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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Astronomy

Astronomy

Overview

Astronomy is part of the general education program at American River College. The astronomy course offerings include Introduction to Astronomy, The Solar System, Stars/Galaxies/Cosmology, Introduction to Astrobiology, Honors Introduction to Astronomy, Independent Studies in Astronomy, and an Astronomy Laboratory. All courses comply with general education transfer requirements.

Degrees Offered

  • A.S. in General Science

Associate Degree

A.S. in General Science

This program provides a broad study in the fields of biological and physical sciences in preparation for transfer to a four-year program and continuation of studies in upper division science courses.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 181
Physical Science Courses
ASTR C1001 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ASTR 310 The Solar System (3)
ASTR 320 Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (3)
ASTR 330 Introduction to Astrobiology (3)
ASTR C1001L Introduction to Astronomy Lab (1)
ASTR 481 Honors Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (4)
ASTR 495 Independent Studies in Astronomy (1 - 3)
ASTR 499 Experimental Offering in Astronomy (0.5 - 4)
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 306 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 309 Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 310 Chemical Calculations (4)
CHEM 338 Chemistry In Your World (3)
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 423 Organic Chemistry - Short Survey (5)
CHEM 495 Independent Studies in Chemistry (1 - 3)
CHEM 499 Experimental Offering in Chemistry (0.5 - 4)
GEOG 300 Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 301 Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOG 305 Global Climate Change (3)
GEOG 306 Weather and Climate (3)
GEOG 307 Environmental Hazards and Natural Disasters (3)
GEOG 308 Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOG 309 Introduction to Oceanography Lab (1)
GEOG 391 Field Studies in Geography: Mountain Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 392 Field Studies in Geography: Coastal Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 393 Field Studies in Geography: Arid Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 394 Field Studies in Geography: Volcanic Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 495 Independent Studies in Geography (1 - 3)
GEOG 499 Experimental Offering in Geography (0.5 - 4)
GEOL 300 Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305 Earth Science (3)
GEOL 306 Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310 Historical Geology (3)
GEOL 311 Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 320 Global Climate Change (3)
GEOL 325 Environmental Hazards and Natural Disasters (3)
GEOL 330 Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOL 331 Introduction to Oceanography Lab (1)
GEOL 345 Geology of California (3)
GEOL 392 Field Studies in Mountain Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOL 393 Field Studies in Coastal Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOL 394 Field Studies in Volcanic Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOL 495 Independent Studies in Geology (1 - 3)
GEOL 499 Experimental Offering in Geology (0.5 - 4)
PHYS 310 Conceptual Physics (3)
PHYS 311 Basic Physics (3)
PHYS 312 Conceptual Physics Laboratory (1)
PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
PHYS 360 General Physics (4)
PHYS 410 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (5)
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
PHYS 495 Independent Studies in Physics (1 - 3)
PHYS 499 Experimental Offering in Physics (0.5 - 4)
Biological Science Courses
ANTH 300 Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 301 Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 303 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3)
ANTH 370 Primatology (3)
ANTH 480 Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 495 Independent Studies in Anthropology (1 - 3)
ANTH 499 Experimental Offering in Anthropology (0.5 - 4)
BIOL 300 The Foundations of Biology (3)
BIOL 301 Evolution (3)
BIOL C1000 Introduction to Biology with Lab (4)
BIOL 304 Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology (4)
BIOL 305 Natural History (4)
BIOL 310 General Biology (4)
BIOL 322 Ethnobotany (3)
BIOL 332 Introduction to Ornithology (4)
BIOL 342 The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health (3)
BIOL 352 Conservation Biology (3)
BIOL 370 Marine Biology (4)
BIOL 375 Marine Ecology (3)
BIOL 390 Natural History Field Study (0.5 - 4)
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 415 Introduction to Biology: Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology (5)
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440 General Microbiology (4)
BIOL 442 General Microbiology and Public Health (5)
BIOL 482 Honors Marine Biology (4)
BIOL 495 Independent Studies in Biology (1 - 3)
BIOL 499 Experimental Offering in Biology (0.5 - 4)
BIOT 301 Biotechnology and Human Health (3)
BIOT 305 Introduction to Bioinformatics (1)
BIOT 307 Biotechnology and Society (2)
BIOT 311 Biotechnology Laboratory Methods - Molecular Techniques (2)
BIOT 312 Biotechnology Laboratory Methods - Microbial and Cell Culture Techniques (2)
BIOT 499 Experimental Offering in Biology (0.5 - 4)
NATR 300 Introduction to Natural Resource Conservation and Policy (4)
NATR 301 Introduction to Ornithology (4)
NATR 302 Introduction to Wildlife Biology (4)
NATR 303 Energy and Sustainability (3)
NATR 304 The Forest Environment (3)
NATR 305 Fisheries Ecology and Management (4)
NATR 306 Introduction to Rangeland Ecology and Management (4)
NATR 307 Principles of Sustainability (4)
NATR 310 Study Design and Field Methods (4)
NATR 320 Principles of Ecology (4)
NATR 322 Environmental Restoration (3)
NATR 324 Field Studies: Birds and Plants of the High Sierra (2)
NATR 330 Native Trees and Shrubs of California (4)
NATR 332 Wildflowers of California (4)
NATR 346 Water Resources and Conservation (3)
NATR 495 Independent Studies in Natural Resources (1 - 3)
NATR 499 Experimental Offering in Natural Resources (0.5 - 4)
PSYC 310 Biological Psychology (3)
PSYC 311 Biological Psychology Laboratory (1)
Total Units: 18

