Course Description
The literature, research procedures, and instrumental techniques applicable to planetary geology and exploration.
Athena Title
Intro Rsch Planetary Geology
Non-Traditional Format
This is a directed study course and credit hours will involve undergraduate research.
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This class is designed to accommodate undergraduate students who wish to learn more about the techniques, approaches, and/or analysis of Planetary Geology and Planetary Exploration. Course content will vary depending on the needs and interests of the students, and on their background. In general, the class will involve some combination of one of the following: (1) Guided reading in the fields of Planetary Geology and Planetary Exploration. In this case, the professor and/or student decide what readings would be valuable to the student, and both then read the materials and discuss them. (2) Guided training in the field and/or laboratory skills in planetary image analysis, morphological measurements of planetary landforms, and collection and analysis of planetary geological data. In this case, the professor and student determine which skills will be useful to learn more about, and the professor then oversees and guides the student in learning these skills. Content of class meetings will vary and student grades will be based on performance and motivation.
Topical Outline
There is no specific outline for this course. The content will be based on the interest of the student and the input from the professor to maximize the student's intellectual curiosity. The topic will at large be a research project in planetary geology using spacecraft data from NASA missions.