Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - EASC 108 D100

Exploring the Solar System (3)

Class Number: 4340

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Mon, 3:30–4:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 3:30–4:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 11, 2023
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explore our celestial neighbourhood through a comparative study of the planets, moons and asteroids of our solar system. Students will use the latest information from interplanetary missions to study topics including the formation of the solar system, the origin and fate of the Earth, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

EASC 108 is an introduction to the geology and physics of our solar system through a comparative survey of the planets.  Emphasis is on how knowledge of the Earth can be used to learn more about the neighboring (terrestrial) planets. A wealth of accessible information now exists from which we can attempt to reconstruct the geological history of each planetary surface in our solar system. 

Course Topics:

  • Comparative planetology
  • Planetary surfaces (impact cratering, landslides, aeolian and fluvial processes, plate tectonics, etc.)
  • The formation and geological history of planetary lithospheres, hydrospheres, cryospheres and atmospheres.
  • Structure, origin and fate of the solar system (Oort and Kuiper objects, terrestrial versus Jovian planets, condensation sequence of the protostellar nebula, the central player – the sun)
  • Cratering morphology and mechanics
  • Planetary interiors (including magnetic field generation).

Grading

  • Quizzes (weekly) 10%
  • Midterm Exam #1 25%
  • Mid-term Exam #2 25%
  • Final Exam (comprehensive) 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

None

RECOMMENDED READING:

“Solar System – Between Fire and Ice”, T. Hockey, J.L. Bartlett, D.C. Boice, 2021; Taylor & Francis; eBook ISBN 9781003197553.

Online access: https://sfu-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/1u29dis/TN_cdi_proquest_ebookcentral_EBC6678208


ISBN: 9781003197553

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.