Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Eff Term	Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	11/18/2025
Top Code	191100 - Astronomy
Units	1 Total Units (;  Lab/Other Units 1)
Hours	54 Total Hours (Lab Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Total Student Learning Hours	54
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),  Pass/No Pass (B)
California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)	Cal-GETC 5C Laboratory Activity (5C)
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)	IGETC 5C Laboratory Activity (5C)
California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth)	CSU B3 Laboratory Activity (B3)

Course Description

This laboratory course reinforces fundamental principles and concepts of astronomy by applying the scientific method through experiments, observations, and/or simulations. This course provides an introduction to the concepts and models used by astronomers to elucidate the natures of planets, stars, and galaxies. The practical application of methods involving the analysis of electromagnetic radiation will be emphasized. PREREQUISITE: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ASTR C1001 or other locally approved astronomy lecture course. ADVISORY: Course taught at the level intermediate algebra or appropriate math placement. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Explain the modern techniques for acquiring astronomical data, with an emphasis on spectroscopy.
2. Examine the morphological characteristics of galaxies.
3. Solve mathematical problems concerning the analysis of planetary, stellar, and galactic data.
4. Interpret data obtained from observations of the Sun.

Course Objectives

• Collect, analyze, and interpret astronomical data to draw and communicate valid scientific conclusions.
• Identify the workings of a telescope.
• Explain how to observe the Sun and gather data from these observations.
• Describe the composition of the Sun and the processes by which it generates light.
• Explain the Doppler effect and its influence on the light emitted by stars.
• Analyze the motions of the bodies in our solar system.
• 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.
• Describe the evolution and properties of the Milky Way.
• Explain the properties of galaxies other than the Milky Way.
• Classify galaxies according to their properties.
• Explain the evidence supporting the Big Bang theory.
• Describe the properties of light, matter, and spectra.

---

Lab Content

Content will include:

1. Celestial sphere
2. Orbits and Kepler’s Laws
3. Spectroscopy
4. Lunar properties
5. Telescopes and optics
6. Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
7. Sun features
8. Deep sky objects
9. Cosmic distance ladder

---

1. Electromagnetic Radiation
   1. General considerations
   2. Spectral lines - atomic emission (element identification)
   3. Photometry of stars
   4. Doppler shift studies
2. The Solar System
   1. Determination of the astronomical unit
   2. Determination of the masses and atmospheres of planets
   3. The composition of the sun
   4. The orbital velocity of the earth
   5. Solar observations
3. Stars Spectral classifications of stars
   1. Analysis of proper motions
   2. Determination of selected physical stellar properties
   3. Variable stars
   4. Pulsars and the Crab nebula
4. Galaxies
   1. Properties of the Milky Way
   2. Galaxy classifications
   3. Evaluation of the Hubble constant
   4. The quasar puzzle

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lab (04)
• DE Live Online Lab (04S)
• DE Online Lab (04X)

Instructional Techniques

-

Reading Assignments

The laboratory manual, instructor-prepared handouts, and instructor assigned readings.

Writing Assignments

Provide written interpretations of astronomical data.

Out-of-class Assignments

Not applicable

Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended

0

Methods of Student Evaluation

• Final Exam
• Written Assignments
• Report
• Projects (Individual/Group)
• Problem Solving Exercises
• Skills Demonstration

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Analysis of astronomical data and demonstration of how such data are correlated and used to deduce mathematical relationships.  Application of astronomical models to unusual or novel situations.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Demonstrate techniques commonly used for the acquisition and analysis of astronomical data.  Evaluate possible sources of error in astronomical data collection and analysis.

Resources Subscreen

• Manual: Kim, G.. Astronomy Online Laboratory, 4th (Classic) ed.. Kendall Hunt (2008).
• Software: . MindTap Virtual Astronomy Labs. 3.0 Engage ().
• Open Education Resource: Franknoi, A.. A Compilation of Free Laboratory Activities for Astronomy 101 Courses.. (2021).
• Other: . . ().
• Other: . . ().

Eligible Discipline(s)

• Astronomy: See physics/astronomy Master's degree required.