Planetary Science Major
As a planetary science major, you will explore the formation, evolution, and dynamics of planets, moons and other celestial bodies in the solar system and beyond. In addition to learning the foundational science of our Universe, Planetary Science students develop practical skills in remote sensing, data analysis, and scientific modeling, which will prepare you for diverse careers. This major is housed in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences.
sample courses:
Overview of planetary science and astrobiology as practiced today, focusing on key scientific questions. Course is an entry point to the EEPS Planetary Science major, but also provides for those interested a deeper immersion than possible in EEPS 171A. Introduces major planetary science themes: surfaces, interiors, atmospheres, and magnetospheres, and their application to terrestrial planets, giant planets and their satellites, dwarf planets, and small bodies. Final portion of the course focuses on life, ocean worlds, and planetary habitability.
This course is designed for undergraduate majors and minors in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences to master fundamentals of mineralogy and their context within sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks, including an introduction to mineral resources and the role of minerals and mineral resources in current environmental issues. The course will provide fundamentals of mineralogy and crystallography, important mineral groups, and foundations of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock systems. It will provide an overview and lab demo of the modern analytical methods used in mineralogy.
