2010-2011 CATALOG

This is an archived copy of the 2010-2011 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.miracosta.edu

Astronomy

Astronomy, the oldest of all scientific studies, has played a vital role in the development of modern science. Astronomers study the formation, composition, and evolution of various objects, such as planets, stars, galaxies, nebulae, black holes, and the Universe itself. Students take astronomy courses to prepare for a major in astronomy or to fulfill general education requirements. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in astronomy pursue careers as museum and planetarium directors, astronomers/astrophysicists, space scientists, mission data analysts, spacecraft and instrument designers, teachers, observatory technicians, telescope operators, optics or electronics technicians, computer programmers, and mathematicians.

Contact Information

Department Chair: Chris Metzler

Dean: Ric Matthews

www.miracosta.edu/ASTR

Department: Physical Sciences

Office: Building SAN 400, 760.795.7879

Full-Time Faculty

Rica Sirbaugh French

Associate Degree

Associate in Arts Degree

Astronomy

The Astronomy Program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in astronomy. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.

Required courses:
ASTR 201	Introductory Astronomy	3
MATH 150	Calculus and Analytic Geometry I	5
MATH 155	Calculus and Analytic Geometry II	4
MATH 260	Calculus and Analytic Geometry III	4
PHYS 151	Principles of Physics I	4
PHYS 152	Principles of Physics II	4
PHYS 253	Principles of Physics III	4
Total Units		28

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses listed in this catalog apply to the fall 2010, spring 2011, and summer 2011 terms. Courses are numbered numerically within alphabetically arranged subject areas.

The bolded first line indicates the official course number, a descriptive title, and the number of units. The next lines indicate prerequisites, corequisites, advisories, repeatability rules, enrollment limitations, UC/CSU credit acceptance, and lecture and lab hours followed by a Taxonomy of Program number in parentheses.

Prerequisites: This is a requirement that must be met before a student can enroll in the course.
Corequisites: This is a course the student must take in the same semester.
Advisories: This is recommended preparation the student is advised but not required to have before or in conjunction with the course.
Repeatability Rules: When a course belongs to a group of related courses, students can complete one course or a combination of courses within the group for a maximum of four completions.
Enrollment Limitations: Some courses place limitations on enrollment. These limitations prevent students from duplicating course work or from enrolling in two sections of the same course in any given semester.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU means the course is accepted for transfer at any California State University (CSU) campus; UC means it is accepted for transfer at any University of California (UC) campus. Some courses can be used to satisfy general education or major requirements while others transfer as elective credit. UC Credit Limitation means credit for the course may have UC transfer restrictions; these restrictions are identified at the end of the course description.
Lecture and Lab Hours: These are the number of hours the course meets for lecture and/or lab per week.
Taxonomy of Program (TOP) Number: The TOP number is identified in parentheses after the lecture and lab hours. This number serves an administrative purpose and is not intended for student use.

The course description summarizes the purpose and key topical areas of the course, and it includes special requirements if any exist. Some course descriptions end with information about whether the course was "formerly" another course, how many times the course may be repeated, if the course is offered pass/no pass, or what the UC credit limitation is.

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses

ASTR 101: Descriptive Astronomy

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in ASTR 201.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
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, nebulae, galaxies, and cosmology, including formation scenarios, evolutionary processes, and life cycles. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for ASTR 101 or ASTR 201; no credit for ASTR 201 if taken after ASTR 101.

ASTR 101L: Descriptive Astronomy Laboratory

Units: 1
Prerequisites: ASTR 101 or ASTR 201.
Corequisite: ASTR 101 or ASTR 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 telescopic 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

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1911.00)

A scientific exploration of life in the Universe from the Big Bang to implications of contact with an extraterrestrial civilization. Topics include the formation and evolution of the Universe, stars and extrasolar planets, the definition of life, the origin and evolution of life on Earth, methods of interstellar communication, science vs. pseudo science, and the search for life elsewhere in our solar system and beyond.

ASTR 201: Introductory Astronomy

Units: 3
Prerequisites: MATH 101 or MATH 101B with a grade of C or better or qualification through the Math Competency Exam or approved equivalent.
Advisory: MATH 135
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (1911.00)

Directed towards students with 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. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for ASTR 101 or ASTR 201; no credit for ASTR 101 if taken after ASTR 201.

ASTR 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: Complete 6 units at MCC prior to internship; permission of instructor and department chair required.
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
(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.)