Planetary Sciences Department
The scientific study of planets, moons, and planetary systems (in particular those of the Solar System) and the processes that form them. It includes geology, hydrology, meteorology, climatology, ecology and oceanography, among others.
- PSD101: Concepts
- Introduction to the study of planetary systems, the major elements contained within planetary systems, and the processes that form them. The course will include a brief survey of the various disciplines involved in this interdisciplinary field.
- PSD110: Introduction to Geology
- Introduction to the processes, materials and structures that shape M-Class planets. Emphasizes the dynamic nature of a planet's tectonic system and its relationship to physical features, volcanism, earthquakes, minerals and rocks and geologic structures.
- PSD130: Introduction to mineralogy and gemology
- Introduction to the nature of minerals: composition, structure, physical properties, and origins, with emphasis on gem minerals. Focuses on topics of particular interest in gemology, such as mechanisms of color, history and lore of gems, and uses of gems. Hands-on laboratories using approximately one hundred representative gems and minerals.
- PSD160: Introduction to Volcanology
- Survey of major volcanoes and volcanic eruptions throughout the Federation. Examines the mechanics of volcanoes and how they affect their respective environments. Course will include review of both historic and current methods of predicting volcanic eruptions.
- PSD210: Introduction to Climate Systems
- A survey of the climate systems of Earth, Vulcan, Andor and Tellar Prime. Course will include a study of each of the aforementioned planets' dynamic environment, global energy balance, interplay of chemical, physical, and biological processes shaping their respective surface and climate. Emphasis on quantitative methods for measuring, evaluating, and understanding contemporary changes relative to the last several thousand years.
- PSD220: Introduction to Seismology
- A study of planetary quakes, their cause and relationship to plate tectonics, with an emphasis on Terran planetary quakes. Study will include historic earthquakes of Earth and their effect on regional civilizations.
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