Principles of Planetary Physics (3)
PTYS Graduate Core Course. Introductory physics of planetary and interplanetary fluids, plasmas, and solid bodies. Thermodynamics, kinetic theory, fluid dynamics, transport theory, rotational and solid response theory and oribtal mechanics, applied to solar-system objects.
PTYS 505A home page

Jokipii

Modern Astronomical Instrumentation and Techniques (3)
Radiant energy; signals and noise; detectors and techniques for imaging, photometry, polarimetry and spectroscopy. Examples from stellar and planetary astronomy in the x-ray, optical, infrared and radio. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper. Identical to ASTR 518.
PTYS 518 home page

Rieke

The Physics of the Sun (3)
The purpose of this course is to present an introduction to the physics of the Sun. Topics will include the physics of solar magnetic fields, solar interior and helioseismology, radiative transfer, solar wind, and solar-energetic particles.

This course will introduce the equations of magnetohydrodynamics and apply them to important solar-physics problems. Examples include: the solar dynamo, the physics of sunspots and flares, origin of the solar wind, and the structure of the solar atmosphere.

The emphasis throughout will be on basic physical processes and the various approximations used in their application to realistic and relevant problems.

PTYS 537 home page

Giacalone

Dynamic Meteorology (3)
Thermodynamics and its application to planetary atmospheres, hydrostatics, fundamental concepts and laws of dynamic meteorology. Identical to ATMO 541A.

Mullen

Mars (3)
In-depth class about the planet Mars, including origin and evolution, geophysics, geology, atmospheric science, climate change, the search for life, and the history and future of Mars exploration.

There will be guest lectures from professors and research scientists with expertise about aspects of Mars. There will be lots of discussion of recent results and scientific controversies about Mars. Graduate-level requirements include the completion of a research project that will be presented in class as well as a report. The research project could be analysis of Mars datasets, a laboratory experiment, or new theoretical modeling.

Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): PTYS 411, Geology of the Solar System is strongly recommended but not required. Identical to: ASTR 442, GEOS 442. May be convened with: PTYS 542.

PTYS 542 home page (D2L)

Smith

Stellar Atmospheres (3)
Radiative transfer, gray atmosphere, opacity, line formation, non-LTE, curves of growth, stellar hydrodynamics, planetary applications.
Identical to: ASTR 545; ASTR is home department.
Usually offered: Fall.

Hubeny

Solar System Dynamics (3)
Dynamical processes affecting the orbital evolution of planets, asteroids, and satellites, and the rotational evolution of solid bodies. Emphasizes modern nonlinear dynamics and chaos.


PTYS 553 home page

Malhotra

Inverse Problems in Geophysics (3)
Linear and nonlinear inverse theory, including least squares, generalized and maximum likelihood methods. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): experience with linear algebra recommended. Identical to: ATMO 567, PTYS 567. Usually offered: Fall, Spring.


PTYS 567 home page

Richardson

Thermodynamics in Earth and Planetary Sciences (3)
Principles of classical and irreversible thermodynamics. Thermo-chemical and -physical properties; equations of states for solids and gases at high pressure; phase equilibrium; multicomponent systems; electrolyte and non-electrolyte solutions; selected applications to petrology, mineralogy, geophysics, geochemistry, and planetary problems. Prerequisite(s): MATH 125; MATH 129 or MATH 124. Identical to: GEOS 583; GEOS is home department. Usually offered: Fall, Spring, alternate years.

Ganguly

Planetary Geology Field Studies
The acquisition of first-hand experience with geologic processes and features, focusing on how those features/processes relate to the surfaces of other planets and how accurately those features/processes can be deduced from remote sensing data. This is a three- to five-day
field trip to an area of geologic interest where each student gives a short presentation to the group. This trip typically involves camping and occasional moderate hiking; students need to supply their own camping materials. Students may enroll in the course up to 10 times for credit. Trip is led by a Planetary Sciences faculty member once per semester.

Byrne