Course Finder

• Corequisite: Any course in ASL.

This course — taken in tandem with another course in the discipline — enables a student to apply course content in a meaningful and relevant way to a particular activity. In this hands-on course, students engage in applied learning through unpaid experiential activities organized by the student (in conjunction with SMC’s applied/service learning center) and approved by the instructor. Students will develop a customized reading list relevant to their particular activity, complete a minimum of 15 hours of volunteer work with that activity, and submit academically-sound written reports regarding the activity. By applying course material to their experience, students develop a deeper understanding of the discipline.

*Maximum credit allowed for ASTRON 1 and ASTRON 3 is one course (4 units).

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating subject of astronomy with an emphasis on the study of the Sun and other stars. Topics covered include the motions of the sky, a survey of the history of astronomy from Kepler to Einstein, gravity, radiation and matter, astronomical instrumentation, the Sun, stars, star formation, stellar evolution, galaxies and cosmology.

• Advisory: ASTRON 2 or ASTRON 4 or GEOL 1 or GEOL 4.

This course provides a geologic and astronomic view of solar system exploration. Current knowledge of the geology of other planets, natural satellites and asteroids is discussed. Current studies in planetary science and how to access and utilize data collected from modern and historic planetary missions and Earth-based studies are also examined.

ASTRON 10 is the same course as GEOL 10. Students may earn credit for one, but not both.

*Maximum credit allowed for ASTRON 2 and ASTRON 4 is one course (4 units).

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating subject of astronomy with an emphasis on the study of the Earth and the other planets in the solar system. Topics covered include the motions of the sky, a survey of the history of astronomy from the Greeks to Einstein, phases of the moon, eclipses, gravity, the formation of the solar system, the Earth, Terrestrial and Jovian planets, their moons, asteroids, meteoroids, comets and a discussion of extrasolar planets around other stars.

*Maximum credit allowed for ASTRON 1 and ASTRON 3 is one course (4 units).

This survey course covers the same material as Astronomy 1, but includes a laboratory section covering hands-on astronomical activities. The laboratory portion includes observations of the sky, computer simulations, the construction of simple astronomical instruments and analyzing publicly available astronomical data from the internet.

*Maximum credit allowed for ASTRON 2 and ASTRON 4 is one course (4 units).

This is a 4-unit introductory level lab course with a similar curricular depth and breadth to its comparable 3-unit lecture course Astronomy 2. In the lab component, students begin by re-creating many historical, first-ever human discoveries and measurements that helped to develop the scientific method: the size of Earth, Moon, and Sun, their relative distances, the scale of planetary orbits, phases, diameters, densities, masses, surface features, atmospheres, and rates of rotation. The labs also engage students in basic observations of the sky, computer simulations, and analysis of archival data from public domain sky surveys and surface maps by robotic NASA rovers and orbiting probes. The course material is a single semester survey of the origin and evolution of planetary systems such as our own Solar System including the latest leading theories of planetary topography, atmospheres, interiors, moons, comets, asteroids, and aurorae produced by the interaction of planetary magnetism and particle outflows from the Sun.

This course surveys the latest ideas concerning the origin and evolution of life on earth and discusses how these ideas are influencing our search for life on other planets in our solar system and elsewhere in the Universe. Topics covered include the chemical and biological basis of life, the search for life on Mars, extrasolar planets and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).

Satisfies Global Citizenship

This course will stress naked-eye astronomy and the historical development of astronomical thought, from the stone age to modern times. Students will learn about celestial motions and how these motions have shaped various cultural views, and how cultural beliefs and values shaped interpretations of the phenomena seen. We will see how eclipses of the sun and moon helped mark important epochs of time, and how solar and lunar motions were used to help create calendars. The class will study the development of astronomy in western European cultures, American cultures (North America, Mesoamerica, and South America), and non-western cultures (Asia, Africa).

This course explores how our ideas surrounding the origin, evolution and future of the universe have developed from earliest times until present day. Topics discussed include creation mythology, gravity, matter and radiation, relativity, cosmic expansion and acceleration, the Big Bang, dark matter and dark energy, the cosmic microwave background, inflation and the multiverse.

