Lower Division Courses

ASTRON 7A: Introduction to Astrophysics

This is the first part of an overview of astrophysics, with an emphasis on the way in which physics is applied to astronomy. This course deals with the solar system and stars, while 7B covers galaxies and cosmology. Solar system topics include orbital mechanics, geology of terrestrial planets, planetary atmospheres, and the formation of the solar system. The study of stars will treat determination of observations, properties and stellar structure, and evolution. The physics in this course includes mechanics and gravitation; kinetic theory of gases; properties of radiation and radiative energy transport; quantum mechanics of photons, atoms, and electrons; and magnetic fields.

  • prerequisites: Math 1A & 1B, Physics 5A & 5B/5BL or Physics 7A & 7B (5B or 7B can be taken concurrently)
  • historically offered in fall

ASTRON 7B: Introduction to Astrophysics

This is the second part of an overview of astrophysics, which begins with 7A. This course covers the Milky Way galaxy, star formation and the interstellar medium, galaxies, black holes, quasars, dark matter, the expansion of the universe and its large-scale structure, and cosmology and the Big Bang. The physics in this course includes that used in 7A (mechanics and gravitation; kinetic theory of gases; properties of radiation and radiative energy transport; quantum mechanics of photons, atoms, and electrons; and magnetic fields) and adds the special and general theories of relativity.

  • prerequisites: Math 1A & 1B, Physics 5A & 5B/5BL or Physics 7A & 7B (5B or 7B can be taken concurrently)
  • historically offered in spring

ASTRON 7AB: Introduction to Astrophysics: From Planets to Cosmology

This course provides a broad introduction to astrophysics, with an emphasis on the way in which physics is applied to astronomy. The course will cover astrophysics at small and large scales from stars and planets to galaxies and cosmology. Topics include observational astronomy, orbital mechanics, planets, stars, the interstellar medium, degenerate objects, the Milky Way galaxy, galaxies, black holes, quasars, dark matter, the expansion of the universe, the large-scale structure of the universe, cosmology, and the Big Bang. The physics in this course includes mechanics, gravitation, kinetic theory of gases, radiation, energy transport, quantum mechanics, magnetic fields, special relativity, and general relativity.

  • prerequisites: Knowledge of introductory calculus at the level of Math 1A/1B or Math 16A/16B is strongly recommended. Knowledge of introductory mechanics and gravitation at the level of Physics 7A/5A is strongly recommended. Knowledge of introductory electricity & magnetism at the level of Physics 7B/5B is recommended
  • historically offered in summer

ASTRON 9: Selected Topics in Astronomy

This seminar will explore one of a variety of subjects in greater depth than in introductory courses. Possible topics include stars, galaxies, the solar system, the interstellar medium, relativity and cosmology, history of astronomy, observational astronomy, and life in the universe.

  • Past topics include: Python, Cultural Astronomy, Astrobiology, Space Exploration
  • prerequisites: none
  • historically offered in summer

ASTRON C10: Introduction to General Astronomy

This course is designed to provide, for both nonscience and science majors, a description of the fantastic Universe in which we live. We cover the structure and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and the cosmos as a whole, gaining insights into amazing objects like quasars, exploding stars, neutron stars, and black
holes. Recent newsworthy events such as stunning new images from the James Webb Space Telescope, the detection of numerous planets around other stars, the discovery of gravitational waves, the photograph of a black hole’s shadow, and the discovery of gravitationally repulsive “dark energy” are also featured. Major themes include our origins (such as the origin of the chemical elements, stars, planets, and life), the methods by which astronomers investigate and eventually understand various aspects of the Universe, the scientific unification of many seemingly disparate phenomena, and the excitement felt by astronomers doing ground-breaking research on some of the most far-out topics imaginable. This course will inspire you to become more inquisitive about the world around them, and it will develop your skills in arriving at conclusions based on logical, physical reasoning.

  • prerequisites: none
  • historically offered in fall & summer

ASTRON C12: The Planets

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 type of planet or some cosmic quirk? This course will introduce basic physics, chemistry, and math to understand planets, moons, rings, comets, asteroids, atmospheres, and oceans. Understanding other worlds will help us save our own planet and help us understand our place in the universe.

  • prerequisites: none
  • historically offered in fall; online version offered in summer