The Planetary Science Major

Planetary science encompasses study of the physical and chemical nature of planetary bodies, both in the Solar System and in extrasolar systems. The formation of planets, the forces that sculpted their orbits, the processes that shaped their interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres, and the development of life all fall under its rubric. Understanding these complex phenomena requires knowledge of astronomy & astrophysics, earth science, meteorology, atmospheric science, space science, plasma physics, chemistry, and biology. A Planetary Science `track' or focus within both the Astronomy Department and the Department of Earth and Planetary Science has been developed to study the remarkable interface among these separate disciplines. In EPS the student will receive more training in geology/geophysics/atmospheric sciences, while in astronomy, planetary science is studied via remote sensing (astronomy).

Planetary Science Track in Astronomy:

Despite its interdisciplinary nature, a firm grounding in mathematics and physics is strongly recommended for astrophysics majors interested in the planetary sciences. A solid foundation in math and physics provides basic tools for quantitatively analyzing the rich phenomenology exhibited by planetary systems. Thus, astrophysics majors having strong interests in the planetary sciences are encouraged to adopt the focused major curriculum.

Upper division electives of possible particular interest to such students include courses offered by the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) and the Department of Mathematics that cover physical processes and analytical techniques having application towards all planetary bodies. Such elective classes include:

Below is a sample curriculum for astrophysics majors interested in the planetary sciences that follows a similar philosophy to that for focused astrophysics majors. Note that the total number units below is 80; only 66 units are required for the astrophysics major, and 120 units are required for graduation.

Planetary Science Track in EPS:

Lower division required courses (Same as for atmospheric science):

• Math 1A-1B Calculus (4,4)
• Math 53 and 54 Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable
• Calculus (4,4)
• Physics 7A-7B-7C Physics for Scientists and Engineers (4,4,4)
• Chem 1A-1B General Chemistry (4,4)
• EPS 50 The Planet Earth (4)

Upper division required courses (20 units required):

• EPS 162: Planetary Astrophysics (4)
• EPS 102: History and evolution of planet Earth (4)
• EPS 150: Case studies in Earth systems (2)

An additional 14 units are required from the following courses:

• Mathematical tools for the physical sciences (Math 121A) (4)
• Physics of Earth and planetary interiors (EPS 122) (3)
• Geodynamics (EPS 108) (4)
• Geomorphology (EPS 117) (4)
• Atmospheric chemistry (EPS 180) (3)
• Atmospheric physics and dynamics (EPS 181) (3)
• Atmospheric chemistry and physics laboratory (EPS 182) (3)

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