| Course | Title & Description | Instructor |
|---|---|---|
| ASTR 455 |
Teaching College-Level Astronomy & Planetary Science (1)Students will discuss their current or recent experiences as a student. They will also learn how to create productive learning environments by reviewing research on the nature of teaching and learning; setting course goals and objectives; using interactive lectures, peer instruction, engaging demonstrations, collaborative groups, tutorials, and ranking tasks; and observing other instructors. Students will conduct a collaborative research project of their choosing related to astronomy and space science. The course will culminate with students presenting mock lectures using these techniques. Prerequisite(s): Student must be Astronomy or Planetary Science undergraduate or graduate major. Consent of instructor. Typical structure: 1 hour lecture. May be repeated: for credit 3 times (maximum 4 enrollments). ASTR is home department. May be convened with: ASTR/PTYS 555. Usually offered: Spring. | Wallace |
| ATMO 441B |
Dynamic Meteorology (3)Thermodynamics and its application to planetary atmospheres, hydrostatics, fundamental concepts and laws of dynamic meteorology. Prerequisite(s): ATMO 300A, ATMO 300B, PHYS 426 or consent of instructor. ATMO is home department. Usually offered: Spring. | Zeng |
| LASC 195A |
What are Research and Creative Expression: Water and Life on Mars (1)Students will access planetary mission data to study the present and past Mars environment in regard to the activity of water and related possibilities that living organisms are or were extant on that planet. The student research will involve interdisciplinary work in astrobiology, hydrology, and planetary geology. LASC195A: What are Research and Creative Expression: Water and Life on Mars (Baker) | Baker |
| PTYS 170A1 |
Planet Earth: Evolution of the Habitable World (3)This course develops a planetary perspective on the evolutionary processes that shaped Earth throughout history. We will examine why Earth is habitable, that is, why any kind of life can live on it, we will discuss the unique influences that biological processes and atmosphere/ocean systems have on each other, and we will review current notions of climate change, including evidence for the influence of human activities on it. This interdisciplinary treatment of Earth and its sister planets will encourage students to think about how science and engineering must be applied to today's challenges if humankind is to have a promising future on (and off) this planet. PTYS 170A1 is a Tier I Natural Science course in the University's general education curriculum. This course is co-convened (cross-listed) with ASTR 170A1. PTYS170A1: Planet Earth: Evolution of a Habitable World (001) Larson PTYS170A1: Planet Earth: Evolution of a Habitable World (002) Larson | Larson Larson |
| PTYS 170B1 |
The Universe and Humanity: Origin and Destiny (3)The Universe And Humanity: Origin And Destiny places Earth and humanity in a broad cosmic context. Topics range from the Big Bang cosmology to human consciousness with emphasis on the events and evolutionary processes that define the physical universe and our place in it. PTYS 170B1 is a Tier I Natural Science course in the University's general education curriculum. PTYS170B1: Universe and Humanity, Origin and Destiny (001) Zega PTYS170B1: Universe and Humanity, Origin and Destiny (002) Rogers | Zega Rogers |
| PTYS 195A |
First Year Colloquium (1)Freshmen and other first year students are encouraged to enroll in one-unit First Year Colloquia that allow for in-depth exploration of a science topic. Colloquia feature lively discussion and class participation. Topics vary by semester (e.g., "The Changing Sun and its Influence on Earth: Does the Sun's natural variability affect climate on Earth?" and "Why do we have a space program?"). For further information, contact the Department of Planetary Sciences. PTYS195A (001) Why do we have a space program? (Hubbard) PTYS 195A (002) Unmasking Europa: The search for life on Jupiter's ocean moon (Greenberg) | Hubbard Greenberg |
| PTYS 214 |
Astrobiology: A Planetary Perspective (3)We will explore questions about the origin, evolution, and future of life on Earth and the possibility of life arising independently elsewhere in the Universe. We will examine what it means for a planet to be habitable, both in terms of basic necessities for living organisms to function and environmental limits to their ability to survive. Finally, we will review different approaches for searching for life within the Solar System and beyond using direct and remote sensing techniques. PTYS 214 is a Tier II Natural Science course in the University general education curriculum. PTYS 214 is cross-listed with ASTR 214 and GEOS 214. PTYS 214: Astrobiology (001) Pascucci | Pascucci |
| PTYS 403 |
Physics of the Solar System (3)Survey of planetary physics, planetary motions, planetary interiors, geophysics, planetary atmospheres, asteroids, comets, origin of the solar system. Prerequisites: PHYS 142 or 251. PTYS 403 is a required course for the PTYS Minor. PTYS403: Physics of the Solar System (Jokipii) | Jokipii |
| PTYS 442 |
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. Equivalent to: ASTR 442, GEOS 442 (not cross-listed). May be convened with: PTYS 542. PTYS 442: Mars (McEwen) | McEwen |
