ASTR 120 - Life in the Universe

    Recent Professors
    Christina Manzano King, Rica Sirbaugh French
    Recent Semesters
    Fall 2026, Spring 2026
    Class Size
    32–35 students
    Credits
    3
    Prerequisite
    None
    Fall 2026 Sections
    View Fall 2026 sections of ASTR 120
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 5A · IGETC Area 5A · CSU GE Area B1
    Description
    This introductory course surveys the study for life in the universe from the Big Bang to implications of contact with an extraterrestrial civilization while emphasizing the nature and process of physical science. Topics include the formation and evolution of the universe; origin, evolution, and nature of life on Earth; the definitions of "life" and "habitability"; potential in our solar system and beyond; methods of interstellar communication and travel; implications of contact; science vs. pseudoscience; and the status of the search to-date.
    Usually Held
    Mon Wed 1:30pm–2:45pm