PHYA 125: Planetary Geology

Course Description

This is an introductory course covering various subjects related to geology of planets, moons, and other small bodies in our solar system. In this course, students will learn formation, evolution and present nature of these planetary bodies using a geologic and astrophysical approach. To understand other planetary bodies, or our solar system as a whole, it is essential to examine geological processes occurring in Earth, then generalize how such processes can be applied to other planets. Therefore, a brief overview on these processes will be given during the beginning stage of the course. The course will also cover smaller planetary bodies such as asteroids, comets and meteorites, which are very important in understanding geological process in our solar system.