MiraCosta has five different astronomy courses. A given term may have only some of the courses to offer so for current listings, please be sure to check the Course Schedule.
For official data, please see the college Catalog.

(Some visitors may need to click on the course to expand the outline.)

• ASTR 101: Descriptive Astronomy [3 units]
• Prerequisites: None
• Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
• Lecture 3 hours (1911.00)
• This is an introductory course surveying a broad range of topics in astronomy while emphasizing the nature and process of physical science. Studies include the nature of electromagnetic radiation, spectroscopy, optics and telescopes, historical perspectives on modeling the solar system and Universe, motions of the night sky and the Earth-Moon-Sun system, terrestrial and Jovian planets, stars, nebular, galaxies, and cosmology, including formation scenarios, evolutionary processes, and life cycles. Not open to students with credit in ASTR 201.


• ASTR 101L: Descriptive Astronomy Laboratory [1 unit]
  • Prerequisites: ASTR 101 or 201
  • Corequisites: ASTR 101 or 201 if prerequisite not met
  • Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
  • Laboratory 3 hours (1911.00)
  • This course provides a hands-on introduction to the methods and techniques of observational astronomy and data/error analysis. Emphasis is placed on the collection, presentation, and interpretation of basic astronomical observations. Students learn to use a planisphere, read star charts, and operate small telescopes. Through indoor activities and by making naked-eye, binocular, and telescope observations, students explore such topics as motions of the night sky; seasons; rotation of the Earth, Sun, and Moon; light and optics; spectroscopy; and characteristics of planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies.
  
  
• ASTR 120: Life in the Universe [3 units]
• Prerequisites: None
• Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
• Lecture 3 hours (1911.00)
• Introductory course surveying the study of life in the Universe. Considers the current state of and future prospects for further development of the search for extraterrestrial life, including methods of communication. Origin and evolution of our Universe and the development of life on Earth are addressed. Basic principles of cosmochemistry and astrobiology are introduced where appropriate. Also treats pseudoscience and considers the philosophical, political, societal, religious, and cultural implications of contact with an extraterrestrial civilization.


• ASTR 201: Introductory Astronomy [3 units]
• Prerequisites: MATH 101 or 101B with a grade of "C" or better OR equivalent score on placement exam
• Advisories: MATH 135
• Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
• Lecture 3 hours (1911.00)
• Directed towards students with a strong interest and preparation in science and mathematics, this course surveys a broad range of astronomical concepts. Topics of study include physics of atoms, electromagnetic radiation, and spectra; optics and telescopes; laws of mechanics and gravity; motions in the night sky; formation and evolution of the solar system; stars and stellar evolution; galaxies and cosmology. Emphasizes analytical skills and problem-solving in the physical sciences.


• ASTR 292: Internship Studies [0.5 - 3 units]
• Corequisite: Must currently be enrolled in 3 units and complete 60 hours of non-paid or 75 hours of paid work per unit of credit
• Acceptable for Credit: CSU
• Independent Study (1911.00)
• Individualized study linking classroom learning to the workplace. Approval form must be signed by instructor and department chair before registration. May be taken for a total of 12 units.
• NOTE: If you are considering this course, you should speak with Professor French as soon as possible.