• Prerequisite: MATH 2 or (MATH 3 and MATH 4).

A rigorous quantitative introduction to the physics of astronomy for prospective majors and mathematically-minded enthusiasts. The course employs graphing techniques, systems of equations, and geometric analysis to survey a wide range of astronomical phenomena including stellar evolution, planetary physics, and extragalactic cosmology. Emphasis will be placed upon deploying expedient methods of approximation to solve problems in emerging frontiers of research such as exoplanets, brown dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, quasars, dark matter, and gamma-ray bursts. This curriculum provides an extraordinary opportunity for the motivated student to experience the thrill of applied math in the cosmic context of 21st century astrophysics.

• Prerequisite: MATH 8; and PHYSCS 8 or PHYSCS 21.

A robust calculus-based treatment of Astrophysics suited for science majors and mathematically-minded enthusiasts. The course makes use of methods in quantitative analysis including dynamical physics, differential and integral calculus, trigonometry and advanced graphing techniques to address a wide range of astronomical phenomena including stellar properties, interior structure, stellar evolution, variable stars, planetary atmospheres and gaseous nebulae, and the large-scale structure of the Universe. Emphasis will be placed on finding analytic solutions to problems in emerging areas of research such as exoplanetary systems, red giants, white dwarfs, supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars, black holes, the interstellar medium, dark matter, active galactic nuclei, gamma-ray bursts, dark energy and big bang nucleosynthesis. This curriculum provides a remarkable opportunity for the motivated student to experience the power of applying calculus-based physics to the frontiers of contemporary astrophysical problems.

C-ID: AUTO 110 X.

This is an introductory course which explores the maintenance, diagnosis, operation and safety of the modern automobile. It also covers tools, equipment and safe working practices in the automobile industry. Students are also familiarized with career opportunities in the field.

This course examines the fundamental operations and repairs of the automatic manual transmissions and drive train systems. Students will also learn about shop safety and environmental concerns regarding proper oil disposal, related tools and special equipment, and relevant automotive repair industry terms and practices.

This is a course which covers the principles, operation, diagnosis, service and repair of automotive transmissions and transaxles. Additional topics include shop safety, environmental concerns and a review of the automotive industry terms and conventions.

This is a course which covers the theory, diagnosis, service and repair of automotive, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Other topics include related environmental concerns as well as an overview of relevant regulations and consumer protections.

C-ID: ALTF 100 X.

This is an introductory course which examines the use of hybrid and electric battery power for automobiles. This course also examines the safety procedures for working with high voltage and the overall design and operation of hybrid and electric vehicles. This is a practical hands-on course where students will participate in lab activities relating to shop safety procedures and the diagnosis, maintenance and service of electric powered vehicles.

This is a theoretical and practical course in automotive braking systems. It includes operating principles, component description, diagnosis, service, and repair.

• Advisory: AUTO 40 or equivalent.

This course covers basic electricity and automotive electrical systems such as battery, starting, charging, and electronic ignition. Test equipment and computer systems will also be covered.

This course covers the principles, operation, diagnosis, service and repair of automotive suspension, steering systems, and four-wheel suspension alignment. Topics include the two types of steering systems that are widely used in today’s consumer vehicles: rack-and-pinion steering, and “recirculating ball” or “worm gear” steering, also known as conventional. This course prepares students for entry-level positions or advanced training in automotive suspension and steering systems.

Students will gain an understanding of the current state of vehicle technology in the U.S. In addition, they will study the impact of alternative fuels, hybrid-electric drives, and other technology emerging in the transportation marketplace. Emissions, fuel economy benefits and regulations, and safety and service requirements will be examined. The interaction of issues such as economic viability, energy independence, the regulatory environment, infrastructure, and the consumer environment will be examined from the standpoint of the ability of each technology to solve transportation-related energy and air pollution problems. The global impact of the automobile will be studied.