Astronomy 1: Introduction to Astronomy (3 hours lecture, 3 units)
      This is a lecture course which covers the Universe and its contents. After a discussion of traditional astronomy, the Solar System is covered in detail, as it exists now, and as it formed and evolved over time. Next, we cover the nature of the Sun and stars, their current characteristics, birth, life and death, and their distribution throughout space. Finally, the Universe of galaxies is explored, including a discussion of its origin, evolution, and possible fate. In my (Professor Seligman's) classes, there are no homework assignments other than studying for the exams, and grades are assigned only on the basis of examination results. Other instructors may of course adopt different methods of instruction and evaluation.
      Astronomy 1 is also offered as a Telecourse. The exams and grading are the same as for (Professor Seligman's) regular lecture class, but instead of the 16 or 17 weeks of instruction in the regular class, there are only 6 Telecourse meetings, and students work primarily on their own. Also, the Telecourse covers the stars and the rest of the Universe first, and the Solar System last. (There is a possibility that starting in Spring 2008, the Telecourse version of the class will be replaced by an online version.) The overall structure of the class would be changed to match that of the regular classes, enabling students who are having trouble in the online course to supplement their independent study by attending regular class meetings; but there would still be only six required on-campus meetings, which would be used for taking or returning examinations, and discussing study strategies for upcoming examinations.

Astronomy 1L: Astronomy Laboratory (1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, 2 units)
      This is a laboratory course, and the classwork consists of a number of projects which are carried out at home, as well as in class. Students learn to identify objects in the sky, to follow their motions over time, and to use small telescopes to observe some of the brighter objects in the sky (fainter objects are unfortunately not visible in Long Beach, even with fairly large telescopes). There are also exercises involving simple arithmetic and graphical techniques to solve various astronomical problems (the most notable involves a graphical model of the orbit of Mercury performed in the same way that Johannes Kepler discovered the orbits of the planets approximately 400 years ago). There is also a Final examination, to test how well the students have mastered the various concepts they have learned, and to see how well they can use the field guide which serves as the 'text' for the class. Most of the class grade is based on how well the various projects are done, but the Final may also have an important effect on your grade.

Relationship Between Astronomy 1 and 1L
      Astronomy 1 satisfies a 3-unit Physical Science requirement. If BOTH Astronomy 1 AND Astronomy 1L are taken, whether they are taken at the same time or in different semesters, they satisfy a 5-unit Physical Science Laboratory requirement. If ONLY Astronomy 1L is taken, it does not satisfy any Science requirements, but does provide 2 units towards graduation.
      Other than the fact that taking both classes satisfies a Physical Science Laboratory requirement, there is no direct connection between the two classes. Each provides a different view of the Universe. In the lecture class, you learn what the Universe is like, why it is that way, how it got to be that way, and how it is likely to change in the future. In the laboratory class, you learn how to observe things in the sky, how to use a field guide to help you make those observations, and how to do certain types of simple observations and calculations involving "traditional" astronomy. If you need to take a laboratory science class, there is some advantage to taking both of the classes at the same time, providing you can give each class the time required to do well, but since the two classes are taught as completely separate classes, they do not have to be taken at the same time, and students who take the Laboratory class can successfully complete it regardless of whether they take the Lecture class, or not.