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RVCC does not discriminate in its educational programs or activities regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy and childbirth or related conditions), marital status, veteran status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, disability or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state and local laws. For information regarding Title IX and Section 504, please visit our Title IX page. Use the Bias & Discrimination Incident Report Form to report an incident.

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Sep 20, 2026

2026-2027 Catalog

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PHYS 120 - Introduction to Astronomy

(3,0) 3 Credits

General Education Course: Science (non-lab)

Prerequisite(s): MATH 020 Elementary Algebra
This is an introductory course in astronomy that tells a scientific story of the universe. It’s a journey of knowledge that begins with the perspectives that the ancients had about the cosmos and gradually evolves into our current more sophisticated understandings of it, offered by modern cosmology and one of humanity’s grandest theories, the big bang. Topics include the origin and evolution of the solar system, the birth and death of stars, black holes, galaxies, and the structure, properties, and expansion of the universe as a whole. It may be used to fulfill one semester of a science requirement for non-science majors, or as an elective for science majors.

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