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Research School of Earth Sciences · ANU College of Science and Medicine
How did the Earth form? How do planets form? How can we search for life beyond Earth? This course is an introduction to planetary science that tries to answer these questions. We will explore the solar system and exoplanets. We will step back in time to examine the earliest solar system, going back to the origin of the elements themselves and the processes that build new solar systems, planetary surfaces and planetary interiors. We will examine how planets are explored and modelled using theory, experiments and field studies. We will study the essential ingredients for life on planets and strategies to search for life beyond Earth. NOTE: Graduate students will attend joint classes with undergraduates, but will be assessed under a different scheme, which will require a greater level of conceptual understanding.
Quizzes
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Group Research Poster and Presentation
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Individual Research Poster Peer-review and Abstract
Learning outcomes 1, 5, 6
Field Trip Assessments
Learning outcomes 2, 3, 5
Graduate students will be assessed at a higher level that will require greater conceptual insights and more advanced scientific understanding. (null) [LO null]
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 2 hour tutorial plus 1 x 3 hour tutorial/lab per week - A couple of excursions associated with the course. For example: 1) an evening field trip to the ANU Stromlo Observatory early in the semester; 2) a trip during a course time to the UNSW, Canberra Impact Dynamics Laboratory; 3) a weekend day-trip to the Deep Space Network facility at Tidbinbilla; and 4) a weekend day-trip to field sites in NSW that are analogs for environments on Mars. - Approximately 45 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks. Other Information A nominal trip fee of $50 will be levied via Science Shop .
McSween et al. (2019) Planetary Geoscience. Cambridge University Press. 334 pp.