1must be transfer-level and must include one laboratory course in a physical science and one laboratory course in a biological science

The General Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate new and accepted ideas about the natural universe using scientific methods.
  • analyze a wide variety of natural phenomena using basic definitions and fundamental theories of biological or physical sciences.
  • apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to interpret and analyze pertinent data.
  • outline the basic concepts and fundamental theories of a natural science.
  • articulate orally and/or in writing the importance of continuous examination and modification of accepted ideas as a fundamental element in the progress of science.
  • discuss ethical components of scientific decision making and apply personal and social values within the process of decision making in scientific endeavors.

Astronomy (ASTR) Courses

ASTR C1001 Introduction to Astronomy

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course was formerly known as ASTR 300 Introduction to Astronomy.

This course introduces fundamental concepts of astronomy, including the Solar System, stars,
supernovae, galaxies, black holes, and the expanding universe. Students learn how to study the
cosmos and what the latest discoveries reveal about the origins and fate of the universe. This course covers topics in modern planetary and stellar astronomy, such as dwarf, jovian, terrestrial, and extrasolar planets and the life cycle of stars, black holes, and supernovae. It also includes topics on cosmology and galactic astronomy, such as dark matter, dark energy, the Big Bang, and the expansion of the Universe.

This course was formerly known as ASTR 300 and is not open to students who have successfully completed ASTR 300.

ASTR 310 The Solar System

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Successful completion of Algebra I/Integrated Math 1 or Beginning Algebra; AND eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course explores the nature and evolution of the solar system. Topics include the night-time sky, the history of astronomy, the tools of astronomy, and the origins and characteristics of planets, their satellites, and other components of the solar system. It emphasizes how astronomers gain and refine their knowledge of the Universe and interpret the latest results of planetary exploration.

ASTR 320 Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Successful completion of Algebra I/Integrated Math 1 or Beginning Algebra; AND eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course explores the nature and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the Universe. Topics include the history of astronomy, the tools of astronomy, star classification, stellar evolution, neutron stars, black holes, and the Big Bang. It emphasizes how astronomers gain and refine their knowledge of the Universe and interpret the latest results of space exploration.

ASTR 330 Introduction to Astrobiology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Successful completion of Algebra I/Integrated Math 1 or Beginning Algebra; AND eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course explores the possibilities of life beyond Earth and what we can learn from terrestrial life forms surviving in extreme conditions. Topics include the origin, biology, and evolution of life on Earth, habitability and interior energy sources of Earth and other planets in the solar system, the likelihood of life existing on other planets or moons within our solar system, attempts to locate life within our solar system, and attempts to communicate with intelligent life in other parts of the galaxy.

ASTR C1001L Introduction to Astronomy Lab

  • Units:1
  • Hours:54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ASTR C1001 or other locally approved astronomy lecture course
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course was formerly known as ASTR 400 Astronomy Laboratory.

This laboratory course reinforces fundamental principles and concepts of astronomy by applying
the scientific method through experiments, observations, and/or simulations. It provides access to telescopes, covering their practical use for visual observation of astronomical objects and the analysis of astronomical data. Topics may include constellation identification, stellar spectroscopy, solar and lunar observations, radio-physics and radio-astronomy, image analysis, measuring the properties of stars, and determining the age of the Universe. Night-time on-campus field trips may be required.

This course was formerly known as ASTR 400 and is not open to students who have successfully completed ASTR 400. Students may satisfy the corequisite for the course using ASTR C1001, ASTR 310, ASTR 320 or ASTR 330.

ASTR 481 Honors Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology

  • Units:4
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:Placement into ENGL C1000H (formerly ENGWR 480) through the Los Rios placement process OR guided self-placement.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (UC Credit limitation: ASTR 320 and 481 combined: maximum credit, 1 course)
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This seminar-style course is an in-depth introduction to astronomy, focusing on stars, galaxies, and cosmology. It approaches current topics in astronomy through discussions and laboratory activities, with an emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving techniques, and conceptual reasoning. This course is not open to students who have completed ASTR 320.

ASTR 495 Independent Studies in Astronomy

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.

ASTR 499 Experimental Offering in Astronomy

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog