Astronomy

Astronomy

Astronomy, the oldest of scientific studies, has played a vitalrole in the development of modern science. Astronomersstudy the formation, composition, and evolution of variousobjects, such as planets, stars, galaxies, nebulae, black holes,and the universe itself. Students take astronomy courses toprepare for a major in astronomy or to fulfill general educationrequirements. Career options include museum or planetariumdirector, observatory technician, telescope operator, optics orelectronics technician, computer programmer, mathematician,formal or informal educator, spacecraft or instrument engineer,mission data analyst, earth or space scientist, and astronomer/astrophysicist.

Academic and Career Pathway: Math and Sciences

Contact InformationChair: John TurbevilleDean: Michael Finowww.miracosta.edu/ASTR

Department: Physical SciencesOffice: Building OC3600,760.757.2121 x6924

Full-Time FacultyRica Sirbaugh French

CoursesASTR 101: Descriptive AstronomyUnits: 3Prerequisites: NoneAcceptable for Credit: CSU, UCLecture 3 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This introductory course surveys the entire Universe whileemphasizing the nature and process of physical science.Topics include the Earth-Sun-Moon system and night sky;Newton's laws of motion and gravitation; historical astronomy;electromagnetic radiation; spectroscopy; optics andtelescopes; the formation and evolution of stars, planets,nebulae, galaxies, and the Universe as a whole; the Big Bang;and astrobiology. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: No credit if taken afterASTR 201.

ASTR 101L: Descriptive Astronomy LaboratoryUnits: 1Prerequisites: ASTR 101 or ASTR 201.Enrollment Limitation: Concurrent enrollment in ASTR 101 orASTR 201 if prerequisite not met.Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UCLaboratory 3 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course provides a hands-on introduction to the methodsand techniques of observational astronomy and data/erroranalysis. It emphasizes the collection, presentation, andinterpretation of astronomical observations. Students learnto use a planisphere, read star charts, and operate smalltelescopes. Through indoor activities and by making naked-eye, binocular, and telescopic observations, students exploresuch topics as seasons, lunar phases, rotation of the Earth,optics, light and spectroscopy, planets, stars, galaxies, andcosmology.

ASTR 120: Life in the UniverseUnits: 3Prerequisites: NoneAcceptable for Credit: CSU, UCLecture 3 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall

This introductory course surveys the study for life in theuniverse from the Big Bang to implications of contact with anextraterrestrial civilization while emphasizing the nature andprocess of physical science. Topics include the formation andevolution of the universe; origin, evolution, and nature of life onEarth; the definitions of life and habitability; potential in our solarsystem and beyond; methods of interstellar communicationand travel; implications of contact; science vs. pseudoscience;and the status of the search to-date.

Astronomy     1

Astronomy

ASTR 201: Introductory AstronomyUnits: 3Prerequisites: MATH 64, MATH 102, or eligibility determined bythe math placement process.Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UCLecture 3 hours.Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

This introductory course surveys the entire Universe with anemphasis on analytical, mathematical, and problem-solvingskills. Topics include celestial mechanics, electromagneticradiation and atomic physics, relativity, stellar structure andevolution, black holes, formation and evolution of planetarysystems, galaxies, and cosmology. The course is directedtowards students with a strong preparation and interest inscience and mathematics.

ASTR 292: Internship StudiesUnits: 0.5-3Prerequisites: NoneCorequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work perunit.Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Centerapproval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperativework experience and/or internship studies concurrently.Acceptable for Credit: CSUCourse Typically Offered: To be arranged

This course provides students the opportunity to apply thetheories and techniques of their discipline in an internshipposition in a professional setting under the instruction of afaculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces studentsto aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionalsemployed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting,employability skills development, and examination of the worldof work as it relates to the student's career plans. Studentsmust develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a newsite upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience(general or occupational) and/or internship studies duringcommunity college attendance.

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