Overview
Planetary science is a multidisciplinary field that explores the formation, evolution, and current state of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies within our solar system and the applicability to other solar systems (e.g. exoplanets). Through the minor, students will 1) gain insights into how different scientific disciplines—such as geology, astronomy, and physics—intersect to study planets and other celestial bodies; 2) broaden their understanding of Earth's place in the universe, exploring the formation and evolution of planetary systems (and considering the potential for life beyond our planet); and 3) gain analytical skills by working with data from telescopes, spacecraft missions, and laboratory experiments to draw meaningful conclusions. The expertise gained through this minor can be applied to careers in research, government or space agencies, the aerospace industry, science communication, environment and consulting, and data science and technology.
Minor Requirements
The Minor in Planetary Science requires a minimum of 16 credits, including:
- The following 1000- and 2000-level courses/labs (7 credits):
| GEOL 1000 | How the Earth Works | 3 |
| PHYS 2320 | Introduction to Classical Physics II | 4 |
- Both of the following 3000-level courses (6 credits):
| ASTRO 3420 | Introduction to Solar System Astronomy | 3 |
| GEOL 3350X - Planetary Geology - Tentative | 3 | |
- At least one of the following 3000- and 4000-level courses (3 credits):
| ASTRO 3440L | Astronomy Laboratory | 3 |
| GEOL 3150 | Mineralogy and Earth Materials | 3 |
| GEOL 3560 | Global Tectonics | 3 |
| GEOL 4120 | Geobiology | 3 |
| GEOL 4130 | Applied and Environmental Geophysics | 3 |
| GEOL 4790 | Surficial Processes | 3 |
| MTEOR 3010 | General Meteorology | 4 |
| MTEOR 4040 | Global Change | 3 |
| MTEOR 4600X | Atmospheric Chemistry | 3 |
| PHYS 4510 | Computational Physics | 3 |
The Planetary Science Undergraduate Minor is an LAS Minor. In addition to University policies governing minors, LAS minors require at least 9 credits in courses numbered 2000 and above; and 6 of those credits in courses numbered 3000 and above, with a grade of C or higher.