Planetary Science

COURSE OBJECTIVE
Planetary science used to be predominantly the realm of astronomers. This has changed completely over the past decades:
thanks to an ever increasing number of space missions carrying ever more sophisticated geological and geochemical instrumentation, earth scientists are now at the forefront of many aspects of planetary science. This course provides an introduction to modern planetary
science from an earth science perspective.

COURSE CONTENT
You will be given an overview of current ideas about the formation and early dynamics of our solar system, about the geological evolution of the surfaces and interiors of key solar system bodies including the Moon and Mars, and about the search for life outside the Earth. Discussion of the main tools used in planetary science missions will also be included, and the course will include an excursion to the ESTEC research center of the European Space Agency (ESA) in Noordwijk. The course can also serve as a basis for further education and research in planetary science offered in the MSc Earth Sciences at the VU.

TEACHING METHODS
Lectures, limited number of homework exercises, development of a planetary mission, and short presentation about recent planetary science peer reviewed paper.

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Written exam (65 per cent) and presentation (35 per cent)

RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
Basic knowledge of, or a deep interest in, geology and geochemistry is advisory.

TARGET AUDIENCE
The course is open to all BSc students in Earth Sciences and all other natural sciences that have completed their first and second BSc years.