# Astronomy (ASTR) courses Rio Hondo College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 5 courses Source: https://riohondo.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/22181/25453/24439 "Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027. ### ASTR 110 — General Astronomy - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture - **Advisory:** It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts. - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Summer 2026, 3 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/summer-2026/astr.md); Fall 2026, 7 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/astr.md); Winter 2027, 1 section (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/winter-2027/astr.md); Spring 2027, 6 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/astr.md) - Transfer: UC credit limit. Students will receive credit from UC for only one of the following courses: ASTR 110 or ASTR 110H This descriptive, nonmathematical course is designed for students who want to develop an appreciation of astronomy and a broad cosmic perspective. The emphasis of the course is on the current state of knowledge about our solar system, our galaxy, and the universe. Topics on the frontier of astronomical knowledge such as black holes and the search for extraterrestrial life are explored. This course is designed for students with an interest in astronomy or anyone who desires to expand their cosmic horizons. ### ASTR 110H — General Astronomy Honors - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture - **Prerequisite:** ENGL C1000 - **Advisory:** It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts. - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/astr.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/astr.md) - Transfer: UC credit limit. Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ASTR 110 or ASTR 110H This descriptive, nonmathematical course is designed for students who want to develop an appreciation of astronomy and a broad cosmic perspective. The emphasis of the course is on the current state of knowledge about our solar system, our galaxy, and the universe. Topics on the frontier of astronomical knowledge such as black holes and the search for extraterrestrial life are explored. This course is designed for students with an interest in astronomy or anyone who desires to expand their cosmic horizons. It is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements. ### ASTR 112 — Observational Astronomy - **Units:** 1 - **Hours:** 54 Lab - **Advisory:** It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts. - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Summer 2026, 2 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/summer-2026/astr.md); Fall 2026, 3 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/astr.md); Spring 2027, 3 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/astr.md) - Prerequisite/Corequisite: ASTR 110 This course is designed to acquaint students with the methods, techniques, and tools of the astronomer. Indoor labs demonstrate classical methods and techniques of science. Students learn the critical thinking processes needed to acquire and analyze scientific data; become familiar with visible objects including constellations, planets, star clusters, galaxies, meteors, and the phases of the moon; and learn to locate objects visually and use astronomical coordinate systems. The development of skills in the operation of optical telescopes is emphasized. This course is designed for students with an interest in learning about night skies and the tools astronomers use to explore the cosmos. Observatory facilities are utilized often, weather permitting. ### ASTR 137 — An Introduction to Cosmology: From the Big Bang to the Multiverse - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture, 54 Lab - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** not on the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an elementary algebra course. It is advised that students be able to engage in written compostion at a college level and read college-level texts. This course introduces students to the science of cosmology and the study of the origins and development of the universe. The course covers Newtonian mechanics, Einstein’s theories of special relativity and the curvature of space-time, the Big Bang theory, the cosmic microwave background, cosmic inflation, dark matter and energy, and associated evidence and theories that explain these phenomena, including string theory and multiverse theory. Laboratory topics cover the conceptual underpinnings of observational cosmology through experiments in modern and classical physics. This course is intended for students who are enthusiastic cosmology amateurs and requires only a high school-level mathematics background. ### ASTR 299 — Directed Study: Astronomy - **Units:** 1-3 - **Hours:** 54-162 Lab - **Advisory:** It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** not on the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules Independent Study/Directed Study is intended for students who have the ability to assume responsibility for independent work and to prepare written or oral reports and/or appropriate projects. To enroll in an independent study/directed study course, students must possess a 2.5 overall grade point average, a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor. Independent Studies/Directed Studies may be developed from any topic arising from or related to a course of study that will result in developing depth and breadth in that subject area. Students will be expected to meet on a regular basis with their faculty sponsor and submit a final report or project, and student progress shall be evaluated at regular intervals. Academic standards for Independent Studies/Directed Studies shall be the same as those for other courses. Units are awarded in accordance to Title 5 regulations, with one unit of credit awarded for 54 hours of Directed Studies, 6 hours of which must be with an instructor. The instructor is responsible for monitoring student progress throughout the semester. Students may take directed study courses for a maximum of 3 units within a discipline, and may not accumulate more than a total of 9 units college wide.