Overview
The Folsom Lake College astronomy program offers an array of transferable courses that fulfill both major and general education requirements. The astronomy courses are offered as part of the general education program at FLC and consists of the ASTR 300 lecture class and the ASTR 400 lab class. These classes are meant to give the student a comprehensive breath of the field of astronomy and the laboratory class gives a hands-on learning experience. Both courses are an excellent way for liberal arts students to gain an appreciation of scientific knowledge and methods.
Astronomy (ASTR) Courses
ASTR 300 Introduction to Astronomy
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGL C1000 and MATH 100
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is a general course in astronomy that examines the nature and evolution of the solar system, stars, galaxies, cosmology and life in the universe.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- recall important words and definitions used in astronomy.
- investigate conceptual and simple quantitative problems requiring the application of basic physics and astronomy.
- explain astronomical evolutionary processes within the universe.
- explain the major similarities and differences between the planets and other objects within the solar system.
- explain the daily and yearly motions of the night sky and of the Sun, Moon and planets.
ASTR 400 Astronomy Laboratory
- Units:1
- Hours:54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:ASTR 300 (may be taken previously)
- Advisory:ASTR 300 and MATH 100 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course introduces students to various types of astronomical observations and presents the tools needed to analyze and interpret astronomical data. The course will cover historical and current observational methods. This will include naked eye and telescopic observations.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- recognize and classify common celestial objects.
- use common astronomical methods and tools.
- analyze astronomical data to infer properties of celestial bodies.
- set-up a telescope and use it to obtain drawings/pictures of astronomical objects.
ASTR 495 Independent Studies in Astronomy
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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
