Academic Catalogs

Astronomy

The astronomy department at OCC supports transfer-bound students and the broader community by offering a wide range of general education courses and frequent public events held in conjunction with the OCC Planetarium. Our program promotes science literacy and trains future astronomers by strengthening students' understanding of the sky and the physical principles that govern the Universe. Many of our students go on and transfer to four-year programs in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics, and then continue on to graduate school.

Department Contact Information

Professor Jerome Fang
jfang5@occ.cccd.edu

Professor Jessica Asbell
jasbell@occ.cccd.edu 

Astronomy Department Website

Credit Courses

ASTR A1003 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Astronomy  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC: Credit Limitation: No credit for ASTR A100 or ASTR A100H if taken after ASTR A101 or ASTR A102 or ASTR A103.
Introduction to the origin, evolution and structure of the solar system, stars, galaxies and the Universe. Milestones in the science of astronomy from ancient times to the space age. Historical development of astronomical ideas leading to current models. Special focus on the latest discoveries from both ground- and space-based instruments. Consideration of current controversies in astronomy and the future of astronomical research. Enrollment Limitation: ASTR A100H; students who complete ASTR A100 may not enroll in or receive credit for ASTR A100H.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A100

ASTR A100H3 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Astronomy Honors  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC: Credit Limitation: No credit for ASTR A100 or ASTR A100H if taken after ASTR A101 or ASTR A102 or ASTR A103.
Introduction to the origin, evolution and structure of the solar system, stars, galaxies and the universe. Milestones in the science of astronomy from ancient times to the space age. Historical development of astronomical ideas leading to current models. Special focus on the latest discoveries from both ground- and space-based instruments. Consideration of current controversies in astronomy and the future of astronomical research. Enrollment Limitation: ASTR A100; students who complete ASTR A100H may not enroll in or receive credit for ASTR A100.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A100H

ASTR A100L1 Unit (54 lab hours)  
Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory  
Prerequisite(s): ASTR A100, ASTR A100H, ASTR A101, ASTR A102, ASTR A103 or ASTR A104, or concurrent enrollment.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
A laboratory course designed for non-science majors. It will provide practical experience with the scientific method through outdoor astronomical observations and indoor analysis of experimental data. Enrollment Limitation: ASTR A100M; students who complete ASTR A100L may not enroll in or receive credit for ASTR A100M.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A100L

ASTR A100M1 Unit (54 lab hours)  
Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory Honors  
Prerequisite(s): ASTR A100, ASTR A100H, ASTR A101, ASTR A102, ASTR A103 or ASTR A104, or concurrent enrollment.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
A laboratory course designed for non-science majors. It will provide practical experience with the scientific method through outdoor astronomical observations and indoor analysis of experimental data. Enrollment Limitation: ASTR A100L; students who complete ASTR A100M may not enroll in or receive credit for ASTR A100L.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A100M

ASTR A1013 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Planetary Astronomy  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
An introduction to the solar system. The formation and properties of planets and their satellites, dwarf planets, and other minor bodies will be examined. Insights from interplanetary missions, the discovery of extrasolar planets, and the search extraterrestrial life will be discussed.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A101

ASTR A1023 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Stellar Astronomy  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
A detailed study of the formation, structure, and evolution of the sun and stars, including an overview of binary systems, variable stars, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, and other stellar phenomena. A survey of particle physics and special and general relativity will also be included.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A102

ASTR A1033 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Cosmology  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
An introduction to the origin and evolution of the cosmos. Application of modern physics concepts, including quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity, to describe the history and ultimate fate of the Universe. Observational evidence for the expanding Universe, dark matter, dark energy, and the Big Bang.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A103

ASTR A1043 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Galactic Astronomy  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
An overview of the origin, structure, and dynamical nature of the Milky Way. An emphasis on the different types of galaxies and their evolution through time. Observational techniques used to study galaxies and the evidence for supermassive black holes, quasars, and dark matter.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A104

ASTR A1102 Units (18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours)  
Observational Astronomy  
Advisory: ASTR A100 or ASTR A100H.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
An introduction to the methods and techniques of observational astronomy, telescope principles, and operations as applied to public viewing of astronomical phenomena. This course is designed for students to operate the telescopes and assist the public in observing objects in the night sky. May include field trips to nearby observatories, planetaria, and public science facilities.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A110

ASTR A2004 Units (72 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Astrophysics  
Prerequisite(s): PHYS A185 or PHYS A185H.
Advisory: PHYS A285.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
An introduction to astrophysics for science students. Emphasis on applying physical principles to gain a quantitative understanding of astrophysical phenomena. Topics covered include celestial mechanics; electromagnetic radiation; spectroscopy; stellar structure, evolution, and remnants; galaxies; and cosmology. Enrollment Limitation: ASTR A200H; students who complete ASTR A200 may not enroll in or receive credit for ASTR A200H.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A200

ASTR A200H4 Units (72 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Astrophysics Honors  
Prerequisite(s): PHYS A185 or PHYS A185H.
Advisory: PHYS A285.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
An introduction to astrophysics for science students. Emphasis on applying physical principles to gain a quantitative understanding of astrophysical phenomena. Topics covered include celestial mechanics; electromagnetic radiation; spectroscopy; stellar structure, evolution, and remnants; galaxies; and cosmology. Enrollment Limitation: ASTR A200; students who complete ASTR A200H may not enroll in or receive credit for ASTR A200.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ASTR A200H