Planetary Exploration

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture) Does life exist beyond Earth? How did the solar system form? These are questions that drive the exploration of the solar system. This course provides a state-of-the-art look into planetary exploration. It is organized into four main components: (1) Are other bodies in the solar system habitable? (2) What do we currently know about the solar system, its planets, and moons? (3) How do we explore the solar system? (4) Do the "building blocks" of life exist beyond Earth? Students look at the latest scientific discoveries and missions that are exploring our solar system and the uniqueness of the Earth. Experimental Course - This course is offered on a trial basis to gauge interest in the topic. Students who successfully complete this course receive credit as indicated. Requisite Courses: GEOG-1205 or GEOG-1202 or PHYS-1101 or PHYS-1301 or permission of instructor [prerequisite(s)].