Planetary Geology

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic physics, basic geology; basic English.

Teaching Methods

Classroom teaching with the following components: - Theoretical: introduction of concepts in multimedia presentations. - Practical: application of concepts to concrete problems, including group design of a planetary exploration project, through all its phases, where each student will be responsible for a mission segment.

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to:

- Extend to other bodies previously acquired knowledge on the Earth; - Provide geology undergraduates with basic training on planetary exploration mission planning and execution.

Skills to develop:

- Instrumental: competence in analysis and synthesis, skills to solve problems, competence in oral and written communication, computer knowledge concerning the scope of the study, namely on planetary database search. - Personal: competence in critical thinking and competence in working in interdisciplinary teams, namely space mission teams. - Systemic: competence in applying theoretical knowledge in practice, competence in planning and managing, concern for quality, competence in autonomous learning.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Formation of the Universe.

2. Formation of the Solar System.

3. The Sun.

4. Inner Solar System bodies.

5. Outer Solar System bodies.

6. Comets, Kuiper belt, and Oort cloud.

7. Extrasolar planets.

8. Planetary databases.

9. The space mission: segments, planning, and execution.

10. Specificities of planetary missions.

11. Geologists' role in planetary missions.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Project: 50.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

Alves, E. I. (2010) - Pequeno Atlas do Sistema Solar. Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra.

Doody, D.,& Stephan, G. (1995). Basic of Space Flight: Learners´Workbook. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (US).