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Science and Nature

Exploring the Solar System

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

This lecture-based course covers areas in astronomy relating to the solar system and the bodies within it. Topics range from initial formation of the solar system, latest information on the planets and minor bodies such as moons, asteroids and comets; solar system exploration, ground-based observations and human/ robotic spaceflight; an introduction to astrobiology.

Please note, this course takes place at the Royal Observatory. Access to the Royal Observatory is available directly by car and a short walk from local bus routes.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

Some basic maths / physics knowledge would be helpful but not essential.

Content of Course

1. Introduction.

2. Solar system formation.

3. Astrobiology and the search for life.

4. Studying our solar system.

5. The planets and their atmospheres.

6. Moon menagerie.

7. Robotic exploration *and Human spaceflight: Past and Present*.

8. Impact!

9. Exoplanetary systems – is our solar system typical?

10. Group revision.

Teaching method(s)

One hour lectures with each lecture being interspersed with 3x10min problem solving / discussion.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • Describe how our solar system was formed and have a good understanding of the planets and other orbital bodies.

  • Appreciate the state-of-the-art technology which we use to study the solar system and what we might expect to uncover in the not-too-distant future.

  • Understand the current status of the search for extra-terrestrial life and its implications for the origin of life on Earth.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

  • Bond, P., 2012. Exploring the Solar System. UK: Wiley-Blackwell.

  • Rothery, D. A., McBride, N., Gilmour, I., 2011. 2nd edition. An Introduction to the Solar System. Cambridge University Press.

  • Lang, K.R., 2011. The Cambridge Guide to the Solar System. Cambridge University Press.

Web Sources

Many major observatories and telescopes have their own websites with useful information and astronomy-related links, e.g.:

NASA: http://www.nasa.gov

ESA: http://www.esa.int/ESA

ESO: http://www.eso.org/public

Class Handouts

Class handouts will be provided

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.