discretion of local faculty. Synthesis of astronomy information into a coherent framework for further analysis and thought. Application of astronomical models to unusual or novel situations.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Correlate and interpret astronomical data.  Recognize the names of the scientists important to the development of astronomy and explain, in writing, the specifics of their discoveries.

Resources Subscreen

• Textbook: Bennet, J., Donahue, M., Schneider, N., & Voit, M.. The Essential Cosmic Perspective, 9th edition . Pearson (2021).
• Textbook: Prather, E., Brissenden, G., Wallace, C., Adams, J.. Lecture Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy, 4th edition . Pearson (2021).