ASTR 406
The Nature and Origins of Life (3)
Core course for Astrobiology minor. From a combination of astrophysical, biochemical, and geological circumstances, living systems developed on Earth. The origin of terrestrial life is still highly uncertain, but is fundamental to Astrobiology. This course will provide a basic understanding of what life is and associated biochemical/biophysical processes. It will present the most current scenarios of how and why life developed on Earth, and how it might evolve on other planets, in and outside our Solar system. Topics will include the structure and function of biomolecules, including enzymes, proteins, and nucleic acids, the role of membranes, physical and chemical conditions on young Earth, the RNA World, the Ribosomal Tree of Life, evolution of living systems as traced by the fossil record, and non-carbon based life. The course is designed for both advanced undergraduate and graduate students in the physical sciences who want to understand more of the biological/biochemical aspects of living systems and how they came to be. The course is intended to take the student's current perspective in physics, astronomy, chemistry, planetary sciences or geology, and broaden it with additional understanding from each of the other fields and from biology/biochemistry. Regular grades are awarded for this course. Prerequisites: Physical science background in physics, chemistry, astronomy, planetary science, or geology at the minimum senior undergrad level, or consent of instructor. Course may be co-convened with ASTR 506; graduate-level requirements include both a project, and a higher level of performance in homework. Separate review sessions will be available for graduate students.
Course Level Other: PTYS Minor ElectivePTYS/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.
Course Level: PTYS Minor ElectivePTYS 495B
Special Topics in Planetary Science (2-3)
Course will emphasize emerging and current topical research in Planetary Science; course will be offered as needed or required. Sample course topics might include an active spacecraft mission, an emerging research area, or new discoveries. Course may be co-convened with PTYS 595B. Graduate-level requirements may include an additional project for graduate credit and extra questions on exams, depending on the course/topic taught. Course may be repeated for credit 3x (or up to 9 units). Regular grades assigned (ABC).
Course Level: PTYS Minor ElectiveScientific Instrumentation for Spacecraft: Instrumentation for remote sensing and in situ measurements from the remote perspective of planetary probes, orbiting observatories, and landers have very specific requirements that affect their design and operation. In this course we will introduce several different technologies that are used to obtain spectroscopic, optical, and direct sampling measurements throughout the solar system. We will then discuss the limitation and trades associated with their use in the various environments encountered and platforms available in modern space exploration. Part 2 of a two-course series where a mission concept will be developed. 3 units. May be co-convened with PTYS 595B.
Observational Campaigns. Observational campaigns are often assembled around astronomical events of significance such as a favorable comet apparition or as ‘under-flight’ for mission events. Campaigns can take various forms that focus on a combination of cadence, continuous coverage, or coordinating multiple observational techniques, all with the aim of developing a more integrated understanding of the phenomenon being studied. In this course, students will participate in an existing campaign by becoming involved in the planning of observations, their execution, and the reduction of the data obtained. Interwoven with these activities the, students will be introduced to the scientific questions being studied with the campaign and how the various instrumental tools are combined to address them. Field-observations, primarily using the telescopes of the Steward Observatory, will be a required activity. 3 units. May be co-convened with PTYS 595B.
PTYS/ATMO 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. ATMO is home department.
Course Level Other: PTYS Graduate ElectivePTYS 568
Exoplanets: Discovery and Characterization (3)
This course will cover observational and theoretical ideas pertinent to planets orbiting other stars. Discovery and characterization techniques will be emphasized along with associated theory. In-class format will alternate from traditional lectures, guest lectures by local or visiting experts, and student-lead presentations.
Course Level Other: PTYS Graduate ElectivePTYS/ASTR 575
Planetary Astrobiology (3)
This course will explore the processes related to planet formation, the properties of planets and the planetary conditions required for the emergence of life. We will study the formation of our Solar System and exoplanetary systems, the distribution and properties of exoplanets, and the potential habitability of other planets/moons in our system or extrasolar systems. The course will also review science cases and possible future astrobiology studies, both in site and via remote sensing, of astrobiologically relevant environments. Toward the end of the semester a few guest lectures will highlight particularly exciting and timely topics. This course is identical to ASTR 575; may be co-convened with ASTR 475. ASTR is home department.
Course Level Other: PTYS Graduate ElectivePTYS 595B
Special Topics in Planetary Science (1-4)
Course will emphasize emerging and current topical research in Planetary Science; course will be offered as needed or required. Sample course topics might include an active spacecraft mission, an emerging research area, or new discoveries. Course may be co-convened with PTYS 495B. Graduate-level requirements may include an additional project for graduate credit and extra questions on exams, depending on the course/topic taught. Course may be repeated for credit 4x (or up to 12 units). Regular grades assigned (ABC).
PTYS 595B (001). Scientific Instrumentation for Spacecraft: Instrumentation for remote sensing and in situ measurements from the remote perspective of planetary probes, orbiting observatories, and landers have very specific requirements that affect their design and operation. In this course we will introduce several different technologies that are used to obtain spectroscopic, optical, and direct sampling measurements throughout the solar system. We will then discuss the limitation and trades associated with their use in the various environments encountered and platforms available in modern space exploration. Part 2 of a two-course series where a mission concept will be developed. 3 units.
PTYS 595B (002). Observational Campaigns. Observational campaigns are often assembled around astronomical events of significance such as a favorable comet apparition or as ‘under‐flight’ for mission events. Campaigns can take various forms that focus on a combination of cadence, continuous coverage, or coordinating multiple observational techniques, all with the aim of developing a more integrated understanding of the phenomenon being studied. In this course, students will participate in an existing campaign by becoming involved in the planning of observations, their execution, and the reduction of the data obtained. Interwoven with these activities the, students will be introduced to the scientific questions being studied with the campaign and how the various instrumental tools are combined to address them. Field‐observations, primarily using the telescopes of the Steward Observatory, will be a required activity.