Exploring Planets and Exoplanets: An Introduction to Planetary Sciences



Overview

Exploring Planets and Exoplanets: an Introduction to Planetary Sciences is a conceptual and descriptive exploration of our solar system, and others around other stars. The latest ideas and findings will be introduced with a minimal amount of mathematical content in order to make these topics accessible to the interested layperson. 

The course will describe the basic layout and properties of solar system bodies such the sun, terrestrial planets, giant planets, moons, asteroids and comets. It will introduce the principles and processes that determine the nature and evolution of each of these bodies and hence of the solar system as a whole. This knowledge will be extended to other stellar systems and exoplanets. 

The course will also explore the history of relevant scientific discoveries and the exciting prospects for the future of planetary exploration, including the search for other habitable planets.

Programme details

Course starts: 12 Jan 2024

Week 0: Course Orientation

Week 1: Introduction to the Solar System 

Week 2: Observing the Sky and the Sun

Week 3: Earth as a Planet 

Week 4: Cratered Worlds: the Moon and Mercury

Week 5: Earth-like planets: Venus and Mars

Week 6: The Giant Planets

Week 7: Rings, Moons, and Dwarf Planets 

Week 8: Comets and Asteroids

Week 9: Meteors, Meteorites, and the Origin of the Solar System 

Week 10: Exoplanets and Life in the Universe 

Certification

Students who register for CATS points will receive a Record of CATS points on successful completion of their course assessment.

To earn credit (CATS points) you will need to register and pay an additional £10 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online.

Coursework is an integral part of all weekly classes and everyone enrolled will be expected to do coursework in order to benefit fully from the course. Only those who have registered for credit will be awarded CATS points for completing work at the required standard.

Students who do not register for CATS points during the enrolment process can either register for CATS points prior to the start of their course or retrospectively from the January 1st after the current full academic year has been completed. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £257.00
Take this course for CATS points £10.00

Tutor

Dr Suman Chowdhury

Dr Suman Chowdhury holds a doctorate in geophysics from the University of Oxford, and has broad expertise in ground and space based remote sensing methods. His field experience includes the geophysical  survey of the Chicxulub asteroid impact crater in Mexico.

Dr Chowdhury is a Fellow of both the Geological Society and the Royal Astronomical Society.

Course aims

To provide a conceptual and descriptive understanding of the physical objects and processes that determine the nature of our solar system, and of those around other stars.

Course objectives:

The primary objectives for this course are as follows:

  • To provide a basic knowledge of the layout and properties of solar system bodies such the sun, terrestrial planets, giant planets, moons, asteroids and comets.
  • To provide a basic knowledge of the principles and processes (particularly those involving matter, radiation and gravitation) that determine the nature and evolution of solar systems and their constituent bodies.
  • To provide a basic knowledge of the historical development of  planetary sciences as well as plans for the future of planetary exploration, including the search for habitable planets and extraterrestrial life.

Teaching methods

  • Presentations on Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • Practical demonstrations.
  • Use of video presentations.
  • Use of white board.
  • Class or group discussions/activities.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be expected to:

  • describe the basic layout and properties of solar system bodies such the sun, terrestrial planets, giant planets, moons, asteroids and comets;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the principles and processes (particularly those involving matter, radiation and gravitation) that determine the nature and evolution of solar systems and their constituent bodies;
  • demonstrate a basic knowledge of the historical development of planetary sciences as well as plans for the future of planetary exploration;
  • demonstrate an understanding of how we find exoplanets, and what properties could potentially make them habitable.

Assessment methods

All students taking the course are expected to complete the following coursework: five assignments comprised of short questions designed to reinforce the concepts presented in class OR short lab projects. The assessed work is marked pass or fail.

The total amount of work will be equivalent to a 1,500 word essay and may include diagrams and/or observing records in place of text. 

Students must submit a completed Declaration of Authorship form at the end of term when submitting your final piece of work. CATS points cannot be awarded without the aforementioned form - Declaration of Authorship form

Application

We will close for enrolments 7 days prior to the start date to allow us to complete the course set up. We will email you at that time (7 days before the course begins) with further information and joining instructions. As always, students will want to check spam and junk folders during this period to ensure that these emails are received.

To earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £10 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online.

Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form (Word) or enrolment form (Pdf).

Level and demands

The course will cover the basic material and references will be provided for further reading. Books and articles are expected to be available at local libraries, at the Dept for Continuing Education Library at Rewley House, or online. Students may also purchase books for self-study at their own discretion.

Most of the Department's weekly classes have 10 or 20 CATS points assigned to them. 10 CATS points at FHEQ Level 4 usually consist of ten 2-hour sessions. 20 CATS points at FHEQ Level 4 usually consist of twenty 2-hour sessions. It is expected that, for every 2 hours of tuition you are given, you will engage in eight hours of private study.

Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS)

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support