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Academic Year 2005/2006
The Planets
E&ES 151 SP
More than 100 planets are now known in the Universe, 9 of which circle the Sun. NASA missions and improved telescopes and techniques have greatly increased our knowledge of them and understanding of their structure and
evolution. In this course, we study the planets, beginning with the pivotal role that they played in the Copernican revolution, during which the true nature of the Earth as a planet was first recognized. We will study
the
geology of the Earth in some detail and apply this knowledge to our closest planetary neighbors-the Moon, Venus, and Mars. This is followed by a discussion of the giant planets and their moons and rings. We finish the
discussion
of the solar system with an examination of planetary building blocks-the meteorites, comets, and asteroids. Additional topics covered in the course include spacecraft exploration, extrasolar planetary systems, the
formation
of planets, life in the Universe, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
MAJOR READINGS
THE NEW SOLAR SYSTEM, edited by J.K. Beatty, et al.
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
There will be two examinations during the term and a final exam. There are also weekly assignments in the laboratory section of the course as well as homework. The class will be divided into lab sections which meet
weekly. Attendance at the labs is
mandatory. The labs will involve some hands-on projects involving mapping in geology and observational work in astronomy. Some night-time viewing sessions will be scheduled.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS
This course is primarily intended for non-science majors. Students considering a major in astronomy or E&ES should consider taking ASTR 155 or E&ES 101, rather than this course.
COURSE FORMAT:
Lecture/Discussion
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level:
UGRD
Credit:
1.25
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM E&ES
Grading Mode:
Graded
Prerequisites:
NONE
SECTION 01
- Instructor(s): Gilmore,Martha S. Herbst,William
- Times: .M.W.F. 11:00AM-11:50AM; .M..... 01:10PM-02:30PM; Location: SHAN107; VVOB10;
- Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 20)
- SR. major: 0 Jr. major: 0
- SR. non-major: 5 Jr. non-major: 5 SO: 5 FR: 5
Special Attributes:
- Curricular Renewal: Quantitative Reasoning, Focused Inquiry Course
SECTION 02
- Instructor(s): Gilmore,Martha S. Herbst,William
- Times: .M.W.F. 11:00AM-11:50AM; ..T.... 01:10PM-02:30PM; Location: SHAN107; VVOB10;
- Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 20)
- SR. major: 0 Jr. major: 0
- SR. non-major: 5 Jr. non-major: 5 SO: 5 FR: 5
Special Attributes:
- Curricular Renewal: Quantitative Reasoning, Focused Inquiry Course
SECTION 03
- Instructor(s): Herbst,William Gilmore,Martha S.
- Times: .M.W.F. 11:00AM-11:50AM; ...W... 01:10PM-02:30PM; Location: SHAN107; VVOB10;
- Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 20)
- SR. major: 0 Jr. major: 0
- SR. non-major: 5 Jr. non-major: 5 SO: 5 FR: 5
Special Attributes:
- Curricular Renewal: Quantitative Reasoning, Focused Inquiry Course
SECTION 04
- Instructor(s): Herbst,William Gilmore,Martha S.
- Times: .M.W.F. 11:00AM-11:50AM; ....R.. 01:10PM-02:30PM; Location: SHAN107; VVOB10;
- Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 20)
- SR. major: 0 Jr. major: 0
- SR. non-major: 5 Jr. non-major: 5 SO: 5 FR: 5
Special Attributes:
- Curricular Renewal: Quantitative Reasoning, Focused Inquiry Course
Links to Web Resources For This Course.
Last Updated on MAR-30-2006
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459