I want to take an Astronomy class as a science elective, but I can't decide which one. Here are my choices:

AST 101IN Solar System
Introduction to the science of the nature and origin of the solar system: the sun and its family of planets, along with with comets and asteroids. Includes the history of astronomy and special topics regarding the space program. Also includes scientific thinking as an application of critical and quantitative thinking and science in contrast of pseudoscience. Also includes in-class measurement and mathematical exercises, outside observation projects, independent studies, and self-initiated trips to local observatories.

AST 102IN Stars, Galaxies, Universe
Introduction to the universe beyond the solar system. Includes the nature of light, how astronomers and telescopes work, and the possibilities of alien life in the universe. Also includes th lifetimes of stars, exotic objects such as quasars, pulsars and black holes, and the origin, nature and future of the universe. Also includes scientific thinking as an application of critical and quantitative thinking and science in contrast of pseudoscience. Also includes in-class measurement and mathematical exercises, outside observation projects, independent studies, and self-initiated trips to local observatories.

AST 105IN Life in the Universe
Multidisciplinary science, sometimes called astrobiology, focusing on the formation of the universe, the solar system, and life. Includes Earth's location in space and time, nature of life, light and the spectrum, origin of the solar system, planetary atmospheres, origin and evolution of life on Earth, life on other solar system planets, and intelligent life around other stars. Also includes in-class laboratory exercises, group telescopic observation projects, and personal observation projects.

I'd like to take all three, but there isn't room in my schedule. This is the best place I know of to ask for opinions.

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"Scientific progress goes 'boink'?"

I couldn't really decide either!

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"If you think the LHC will create black holes, you might as well believe Hobbits are at the bottom of your garden."- Dr. Mike Inglis
Rovers forever! - ToSeek
"Carl Sagan sent a message to ET,
Neil Armstrong walked in the Sea of Tranquility
Steve Squyers built Spirit and Opportunity
Dan Haylen upchucked in zero gravity." -Brent Simon, The Space Camp Song

What is your background, what is your prior knowledge level?

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"I'm as accurate as any psychic. And I'm a cartoon!" -- Squidward

"Arrrgh, the laws of physics be a harsh mistress!" -- Bender

I've read a few books on cosmology. I don't have a telescope. In other words, I know little enough that I think I would benefit from taking any of them.

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"Scientific progress goes 'boink'?"

Given the descriptions, I'd say the Solar System class would be marginally more useful to a beginner. But any of the three would be good.

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"If this were play'd upon a stage now, I could condemn it as an improbable fiction."
Shakespeare, Twelfth Night
Illuminati's Razor-The most complicatedly evil answer is usually the most correct answer. - Fazor
"Every book is a children's book if the kid can read." - Mitch Hedberg
"Distance doesn’t matter much in space, where if you just start a thing off with the right kind of shove, sooner or later it will get where you want it to go." -Frederik Pohl, Mining the Oort

I get a kick out of questions like this.

Because no one here can really identify with your personal tastes...

The beauty of astronomy is how varied and all encompassing it is. My reccomendation would be to take whichever course that YOU think would be the MOST fascinating - But- if all of them seem it- Then just flip a coin- make a snap decision- and stand by that decision.

Because once you start- the learning will not stop. The opportunity to take more, get more books, study it more- will not magically go away.

Right.

If I had that subject and choice back in school, I will choose the Stars, Galaxies , Universe.

I'm always fond of those .

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Jean
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"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." - Albert Einsteiin

Number them 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6. Throw a d6.
If your immediate reaction is disappointment, scratch that course and do it again with the remaining two, otherwise stay with the result.

In my experience, if you can't decide between multiple options, let something else decide and use your reaction to that decision to figure out what you really feel, then follow that feeling.

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And the "driving on the freeway on a scooter" analogy still holds true because the pilots are sitting in 7 to 30 ton aircraft o' doom and you are running around them in your very own Meatbody, Mark I. Beep, beep.
Trying to make sense of computers, The Error Log.

You might want to look into who the professors are for each course (assuming it's not the same one teaching all three) and talk to former students who took classes with them to find out which one might work best for you. The same subject can be fascinating when taught be a good teacher and an impulse to fall asleep when taught by a not so good teacher. If it's the same professor for all three, you might want to consult him or her for a recommendation.

I'd lean a little bit toward the "Life in the Universe" one. You can learn a lot about the rest on your own, but astrobiology is an emerging discipline that weaves a lot of different strands together from various areas of science (physics, chemistry, biology, geology). If there's one of the areas that you really want to have a professor there for guidance and to ask questions, that's the one.

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Everything I need to know I learned through Googling.