The University of Arizona
Graduate Courses: Spring 2010

Course Title Instructor
PTYS 503

Physics of the Solar System (3)
Survey of planetary physics, planetary motions, planetary interiors, geophysics, planetary atmospheres, asteroids, comets, origin of the solar system. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper on a selected topic and an oral class presentation.

This course does not count toward the major requirements in planetary sciences.


Giacalone

PTYS 505B

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.


Hubbard

PTYS 511

Geology and Geophysics of the Solar System (4)
Geologic processes and landforms on satellites and the terrestrial planets, their modification under various planetary environments, and methods of analysis. Graduate-level requirements include an advanced research paper covering some topic in planetary geology with an extensive literature search and evaluation. Identical to: GEOS 511. May be convened with: PTYS 411.


Byrne

PTYS 517

Atmospheres and Remote Sensing (3)
PTYS Graduate Core Course. Structure, composition, and evolution of atmospheres; atomic and molecular spectroscopy; radiative transfer and spectral line formatting.


Yelle

PTYS 530

The Chemical Evolution of Earth (3)
Chemical differentiation and evolution of Earth’s mantle and crust according to major-element, trace-element and isotopic characteristics of neodymium, hafnium, strontium, lead and other isotopes. Graduate-level requirements will include an additional paper. Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Identical to GEOS 530.


PTYS 541B

Dynamic Metereology (3)
Thermodynamics and its application to planetary atmospheres, hydrostatics, fundamental concepts and laws of dynamic meteorology. Graduate-level requirements include a more quantitative and thorough understanding of the subject matter.


Zeng

PTYS 549

Image Processing for Scientific Discovery (3)
Image processing as a tool for exploration, discovery and analysis in a wide range of subjects. Suitable for both science and non-science majors, as well as pre-service and in-service mathematics and technology teachers.
May be convened with: PTYS 549. Usually offered: Spring.


Greenberg

PTYS 582

High Energy Astrophysics (3)
Radiation mechanisms, synchrotron radiation, charged particle acceleration, pulsars, black holes, accretion disks, X-ray binaries, gamma-ray sources, radio galaxies, active galactic nuclei. This course is identical to ASTR 582.


Melia

PTYS 594A

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

PTYS 595A

Galilean Satellites of Jupiter (1)
A colloquium on the Galilean satellites of Jupiter, four large worlds with complex orbital, tidal, and magnetospheric interactions. Each student will be expected to study and report on a relevant topic. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): recommended to students majoring in one of the physical sciences, especially Geosciences, Astronomy, or Planetary Sciences. May be convened with: PTYS 595A. Usually offered: Spring.


McEwen