PHSC 521
ASTROGEOLOGY
Comparative Planetology
Catalog Entry
PHSC 521. Astrogeology
Three hours lecture (3).
Prerequisites: GEOL 111:112 and ASTR 111:112.
Application of geological concepts and techniques to solid astronomical bodies; composition and classification of meteorites; terrestrial impact craters; surface features of the moon, Mars, Mercury, and asteroids.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
The course is the study of the origin, evolution, and current environments of planetary bodies, both in our solar system, and (hypothetically) around other stars. The major topics covered are common to numerous recent books dealing with planetary science and solar system exploration. These topics are as follows:
1. Introduction to planetary science
2. The solar system: an overview
3. Basic celestial mechanics
4. Formation of stars and planetary material
5. Formation of planets and satellites
6. Meteorites and meteoritics
7. Asteroids
8. Comets
9. Planetary interiors
10. Planetary surfaces: petrology, primary surfaces, and cratering
11. Planetary surfaces: volcanism and other processes of surface evolution
12. Planetary atmospheres
A variety of images of the planets and their moons made by orbiting and fly-by spacecraft set the stage for many of the above topics.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Astrogeology is primarily a descriptive course in which basic concepts and principles from geology and astronomy are applied in the study of a variety of topics in planetary science. The course has no formal laboratory associated with it, but a few labs (the age of the Lunar surface; the age of the Martian surface) are assigned for class-work and for homework. Frequent use is made of slides and videotapes from NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. These films provide students with close-up views of a great variety of solar system objects. The course also involves readings from Astronomy, Mercury, Sky and Telescope, and similar magazines. These readings and the videotapes provide a basis for class discussions and oral presentations.
Goals and Objectives of Course
1. Earth science, general science, and geology students will experience an interdisciplinary approach to new discoveries and interpretations in the field of planetary science;
2. Students will learn how geological concepts and methods are applied to the solution of problems relating to the evolution of planets, moons, and other planetary bodies;
3. Students will acquire knowledge of how planets evolve and knowledge about the processes that govern their crystal structures and surface features;
4. Students will learn how data obtained from other planets help illuminate environmental processes and evolutionary processes on earth.
Assessment Measures
Assessment of student achievement is accomplished by traditional tests consisting of two major (one hour, 15 minutes) examinations, occasional short quizzes, and the final examination. A few laboratory reports, reading reports, and oral presentations provide additional measures. Graduate students are required to write a research paper on a topic (to be approved by the instructor) in the field of astrogeology. Numerous sources of articles and books on the planetary sciences are given in the course bibliography. These sources provide a basis for selecting a topic and doing the research. Graduate students are also required to make a brief (15-20 min.) oral presentation on the subject of their research paper or another suitable topic. Undergraduate students may elect to do the research paper and make an oral presentation if they desire.
Other Course Information
None
APPROVAL AND SUBSEQUENT REVIEWS
DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
March 1993 Revised and updated Franklin Jones, Chair Physical Science Department
