So Which Courses Should I Take?

Well, it all depends on your interests. To meet your General Education science requirements, consider NATS 101 Planet Earth: Evolution of a Habitable World, which emphasizes the origin and evolution of Earth as a planet, and NATS 102 The Universe and Humanity: Origin & Destiny, which provides a broad cosmic perspective on the origin and evolution of the Universe, the Solar System, Earth, and life. (Both are Tier I Natural Science courses.) PtyS 206 the Golden Age of Planetary Exploration is a Tier II Natural Science course which emphasizes the part of the universe that is within reach of direct human experience and exploration, and focuses on a modern understanding of the Solar System. PtyS 214 Astrobiology a Planetary Perspective is also a Tier II Natural Science course.

If you feel lost in your first year at a big, impersonal institution, consider any of our first year colloquia (PTYS 195a). These classes are deliberately kept small (20 students maximum) to give students opportunities to meet classmates and senior faculty in informal settings.

If you are interested in adding a planetary perspective to your major field of study, consider our Undergraduate Minor in Planetary Science.This program requires PTYS 403, 407, 411, and three additional upper division units in Planetary Science. The remaining units required by University guidelines are chosen by the student and major advisor subject to final approval by the PTYS Curriculum Committee.

If you are interested in a science teaching career, consider PTYS 449. This course is designed for pre-service teachers provide interdisciplinary exposure to topics and techniques ranging from astrophysics to medicine.

Other questions? Contact Mary Guerrieri in the Planetary Sciences Academic Office (621-2828, mary@lpl.arizona.edu).