Planetary Science Minor
As a minor in planetary science, 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 minor is housed in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences.
sample courses:
In-depth look at suites of materials from the Moon, Mars, Vesta, and selected other achondrite meteorite groups. Mineralogy, geochemistry, petrography, and petrology of samples and their geologic settings. Relationships between samples and orbital mineralogical and geochemical data. Comparative planetology and origins.
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. The course includes lecture (three hours per week) and a lab component (two hours per week).
