ASTR 102 - Planetary Geology: Exploring Our Solar System

5 Credits

Explore our own Solar System! We will look at all of the planets and their moons using information from sampling, remote sensing, spacecraft and rovers. Includes recent discoveries on Mars and the outer planets. We will compare these bodies based on their volcanism, tectonics, surface processes, thermal evolution, and potential to harbor life.

Fees

Quarters Typically Offered
Summer
Fall Day
Winter Day
Spring Day

Designed to Serve Student looking for a science course to meet the Natural Science Distribution requirements
Active Date 20250522T11:53:36

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 28
Shared Learning Environment Yes
Contact Hours: Lecture 55
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
AA

Science
Natural Science

ProfTech Related Instruction

BAS

Course Outline

Introduction and basic concepts
- Scientific Method
- General orientation to the Solar System
Ways of knowing about the Solar system
- Telescopic observations
- Spacecraft
- Landers
- Remote sensing
- Theoretical constraints
The Inner Planets (Including the Earth-Moon system)
The Outer Planets
Moons
Other bodies in the solar system
Comparison of solar system bodies
- Planetary structure
- Tectonics
- Volcanism
- Atmospheres
- Exobiology
Exoplanets

Student Learning Outcomes
Apply the scientific method and use appropriate detail and terminology in activities and assignments.

Accurately describe the bodies of our solar system including their origin, internal structure, and atmosphere.

Compare and contrast the many bodies of the solar system including the presence and style of volcanism, plate tectonics, and potential to host living organisms.

Evaluate current and future exoplanet exploration by analyzing epistemological methods of planetary exploration including the benefits and limitations of the various methods.

Use quantitative skills in exploring planetary geology and systems.

Demonstrate use of appropriate temporal and spatial scales to the solar system and its constituent bodies.

Use verbal and writing skills to synthesize and clearly present their research on a selected body of the solar system to a targeted audience using appropriate terms and vocabulary.