| Course Title: Topics in Planetary Science: 'Ocean Worlds' |
| Start Date: 09/03/2025 End Date: 12/16/2025 |
| Term: Fall Semester 2025 |
| Description: This course will survey the science and exploration of Europa, Titan, and other ocean worlds in the Solar System whose potential to harbor extraterrestrial life has kickstarted the field of astrobiology in recent decades. We will apply the principles of planetary science to better understand how tectonics, cryovolcanism, fluid flows, and atmospheres interact to produce the chemical and physical environments necessary for life as we know it. The course will build critical reading and oral presentation skills and will feature guest lectures and discussions with scientists currently participating in ocean worlds missions such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly. |
| Distribution(s): II - Math & Sciences , SI - Speaking-Intensive , TP - Topics Course |
| Academic Level Of Course: Undergraduate | Credits:4.00 |
| Faculty | Phone | Email address |
| Ben Boatwright | bboatwright@mtholyoke.edu |
| Meeting Dates | Method | Meeting days | Meeting times | Building name | Room | Frequency |
| 09/03/2025 - 12/16/2025 | Seminar | Tuesday | 01:30PM - 04:20PM | CLAP - Clapp Laboratory | 327 | Weekly |
| Requisite Courses | ||
| Prereq: ASTR-223 or comparable preparation in geology and/or planetary science. | Take previously | Required |
| Comments |
| Additional Comments |
| Course Tags | ||
| GEOL0001 | GEOL-1: Geology major and minor | This course counts toward the Geology major and minor. |
| Cross-listed Sections |
| None |
| Course Availability | ||||
| Section status: Open | Capacity: 22 | Enrollment: 18 | Available: 4 | Waitlist: 0 |
BOOK INFORMATION
| Book List | Required | Publisher Full Price |
| To be determined. |
| Additional Book Comments |
| This is NOT the complete book list for this class. |