How did the Earth form? How do planets form? How can we search for life beyond Earth? This course is an introduction to planetary science that tries to answer these questions. We will explore the solar system and exoplanets. We will step back in time to examine the earliest solar system, going back to the origin of the elements themselves and the processes that build new solar systems, planetary surfaces and planetary interiors. We will examine how planets are explored and modelled using theory, experiments and field studies. We will study the essential ingredients for life on planets and strategies to search for life beyond Earth.
NOTE: Graduate students will attend joint classes with undergraduates, but will be assessed under a different scheme, which will require a greater level of conceptual understanding.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain, in scientific terms, the astronomical context of planet formation in our solar system and exoplanetary systems, and the evolution of planetary bodies.
- Recognise key visual aspects of planets and exoplanets through observations.
- Apply data and approaches used on Earth (e.g., experimental data and field analog sites) to other planetary bodies.
- Demonstrate laboratory skills through a range of modules requiring, for example, models of orbital dynamics, descriptions of rocks from the solar system, and crater counting methodology for Mars and Moon.
- Critically evaluate a planetary science topic
Other Information
A nominal trip fee of $50 will be levied via Science Shop .
Indicative Assessment
- Short Pre-Lab Online Quizzes (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research Essay and Presentation (30) [LO 1,2,5]
- Peer-review of Other Students' Research Essays & Presentations (10) [LO 1,5]
- Lab Book (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Final Exam (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Graduate students will be assessed at a higher level that will require greater conceptual insights and more advanced scientific understanding. (null) [LO null]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 2 hour tutorial plus 1 x 3 hour tutorial/lab per week
- A couple of excursions associated with the course. For example: 1) an evening field trip to the ANU Stromlo Observatory early in the semester; 2) a trip during a course time to the UNSW, Canberra Impact Dynamics Laboratory; 3) a weekend day-trip to the Deep Space Network facility at Tidbinbilla; and 4) a weekend day-trip to field sites in NSW that are analogs for environments on Mars.
- Approximately 45 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
McSween et al. (2019) Planetary Geoscience. Cambridge University Press. 334 pp.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4110 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5880 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6394 | 26 Jul 2021 | 02 Aug 2021 | 14 Sep 2021 | 29 Oct 2021 | In Person | View |