Thermodynamics and its application to planetary atmospheres, hydrostatics, fundamental concepts and laws of dynamic meteorology. Prerequisite(s): ATMO 300A, ATMO 300B, PHYS 426 or consent of instructor. ATMO is home department. Usually offered: Spring.
Spring 2017 Undergraduate Courses
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Special Topics in Planetary Science (2-3)
Course will emphasize emerging and current topical research in Planetary Science; course will be offered as needed or required. Sample course topics might include an active spacecraft mission, an emerging research area, or new discoveries. Course may be co-convened with PTYS 595B. Graduate-level requirements may include an additional project for graduate credit and extra questions on exams, depending on the course/topic taught. Course may be repeated for credit 3x (or up to 9 units). Regular grades assigned (ABC).
Course Level: PTYS Minor Elective
(001) Dante Lauretta | http://d2l.arizona.edu
Scientific Instrumentation for Spacecraft: Instrumentation for remote sensing and in situ measurements from the remote perspective of planetary probes, orbiting observatories, and landers have very specific requirements that affect their design and operation. In this course we will introduce several different technologies that are used to obtain spectroscopic, optical, and direct sampling measurements throughout the solar system. We will then discuss the limitation and trades associated with their use in the various environments encountered and platforms available in modern space exploration. Part 2 of a two-course series where a mission concept will be developed. 3 units. May be co-convened with PTYS 595B.
(002) Walter Harris | http://d2l.arizona.edu
Observational Campaigns. Observational campaigns are often assembled around astronomical events of significance such as a favorable comet apparition or as ‘under-flight’ for mission events. Campaigns can take various forms that focus on a combination of cadence, continuous coverage, or coordinating multiple observational techniques, all with the aim of developing a more integrated understanding of the phenomenon being studied. In this course, students will participate in an existing campaign by becoming involved in the planning of observations, their execution, and the reduction of the data obtained. Interwoven with these activities the, students will be introduced to the scientific questions being studied with the campaign and how the various instrumental tools are combined to address them. Field-observations, primarily using the telescopes of the Steward Observatory, will be a required activity. 3 units. May be co-convened with PTYS 595B.