Astronomy

• Description: Non-technical introduction to astronomy, with emphasis on the planets, dwarf planets, moons, and smaller bodies which make up our solar system, as well as the scientific search for life elsewhere in the universe. 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 modern 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:English
• 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 phases of the Moon, the reasons for the seasons, the rotation, revolution, and sphericity of the Earth, and the scale and composition of astronomical objects. Students will carry out naked-eye observations of the sky, visit the Foothill observatory, and use a portable telescope to communicate about astronomy with other students and the 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:English
• 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:English
• 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:English
• 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:English
• 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:English
• 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: