Astronomy
The astronomy department at OCC supports transfer-bound students and the broader community by offering a wide range of general-education courses and frequent public events held in conjunction with the OCC Planetarium. Our program promotes science literacy and trains future astronomers by strengthening students' understanding of the sky and the physical principles that govern the Universe. Many of our students go on and transfer to four-year programs in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics, and then continue on to graduate school.
Department Contact Information
Jerome Fang
jfang5@occ.cccd.edu
Jessica Asbell
jasbell@occ.cccd.edu
Credit Courses
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Introduction to the origin, evolution and structure of the solar system, stars, galaxies and the Universe. Milestones in the science of astronomy from ancient times to the space age. Historical development of astronomical ideas leading to current models. Special focus on the latest discoveries from both ground- and space-based instruments. Consideration of current controversies in astronomy and the future of astronomical research. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. This course may also be offered online.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A100
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Astronomy
- Astronomy (ASTR)
- Astronomy, Associate in Science Degree
- Athletics, Certificate of Achievement
- Earth Science, Associate in Science Degree
- Liberal Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Natural Science, Associate in Science Degree
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Introduction to the origin, evolution and structure of the solar system, stars, galaxies and the universe. Milestones in the science of astronomy from ancient times to the space age. Historical development of astronomical ideas leading to current models. Special focus on the latest discoveries from both ground- and space-based instruments. Consideration of current controversies in astronomy and the future of astronomical research. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. This course may also be offered online.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A100H
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Astronomy
- Astronomy (ASTR)
- Astronomy, Associate in Science Degree
- Athletics, Certificate of Achievement
- Earth Science, Associate in Science Degree
- Natural Science, Associate in Science Degree
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
A laboratory course designed for non-science majors. It will provide practical experience with the scientific method through outdoor astronomical observations and indoor analysis of experimental data. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. This course may also be offered online.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A100L
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Astronomy
- Astronomy (ASTR)
- Astronomy, Associate in Science Degree
- Athletics, Certificate of Achievement
- Earth Science, Associate in Science Degree
- Natural Science, Associate in Science Degree
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
A laboratory course designed for non-science majors. It will provide practical experience with the scientific method through outdoor astronomical observations and indoor analysis of experimental data. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. This course may also be offered online.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A100M
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Astronomy
- Astronomy (ASTR)
- Astronomy, Associate in Science Degree
- Earth Science, Associate in Science Degree
- Natural Science, Associate in Science Degree
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
An introduction to the solar system. The formation and properties of planets and their satellites, dwarf planets, and other minor bodies will be examined. Insights from interplanetary missions, the discovery of extrasolar planets, and the search extraterrestrial life will be discussed. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. This course may also be offered online.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A101
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Astronomy
- Astronomy (ASTR)
- Astronomy, Associate in Science Degree
- Marine Science, Associate in Science Degree
- Natural Science, Associate in Science Degree
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
A detailed study of the formation, structure, and evolution of the sun and stars, including an overview of binary systems, variable stars, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, and other stellar phenomena. A survey of particle physics and special and general relativity will also be included. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. This course may also be offered online.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A102
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Astronomy
- Astronomy (ASTR)
- Astronomy, Associate in Science Degree
- Natural Science, Associate in Science Degree
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
An introduction to the origin and evolution of the cosmos. Application of modern physics concepts, including quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity, to describe the history and ultimate fate of the Universe. Observational evidence for the expanding Universe, dark matter, dark energy, and the Big Bang. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. This course may also be offered online.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A103
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Astronomy
- Astronomy (ASTR)
- Astronomy, Associate in Science Degree
- Natural Science, Associate in Science Degree
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
An overview of the origin, structure, and dynamical nature of the Milky Way. An emphasis on the different types of galaxies and their evolution through time. Observational techniques used to study galaxies and the evidence for supermassive black holes, quasars, and dark matter. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. This course may also be offered online.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A104
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Astronomy
- Astronomy (ASTR)
- Astronomy, Associate in Science Degree
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
An introduction to the methods and techniques of observational astronomy, telescope principles, and operations as applied to public viewing of astronomical phenomena. This course is designed for students to operate the telescopes and assist the public in observing objects in the night sky. May include field trips to nearby observatories, planetaria, and public science facilities. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A110
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
An introduction to astrophysics for science students. Emphasis on applying physical principles to gain a quantitative understanding of astrophysical phenomena. Topics covered include celestial mechanics; electromagnetic radiation; spectroscopy; stellar structure, evolution, and remnants; galaxies; and cosmology.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A200
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Astronomy
- Astronomy (ASTR)
- Astronomy, Associate in Science Degree
- Engineering, Associate in Science Degree
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
An introduction to astrophysics for science students. Emphasis on applying physical principles to gain a quantitative understanding of astrophysical phenomena. Topics covered include celestial mechanics; electromagnetic radiation; spectroscopy; stellar structure, evolution, and remnants; galaxies; and cosmology. This course may also be offered online.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A200H
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Astronomy
- Astronomy (ASTR)