Astronomy
8 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
ASTR 12 Astronomy Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Astronomy 20 or Astronomy 20H or Astronomy 25 or Astronomy 25H with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The astronomy laboratory provides students with an introduction to the observation of the sky with telescopes, binoculars, and the unaided eye. The student will become familiar with the principles of set up and operation of telescopes and use them to view the Moon, the Sun, planets, stars, star clusters, and nebulae. The student will use the principles of astronomy to interpret their observations. Students will also learn to identify the bright stars and major constellations visible in California. Note: This course is offered only at night.
ASTR 13 Astronomical Optics
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- Astronomy 20 or Astronomy 20H with a minimum grade of C Astronomy 25 or Astronomy 25H with a minimum grade of C Proficient in intermediate algebra skills
- Formerly
- Astronomy 13abc
- Transfers to
- CSU
In this course, the student will be introduced to principles of astronomical optics. The student will apply those principles to the design, fabrication, and use of a telescope, which will be tested under the night sky. Primary mirrors will be ground, smoothed, polished, and figured by hand. Extensive testing will be done in the optical shop. Optics and optical testing theories will be presented. Students will design and build a custom optical tube assembly and telescope mount. Note: Students pay a minimum cost of $375 for a completed telescope.
ASTR 15 Life in the Universe
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course students will learn the current ideas and theories concerning the origin and evolution of life on Earth and discuss how these ideas are influencing our search for life on other planets and moons in our solar system and elsewhere in the Galaxy. Topics covered include the chemical and biological basis of life, the search for life on other worlds, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).
ASTR 20 The Solar System
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL 84
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to the major planets and the smaller members of the solar system such as moons, asteroids, Kuiper Belt Objects, and comets. Theories of the origin and histories of the planets are presented. The early history of astronomy and the Copernican Revolution are discussed. Sky phenomena such as the constellations, the seasons, eclipses, and planetary motions are demonstrated in the planetarium. The possibility of life elsewhere in the solar system is examined.
ASTR 20H Honors The Solar System
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This honors course, intended for students in the Honors Transfer Program, is an introduction to the major planets and the smaller members of the solar system such as moons, asteroids, Kuiper Belt Objects, and comets. Theories of the origin and histories of the planets are presented. The early history of astronomy and the Copernican Revolution are discussed. Sky phenomena such as constellations, the seasons, eclipses, and planetary motions are demonstrated in the planetarium. The possibility of life elsewhere in the solar system is examined. Students in the honors sections are required to research and write comprehensively about the origin of the solar system.
ASTR 25 Stars and Galaxies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL 84
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to the universe and its history. The main focus is on our view of the heavens and how astronomers learn about stars and galaxies. The formation, life histories, and fates of different kinds of stars, including the sun, are examined. Exotic stars as well as black holes are explored. The structure and distribution of galaxies are discussed, with a focus on our own Milky Way Galaxy. The possibility of simple and intelligent life in the Milky Way Galaxy will be examined. The history of the universe, starting with the Big Bang is also investigated.
ASTR 25H Honors Stars and Galaxies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000) or ENGL 1AH (now ENGL C1000H)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This honors course, intended for students in the Honors Transfer Program, is an introduction to the universe and its history. The main focus is on our view of the heavens and how astronomers learn about stars and galaxies. The formation, life histories, and fates of different kinds of stars, including the sun, are examined. Exotic stars as well as black holes are explored. The structure and distribution of galaxies are discussed, with a focus on our own Milky Way Galaxy. The possibility of simple and intelligent life in the Milky Way Galaxy will be examined. The history of the universe, starting with the Big Bang is also investigated. This course is enriched through extensive rigorous reading, writing, and research assignments.
ASTR 99 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Astronomy 99abc
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides the student an opportunity to explore research problems in Astronomy not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned laboratory work and/or research projects (54 hours per unit).