Courses Offered

The introductory astronomy courses at GCC apply the scientific method to study the geologic evolutions of solar system objects, the properties of light and the structure of our galaxy. For AST course descriptions click the course prefix below, or see course competencies at the Maricopa Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation website.

AST 106 Life in the Universe
Lecture/Lab, 4 credits

  • Topics covered: Galaxy, stars, solar system.
  • Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT090, MAT091, or MAT092 or completion of higher-level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement.
  • Description: Introduction to the search for life in the universe for the non-science major. Earth's location in space and time, nature of life, light and the spectrum, origin and history of the universe, origin of life on Earth and the possibility of life on other planets.
  • Intended clientele: Non-majors, liberal studies science credit, AGEC-A and AGEC-B.
  • Transferability: Equivalent to SES 106 at ASU SQ credit. Equivalent to AST183/AST184L at NAU Liberal Studies Lab Science credit. Equivalent to ASTR202 at U of A.

AST 111 Introduction to Solar System Astronomy
Lecture/Lab, 4 credits

  • Topics covered: Solar system - planets, comets, sun.
  • Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory district placement.
  • Intended clientele: non-majors, liberal studies science credit, AGEC-A, and AGEC-B.
  • Description: Introduction to astronomy for the non-science major. The scientific method, properties of light, astronomical instruments, our Solar System and solar systems around other stars. Includes hands-on astronomical observations and laboratory exercises.
  • Transferability: Equivalent to AST 111/113 at ASU SQ/SG credit, Equivalent to AST 180/181 at NAU Liberal Studies Lab Science credit, Equivalent to AST 102 at U of A.

AST 112 Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology
Lecture/Lab, 4 credits

  • Topics covered: Stars, star clusters, galaxies, cosmology.
  • Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory district placement.
  • Description: Introduction to astronomy for the non-science major. Structure and evolution of stars; supernovae, black holes, and quasars; nebulae; star clusters; galaxies; cosmology, including the birth and death of the universe. Note that AST111 is not a prerequisite for this course.
  • Intended clientele: Non-majors, liberal studies science credit, AGEC-A, and AGEC-B.
  • Transferability: Equivalent to AST 112/114 at ASU SQ/SG credit, Equivalent to AST 180/181 at NAU Liberal Studies Lab Science credit, Equivalent to AST 103 at U of A.