GEOSC 50 - Planetary Geology
This is a sample syllabus.
This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Overview
Planetary Geology will introduce students to the rocky planets and moons of the solar system. Students will learn the geological processes that are important in the shaping of planetary surfaces and interiors, as well as their ancient or current potential habitability. Throughout the course, students will learn about the various geologic processes that are relevant for each planet and moon, including volcanism, impact cratering, sediment transport, differentiation, and plate tectonics, among others. Students will understand the geologic history of planets using the best available data but will also learn about the evolution of our knowledge through successive planetary missions to collect more data. The course will couple scientific material and real data with historical perspectives surrounding space and planetary exploration missions.
Objectives
Students who excel in this course are able to:
- Identify and describe the planets and moons in the solar system.
- Understand the geological processes that have defined the surfaces of each rocky body in the solar system, such as volcanism, impact cratering, sediment transport, differentiation, and plate tectonics, among others. Understand how these process across the solar system compare/contrast with Earth.
- Understand the historical context or early space missions, how we collect data with space missions, and the importance of geologic exploration of the solar system.
- Analyze the habitability of the planets and moons in the ancient, modern, and future.
- Perform calculations and interpret data regarding the geologic history of planets and moons.
Required Materials
The materials listed here represent those that may be included in this course. Students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
This course does not have a textbook as all course materials are provided to you via Canvas. However, you will be required to purchase two pieces of software that connect to Canvas.
Yellowdig - An alternate to traditional discussion forums, Yellowdig offers a more robust and engaging way of sharing thoughts and ideas about the course materials. Discussions in Yellowdig are topic-based rather than a single question, providing more organic and authentic conversations. There is a minimal cost.
Kritik - A peer evaluation tool that will be used for several of your assignments this semester. This software uses Artificial Intelligence to assign you to peer groups to create balanced teams for each review process. There is a minimum cost for Kritik.
Prerequisites
None
Expectations
We have worked hard to make this the most effective and convenient educational experience possible. How much and how well you learn is dependent on your attitude, diligence, and willingness to ask for clarifications or help when you need them. We are here to help you succeed. Please keep up with the class schedule and take advantage of opportunities to communicate with us and with your fellow students. You can expect to spend an average of 8 – 12 hours per week on class work.
Major Assignments
Students earn grades that reflect the extent to which they achieve the learning objectives listed above. Opportunities to demonstrate learning include the following, and grades will be based on points assigned to each of several components of the course as follows:
Yellowdig Discussions: 30% of the total course grade
Unessays (3 per semester): 40% of the total course grade
Hands-on experience assignments: 30% of the total course grade
Course Schedule
Week | Topic | Assignment |
---|---|---|
1 | Lesson 1: Before we set out... | All sub-Lessons completed, Hands-on experience turned in, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
2 | Lesson 2: Exploration of the Moon | All sub-Lessons completed, Hands-on experience turned in, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
3 | Lesson 3: Geology of the Moon | All sub-Lessons completed, Hands-on experience turned in, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
4 | Lesson 4: Exploration of Mercury and Venus | All sub-Lessons completed, Hands-on experience turned in, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
5 | Lesson 5: Geology of Mercury and Venus | All sub-Lessons completed, Hands-on experience turned in, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
6 | Un-essay 1 | Work on your un-essay about something from Weeks 1-5, submit your un-essay on Kritik, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
7 | Lesson 6: Exploration of Mars | Complete your peer-grading responsibilities on Kritik, All sub-Lessons completed, Hands-on experience turned in, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
8 | Lesson 7: Modern Mars | All sub-Lessons completed, Hands-on experience turned in, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
9 | Lesson 8: Windows into Deep Mars History | All sub-Lessons completed, Hands-on experience turned in, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
10 | Un-essay 2 | Work on your un-essay about something from Weeks 7-9, submit your un-essay on Kritik, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
11 | Lesson 9: Exploration of the Outer Solar System | Complete your peer-grading responsibilities on Kritik, All sub-Lessons completed, Hands-on experience turned in, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
12 | Lesson 10: Geology of the Outer Solar System | All sub-Lessons completed, Hands-on experience turned in, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
13 | Lesson 11: Exploration and Geology of the Belts | All sub-Lessons completed, Hands-on experience turned in, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
14 | Lesson 12: Exploration and Geology of Exoplanets | All sub-Lessons completed, Hands-on experience turned in, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
15 | Un-essay 3 | Work on your un-essay about something from Weeks 11-14, submit your un-essay on Kritik, 1,000 Yellowdig points |
Finals Week | Complete your peer-grading responsibilities on Kritik | Complete your peer-grading responsibilities on Kritik, and you're done! |