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.
- Dean Joel Keebler
- Department Chair Bill Simpson
- HomeBase STEM HomeBase
- Phone (916) 484-8107
- Email askhb-STEM@arc.losrios.edu
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, 2025
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum of 18 units from the following: | 181 | |
| Physical Science Courses | ||
| ASTR 300 | Introduction to Astronomy (3) | |
| ASTR 310 | The Solar System (3) | |
| ASTR 320 | Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (3) | |
| ASTR 330 | Introduction to Astrobiology (3) | |
| ASTR 400 | Astronomy Laboratory (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 303 | Survey of Biology (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 (3) | |
| 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 (1.5) | |
| 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 300 Introduction to Astronomy
- 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 (ASTR 300, 310 and 320 combined: maximum credit, two courses )
- General Education:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate early models of the solar system using the scientific method and outline the historical events that led to our current model.
- apply theories and models from classical physics and modern physics to explain astronomical observations, such as the motion of objects in the sky, the formation of planets, and the life cycle of stars.
- classify the planets as terrestrial or jovian and list the characteristics of each category.
- discuss the discovery of new Kuiper belt objects and how their existence changed our definition of what a planet is.
- describe how extrasolar planets are detected and discuss their properties.
- describe the structure of the Sun and its source of energy.
- explain how astronomers collect light from distant stars and discuss what can be learned from analyzing that light.
- classify different types of stars and galaxies, and discuss the stellar life cycle in the context of stellar evolution.
- describe the astronomical evidence for dark matter and dark energy, and discuss their implications.
- describe the scientific evidence and models regarding the nature and origin of the Universe, including its evolution from the Big Bang up to today.
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 (ASTR 300, 310 and 320 combined: maximum credit, two courses )
- General Education:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe and explain the apparent motion of stars and planets in the night-time sky over the course of a day, a season, and a year.
- evaluate early models of the solar system using the scientific method, and outline the historical events that led to our current model.
- apply current scientific theories and models from classical and modern physics to explain astronomical observations, such as the motion of objects in the solar system and the formation and evolution of planets and the Sun.
- classify the planets as terrestrial or jovian and list the characteristics of each category.
- describe the role plate tectonics, volcanism, and magnetic fields play in shaping the surfaces, habitability, and other properties of different planetary bodies.
- identify the larger moons in the solar system and describe what makes them unique.
- identify other elements of the solar system, such as comets and asteroids; describe their characteristics and what can be learned from them.
- discuss the discovery of new Kuiper belt objects and how their existence changed our definition of what a planet is.
- describe how extrasolar planets are detected and discuss their properties.
- describe the structure of the Sun and its source of energy.
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 (ASTR 300, 310, and 320 combined: maximum credit, two courses; ASTR 320 and 480 combined: maximum credit, one course ASTR 320 and 481 combined: maximum credit, one course)
- General Education:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate early models of the Universe using the scientific method and outline the historical events that led to our current model.
- explain how astronomers collect light from distant stars and discuss what can be learned from analyzing that light.
- apply theories and models from classical physics and modern physics to explain astronomical observations, such as the formation of black holes, the red-shift of light coming from distant galaxies, and the life cycle of the Sun.
- classify different star types and discuss their life cycles in the context of stellar evolution.
- classify galaxies and describe how they formed and evolved.
- describe the astronomical evidence for dark matter and dark energy, and discuss their implications.
- discuss the scientific evidence and models regarding the nature and origin of the Universe, including its evolution from the Big Bang up to today.
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 (ASTR 300, 310 and 320 combined: maximum credit, two courses)
- General Education:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- discuss the origin of life on Earth and describe the evidence supporting the current models.
- describe how plate tectonics, volcanism, the atmosphere, and magnetic fields influenced the evolution of life on different planetary bodies.
- construct a set of criteria for determining the likelihood of finding life in a particular environment.
- evaluate the evidence for past microbial life on Mars.
- discuss the possibility of finding life on other planets or moons in the solar system.
- assess the chances of communicating successfully with technically advanced civilizations elsewhere in the galaxy.
- describe the nature of life on Earth: from cells to DNA, Darwinism, and the evolution of species.
- discuss topics related to astrobiology, such as the Cambrian explosion, mass extinctions, and genetic engineering of artificial life forms.
- identify different types of extremophiles and discuss how life can exist under such extreme conditions.
ASTR 400 Astronomy Laboratory
- Units:1
- Hours:54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:ASTR 300, 310, 320, or 330
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course 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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- set up and align a telescope.
- locate constellations and deep sky objects in the night sky with the aid of a telescope and a star chart.
- explain the apparent motions of the planets, Sun, and stars.
- explain eclipses and the phases of the Moon.
- explain sunspots and the basic functioning of the Sun.
- analyze astronomical data.
- list different types of spectra used by astronomers and explain what they reveal about the composition and the temperature of stars.
- organize data on stellar properties to create a Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram.
- estimate the age of the Universe based on Hubble’s Law and the Hubble time.
ASTR 481 Honors Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:Placement into ENGWR 480 through the assessment process.
- Advisory:MATH 100 or 132 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC (UC Credit limitation: ASTR 320 and 481 combined: maximum credit, one course)
- General Education:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- systematize astronomical conceptual knowledge while evaluating current astronomy theories and observations.
- discuss modern topics and problems pertaining to stellar evolution, galactic astronomy, cosmology, and related areas.
- estimate the age of the Universe based on Hubble’s Law and the Hubble time.
- explain how astronomers collect light from distant stars and discuss what can be learned from analyzing that light.
- classify different star types and discuss their life cycles in the context of stellar evolution.
- describe the astronomical evidence for dark matter and dark energy, and discuss their implications.
- discuss the scientific evidence and models regarding the nature and origin of the Universe, including its evolution from the Big Bang up to today.
- apply theories and models from classical physics and modern physics to explain astronomical observations, such as the formation of black holes, the red-shift of light coming from distant galaxies, and the life cycle of the Sun.
- conduct optical and radio telescope observations, and data analysis.
- set up and align a telescope.
- explain the apparent motions of the planets, Sun, and stars.
ASTR 495 Independent Studies in Astronomy
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
Programs and Majors
Astronomy
Astronomy is part of the general education program at American River College.
