GEOL 0870 The Planets

Subject: GEOL
Catalog Number: 0870
Number of Credits: 3

A survey of our solar system designed for students without technical or mathematical backgrounds. This course examines the historical development of knowledge of our place in the universe, the various bodies that make up the planetary system, including planets, satellites, asteroids and comets, how they were formed, and the factors that control the nature of their surfaces and atmospheres. Of special interest are the effects of these concepts on our understanding of our own home, the Earth. Extensive use will be made of results from manned and unmanned spacecraft. We use the most cutting edge results to show our curent understanding of the solar system, as well as looking at new and emerging field,s such as the discovery of exoplanets, and the potential of the existance of life elsewhere in our solar system. Offered every Fall Semester. Lecture 2 hours; recitation 1 hour.

Course prerequisites

None

  • Faculty