Course Outline
THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO
PLANETARY SCIENCE PROGRAM
Planetary Science 3380B (Introduction to Planetary Science)
January to April 2011
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course serves as an introduction to contemporary planetary studies. This is an interdisciplinary subject, and the course serves students from both Physics/Astronomy and Earth Science backgrounds. Every effort will be made to ensure that the different backgrounds can be accomodated. The emphasis in this course is on planetary geology. Planetary interiors, atmospheres and magnetospheres are briefly mentioned, but they are more properly dealt with in other courses. Students are expected to attend all classes and labs, and to be suitably prepared for labs and the exam. Preparation for labs should include having read all instructions for it before class.

Accessibility Statement:
Please contact the course instructor if you require material in an alternate format or if you require any other arrangements to make this course more accessible to you. You may also wish to contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) at 661-2111 x 82147 for any specific question regarding an accommodation.

The course will briefly summarize topics from planetary astronomy including observational methods and the origin and structure of the solar system. It will briefly summarize basic geological concepts of stratigraphy, structure and chronology. It will review the history and current status of solar system exploration. Beyond these summaries it will address the basics of planetary science including planetary formation, the role of impacts, volcanism and tectonics in shaping planetary crusts. The geology of several worlds will be considered in detail, especially the Moon, Mars and several icy satellites. Results from current missions will be used in discussions. Laboratory work will include access to raw data in online archives and using crater counting methods to estimate relative and absolute ages of planetary surfaces.

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Philip J. Stooke, room 2425 SSC
Phone: 519-661-2111 ext. 85022
e-mail: pjstooke@uwo.ca
website: publish.uwo.ca/~pjstooke

Return to Planetary Science Program

INSTRUCTOR OFFICE HOURS: Monday, 9.30-12.30... but you can see me any other time... come to my office, or phone or e-mail to set up a meeting.

Problems or questions? Refer to Registrar Services.
Other student assistance: Student Development Services.

CLASSES (held in P&A room 137):
Tuesdays 6:00 to 10:00 PM (18:00 to 22:00)

READINGS:

The textbook for this course is 'The New Solar System', by J. K. Beatty, C. C. Petersen and A. Chaikin, ISBN: 0521645875, 1999.

EVALUATION:

The final mark is the sum of marks for three things. The first is the sum of five lab exercises. The second is a class presentation. The third is a final exam. The details are given below.

Lab assignments: 60 %
Final examination: 30 %
Presentation: 10 %

The final exam will be held on a date determined by the Registrar. Examination questions will require written answers (one or two pages), perhaps including sketches, or some calculation and graphing.

LAB ASSIGNMENTS:

Typically, a problem will be introduced during lab time, and students will complete the work during the following one or two weeks to hand in at a future specified class. Lab time will also be used in seminar format to discuss current events or results in planetary science and for student presentations. Each student will make one presentation (about 20 minutes) on a topic to be determined. All assignments must be completed, and if work is late a penalty may be applied. If assignment due dates or the presentation are missed, whether due to illness or any other factor, they must be made up during the remainder of the term on a schedule agreed by the student and instructor. Students are directed to the Policy on Accommodation for Medical illness (from THIS website) for additional information.

PREREQUISITES: It is the student's responsibility to check prerequisites. Students without the necessary prerequisites for this course must request special permission from the instructor to take the course, and this will usually be granted to non-Geography students.

Regulation:
"Unless you have either the requisites for this course or written special permission from your Dean to enroll in it, you may be removed from this course and it will be deleted from your record. This decision may not be appealed. You will receive no adjustment to your fees in the event that you are dropped from a course for failing to have the necessary prerequisites.”

PLAGIARISM:

Scholastic offences are taken seriously and students are directed to read the appropriate policy, specifically, the definition of what constitutes a Scholastic Offence, at the following Web site: http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/handbook/appeals/scholoff.pdf. All work you hand in must be your own. Any offence will trigger the procedure outlined in the document.