Astronomy - ASTR
3 courses · Bakersfield College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ASTR B1 Science of the Cosmos
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- Eligibility for college-level composition as determined by college assessment or other appropriate methods.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introductory course emphasizing the application of physics to understand the physical processes on the Earth and beyond the Earth and how we know those processes are occurring while still being bound to the Earth (or our solar system). The process and philosophy of science are examined from the astronomical perspective. Among topics included: the motions, properties, and evolution of the Sun, planets (including exoplanets), stars, galaxies, and the universe and how we know about them; the analysis of electromagnetic radiation; atomic structure; astronomical instruments; brief history of astronomy; Newton's law of gravity; general relativity. Reading intensive course. Students must have college-level reading comprehension skill.
ASTR B2 Life in the Universe
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introductory course on the scientific search for life in the universe. The process and philosophy of science are examined from the astronomical and biological perspectives. Among topics included: the definition and nature of life, the formation and development of the Earth and life on the Earth, other places in our solar system that might have habitats for life, habitable zones around other stars, how we detect extrasolar planets, how we could detect biological activity on extrasolar planets, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, interstellar travel, and implications of making contact. Reading intensive course. Students must have college-level reading comprehension skill.
ASTR B3 Solar System
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- Eligibility for college-level composition as determined by college assessment or other appropriate methods.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introductory course on the Sun, Earth, other planets, moons, rings, comets, asteroids, and extrasolar planets, formation and development of the Earth and solar system, and possibility of life on other worlds. Reading intensive course. Students must have college-level reading comprehension skill.