Undergraduate Courses

Astronomy courses offer an array of topics ranging from general, comprehensive overviews (including introductions to Modern Cosmology, Astronomy, and Astrophysics) to a variety of special-topics courses and labs (Infrared, Optical, and Radio Astronomy, Theoretical Astrophysics, and Spectroscopy, to name a few). Our program also offers Python coding and other data-oriented bootcamps and private lectures for our students; all courses are taught by faculty specializing and conducting on-going research in the subjects they teach, ensuring a more enlightened and thorough educational experience.

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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...

Upper Division Courses

PHYSICS/ASTRON C101: Order-Of-Magnitude Physics

Learn how to understand the world around you to within a factor of 10, how to solve real-life problems from physical first principles, how to make ill-posed questions well-posed, and how to sketch solutions quickly and avoid long and formal derivations. These skills build physical intuition and are crucial for all lines of work, especially research. You will learn how to guess intelligently, how to follow your hunches while guided by the laws of physics, and how to maximize understanding from just a...

DeCal Courses

DeCal courses are listed under ASTRON 98: Directed Group Study

DeCal enrollment does not begin until the beginning of the semester. Instructions on how to enroll in DeCals is sent out to the prospective and astro majors mailing lists at the beginning of each semester.

Current DeCal course offerings include:

Python

ULAB

Beginner’s Guide to the Universe

Research & Special Study Courses

ASTRON 199: Supervised Independent Study and Research

Students doing research with an astronomy faculty member can enroll in 1-3 units of research under Astron 199.

offered in fall, spring and summer

ASTRON H195: Special Study for Honors Candidates

Individual project of research or study for seniors eligible for astrophysics honors. 2 semesters of Astron H195 is required.

offered in fall and spring honors requirements: 1) be entering your senior year; 2) maintain at least a 3.5 major GPA; 3) maintain at least a 3.3 overall GPA...

Visit the Academic Guide for full descriptions for all undergraduate astronomy courses.

Visit the class schedule for current astronomy course offerings.

Spring 2025 Course Offerings