FYS: How to Model a Planet

3 Credits.

In this First-Year Seminar, we will investigate planetary sciences and the principles of understanding how planets work using scientific models. The focus will be on planetary oceans, atmospheres, and climates. For example: Why do the Earth and the Moon have vastly different surface temperatures? Why do Earth, Venus, and Mars have vastly different atmospheres? What are extra-terrestrial oceans like? What is known about the atmospheres and climates of planets in other solar systems? Why do we think that Earth’s climate was so different billions of years ago? How can we talk about global warming decades in the future when we can’t predict the weather in two weeks? Together we will learn how Earth & Planetary Scientists apply the scientific method to build and apply conceptual models of planetary oceans, atmospheres, and climates. Students in the class will explore hands-on computer model case studies to investigate how physical, chemical, and biological processes shape planetary environments in our Solar system and beyond.