Courses

  • Introduction to Current Research

    Astro 290A

    CCN: 06101

    Instructor: Imke de Pater

    Survey of research currently being performed in the Department or the University. 

    More

  • Arrow of Time

    Astronomy 9

    CCN: 16305

    Students will explore the development of complexity in the universe on scales as small as subatomic particles to scales as large as the entire universe. The emphasis will be on how the development of complex structures determines the direction of time in a way not seen in basic physical laws that are time symmetric. Topics may include the creation of…

    More

  • Introduction to General Astronomy

    Astronomy 10

    CCN: 13408

    Instructor: Alex Filippenko

     A description of modern astronomy with emphasis on the structure and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the Universe. Additional topics optionally discussed include quasars, pulsars, black holes, and extraterrestrial communication, etc. Individual instructor's synopses available from the department.

    More

  • Introduction to General Astronomy

    Astronomy 10

    CCN: 16325

     A description of modern astronomy with emphasis on the structure and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the Universe. Additional topics optionally discussed include quasars, pulsars, black holes, and extraterrestrial communication, etc. Individual instructor’s synopses available from the department.

    More

  • The Planets

    Astronomy C12

    CCN: 16338

    A tour of the mysteries and inner workings of our solar system. What are planets made of? Why do they orbit the sun the way they do? How do planets form, and what are they made of? Why do some bizarre moons have oceans, volcanoes, and ice floes? What makes the Earth hospitable for life? Is the Earth a common…

    More

  • The Planets

    Astronomy W12

    CCN: 16340

    Instructor: Burkhard Militzer

    A tour of the mysteries and inner workings of our solar system. What are planets made of? Why do they orbit the sun the way they do? How do planets form, and what are they made of? Why do some bizarre moons have oceans, volcanoes, and ice floes? What makes the Earth hospitable for life? Is the Earth a common…

    More

  • Introduction to Astrophysics

    Astro 7A

    CCN: 13408

    Instructor: Mariska Kriek

    This is the first part of an overview of astrophysics, with an emphasis on the way in which physics is applied to astronomy. We will start with an introduction to astronomy, and learn how astronomers observe the night sky and measure the radiation, velocities, and distances of stars. We will interpret the observations of stars in terms of physical properties,…

    More

  • Introduction to General Astronomy

    Astro 10 | Summer 6W2

    CCN: 10980

    A description of modern astronomy with emphasis on the structure and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the Universe. Additional topics optionally discussed include quasars, pulsars, black holes, and extraterrestrial communication, etc. Individual instructor's synopses available from the department. To Register: http://classes.berkeley.edu/content/2017-summer-astron-10-002-lec-002

    More

  • Freshman Seminars

    Astro 24

    CCN: 05995

    The Berkeley Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester.

    More

  • Sophomore Seminar

    Astro 84

    CCN: 32488

    Instructor: Alex Filippenko

    The Nature of Space and Time:  We will consider the nature of space and time, especially in the context of our understanding of the overall properties of the Universe. The major topics from the following best-selling book will be discussed: "A Briefer History of Time," by Stephen Hawking. Our journey will take us through the basics of the two pillars…

    More