Astronomy is the study of our universe. This includes our solar system with the Sun, its planets, moons, asteroids, and comets as well as other stars, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies and the universe as a whole. COD offers several courses to meet your interests and curriculum needs, in classroom or independent study formats.
Program Requirements
Please consult a faculty member listed below before beginning your coursework.
Degree
- Associate in Science
- Student Planning Worksheet: Use When planning your coursework.
- Course Descriptions
Classroom Courses
Our traditional format courses provide the student a structured learning environment. It provides the benefits of learning directly from the instructor, as well as the opportunity to ask questions, collaborate with and learn from with other students. Content is delivered by lecture and then lab exercises are completed with another student before submission.
Earth Science 1120 - Introduction to Astronomy
- A non-lab overview of all areas of astronomy
- Minimal math skills are required of the student
- Provides an appreciation of our knowledge of the universe
Earth Science 1122 - Solar System
- An overview of our Sun, the planets, major moons, asteroids and comets
- Investigates the formation and evolution of our solar system and others
- In-class lab exercises broaden and deepen student learning
Earth Science 1124 - Stars and Galaxies
- An overview of stars, galaxies and the universe as a whole
- Investigates the formation and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the universe
- In-class lab exercises broaden and deepen student learning
Earth Science 1126 - Observational Astronomy
- An overview of how to observe the heavens
- Major topics include the sky, telescopes, and observational techniques
- Lab exercises broaden and deepen student learning
Honors Astronomy Courses
Honors courses cover the same content as regular courses in an accelerated twelve-week classroom schedule. The remaining four weeks of the term are used for students to perform a research project on a topic of their choosing from the course. The instructor provides assistance and guidance in every class to ensure students enjoy the project and are successful.
Earth Science 1122 Honors - Solar System
- An accelerated overview of our Sun, the planets, major moons, asteroids and comets
- Investigates the formation and evolution of our solar system and others
- Lab exercises broaden and deepen student learning
- Students perform four-week research projects to utilize what they learned
Earth Science 1124 Honors - Stars and Galaxies
- An accelerated overview of stars, galaxies and the universe as a whole
- Investigates the formation and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the universe
- Lab exercises broaden and deepen student learning
- Students perform four-week research projects to utilize what they learned
Career Information
If you enjoy studying our solar system or the universe, you may be interested in a career in astronomy. An astronomy career involves various factors for success. The information outlined below is intended to help you understand the role, understand the education requirements, understand the job market, and know where to get more information.
The primary organization of professional astronomers in the US is The American Astronomical Society. Their website is a great place to start your search for information: www.aas.org
On this site you will find pages devoted to Career Services, Education Services, Employment statistics, and so forth. These provide a wealth of information to get you started.
Other astronomy-related websites
Faculty
Joe DalSanto, Astronomy
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3C06D, (630) 942-2163
Contact Information
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Division
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 2E06, (630) 942-3210