Astronomy

Why Study Astronomy

The Astronomy Department at Foothill College offers lecture and laboratory classes with astronomy professor Dr. Geoff Mathews. Courses in solar system and stellar astronomy provide you with a non-technical introduction to the worlds with which we share our solar system, the life and death of stars, the formation of galaxies, and the evolution of the universe.

Dr. Mathews leads the Foothill AstroSims project, which aims to sustain the existing pool of astro-education simulations as well as developing new simulations covering previously unaddressed topics. Our long-time faculty member Andrew Fraknoi retired in June 2017.

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Degrees & Certificates

We do not offer a degree or certificate program in Astronomy. However, the astronomy courses meet general education requirements for other degrees offered.

Quick Look at Astronomy Courses

For complete course details, including units, hours and prerequisites, view course catalog. For when a course is offered, view class schedule.

ASTR 10A General Astronomy: Solar System
ASTR 10B General Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, Cosmology
ASTR 10BH Honors General Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, Cosmology
ASTR 10L Astronomy Laboratory
ASTR 70R Independent Study in Astronomy
ASTR 71R Independent Study in Astronomy
ASTR 72R Independent Study in Astronomy
ASTR 73R Independent Study in Astronomy

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