Astronomy 7A & 7B

About the SLC

Astronomy 7A Course Description

This is the first part of an overview of astrophysics, with an emphasis on the way in which physics is applied to astronomy. This course deals with the solar system and stars, while 7B covers galaxies and cosmology. Solar system topics include orbital mechanics, geology of terrestrial planets, planetary atmospheres, and the formation of the solar system. The study of stars will treat determination of observations, properties and stellar structure, and evolution. The physics in this course includes mechanics and gravitation; kinetic theory of gases; properties of radiation and radiative energy transport; quantum mechanics of photons, atoms, and electrons; and magnetic fields.

Astronomy 7B Course Description

Note: Astronomy 7B is not offered in Fall 2025.

This is the second part of an overview of astrophysics, which begins with 7A. This course covers the Milky Way galaxy, star formation and the interstellar medium, galaxies, black holes, quasars, dark matter, the expansion of the universe and its large-scale structure, and cosmology and the Big Bang. The physics in this course includes that used in 7A (mechanics and gravitation; kinetic theory of gases; properties of radiation and radiative energy transport; quantum mechanics of photons, atoms, and electrons; and magnetic fields) and adds the special and general theories of relativity.

Fall 2025 Services Offered  

Services are offered in partnership with the Astronomy and Physics departments. Offerings will begin in the third week of instruction. Please visit the link below to view service hours and room locations.

Drop-InTopic ReviewExam Review
Schedule(link is external) Not Offered Not Offered

Note: SLC services are complementary to academic support offered by the course instructional team, campus departments, and the residence halls. The SLC Science Program is run by professional learning specialists and services are provided by trained peer staff.