Course Descriptions (Fall 2026)
- ASTRON 11: Astrobiology, 4 Units. This course is designed for all students with an interest in the origin and evolution of life onEarth as well as the quest for life on other worlds within and beyond the solar system. Topicsinclude the nature of life; environments and environmental impact of Earth life; extremophiles;habitability; the search for life in the universe; the ethical and societal implications of detectinglife on another planet; and the portrayal of alien life and astrobiology in science fiction.Astrobiology is inherently interdisciplinary, and the course is structured to advance the ability ofstudents to think critically and communicate ideas across traditional disciplinary divides.Students from all disciplines are welcome and encouraged to enroll.
- MATH 51: Calculus I, 4 Units. This course is intended for STEM majors. An introduction to differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, with applications and an introduction to transcendental functions. Prior to Fall 2025, this course was offered as Math 1A.
- PHYSICS 77: Introduction to Computational Techniques in Physics, 3 Units. Introductory scientific programming in Python with examples from physics. Topics include: visualization, statistics and probability, regression, numerical integration, simulation, data modeling, function approximation, and algebraic systems. Recommended for freshman physics majors.
Meeting Schedule (Fall 2026)
- ASTRON 11: TR 9:30-11:00 AM
- MATH 51: TR 8:00-9:30 AM; Discussion MWF 12:00-1:00 PM
- PHYSICS 77: W 2:00-4:00 PM; Discussion F 2:00-4:00 PM
Major Prerequisites and L&S Breadth/General Requirements
| Course | Major Prerequisite | L&S Breadth/General Requirement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTRON 11 | N/A |
Biological Science L&S Breadth |
|
| MATH 51 | Molecular & Cellular Biology, Integrative Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astrophysics, Environmental Economics and Policy, Operations Research & Management Science, Economics, Applied Mathematics, all EPS majors, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Psychology | N/A | |
| PHYSICS 77 | N/A | N/A | |
* = one of several classes that can satisfy requirement
+ = recommended, not required
^ = lower division requirement, not required for declaration
This year-long cluster provides essential coursework for students interested in majors in Physics, Astrophysics, and Earth & Planetary Science. Over the course of two semesters, you will build a strong foundation in Calculus I and II, Introductory Mechanics and Relativity, and learn the computational methods of Physics, to support success in Physics and Astrophysics coursework throughout the major. You will also explore the wonders of the universe through an introductory astrobiology course and Intro to General Astronomy, taught by legendary professor Alex Filippenko.
Course Descriptions (Fall 2026)
- ASTRON 11: Astrobiology, 4 Units. This course is designed for all students with an interest in the origin and evolution of life onEarth as well as the quest for life on other worlds within and beyond the solar system. Topicsinclude the nature of life; environments and environmental impact of Earth life; extremophiles;habitability; the search for life in the universe; the ethical and societal implications of detectinglife on another planet; and the portrayal of alien life and astrobiology in science fiction.Astrobiology is inherently interdisciplinary, and the course is structured to advance the ability ofstudents to think critically and communicate ideas across traditional disciplinary divides.Students from all disciplines are welcome and encouraged to enroll.
- MATH 51: Calculus I, 4 Units. This course is intended for STEM majors. An introduction to differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, with applications and an introduction to transcendental functions. Prior to Fall 2025, this course was offered as Math 1A.
- PHYSICS 77: Introduction to Computational Techniques in Physics, 3 Units. Introductory scientific programming in Python with examples from physics. Topics include: visualization, statistics and probability, regression, numerical integration, simulation, data modeling, function approximation, and algebraic systems. Recommended for freshman physics majors.
Meeting Schedule (Fall 2026)
- ASTRON 11: TR 9:30-11:00 AM
- MATH 51: TR 8:00-9:30 AM; Discussion MWF 12:00-1:00 PM
- PHYSICS 77: W 2:00-4:00 PM; Discussion F 2:00-4:00 PM
Major Prerequisites and L&S Breadth/General Requirements
| Course | Major Prerequisite | L&S Breadth/General Requirement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTRON 11 | N/A |
Biological Science L&S Breadth |
|
| MATH 51 | Molecular & Cellular Biology, Integrative Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astrophysics, Environmental Economics and Policy, Operations Research & Management Science, Economics, Applied Mathematics, all EPS majors, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Psychology | N/A | |
| PHYSICS 77 | N/A | N/A | |
* = one of several classes that can satisfy requirement
+ = recommended, not required
^ = lower division requirement, not required for declaration
