Planetary Physics Minor
Planetary Physics is an interdisciplinary field of study, where students apply simple physical laws to understand how planetary systems are formed and evolve, investigate the technologies we use to explore our own and distant solar systems, and work with professors doing out-of-this-world research into meteorites, Mars and more. Students will learn how the ways that geologic systems behave on Earth provide insights into how they behave on other planets.
The Planetary Physics Minor is available only to students in the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science programs and requires 18 senior-level credits, with a minimum of 6 credits at the 300- or 400-level.
EASC 398, EASC 495, EASC 498, PHYS 398, PHYS 495, or PHYS 498 can be used to fulfill this requirement if the topic is relevant to planetary physics.
MATH 114 or MATH 115 is a prerequisite for most 300-level and higher PHYS courses. Students considering future enrollment in 300-level or higher PHYS courses are strongly encouraged to take MATH 114.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Minor Requirements | ||
| EASC 206 | Geology of the Solar System | 3 |
| PHYS 226 | Optics and Sound Waves | 3 |
| PHYS 242 | Physics of Planetary Exploration | 3 |
| PHYS 252 | Physics of the Earth | 3 |
| Choose 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| EASC 334 | Remote Sensing | |
| EASC 406 | Planetary Materials | |
| PHYS 320 | Origin of the Elements | |
| PHYS 324 | Origins of Planetary Systems | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |