Combine your interest in planetary exploration, the solar system and earth sciences with physics, the most fundamental of sciences. Study the basics of rocket propulsion and spacecraft design that enable us to guide satellites and robotic vehicles to explore the atmospheres and surfaces of distant planets, moons and asteroids.
In this interdisciplinary field of study, you 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 discover why it is that Earth can support life while its neighbours Mars and Venus are barren.
Minor
Planetary physics can be used to fulfill minor requirements in:
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Program of study 2017/18
18 senior-level credits are required to complete a minor in planetary physics. You are responsible for ensuring you have the prerequisites for the required courses.
EASC 206 - Geology of the Solar System
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
| This course demonstrates how information gleaned from both manned and robotic space missions, as well as astromaterials available for direct study, are used to gain an understanding of the geology of our Solar System. Geological processes that were, and continue to be, active in the Solar System are examined with a special emphasis on impact cratering. The similarities and differences in the geology of planets, how these relate to the origin and evolution of the Solar System, and their implications for the search for life are also investigated. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in one of EASC 100, EASC 101 or in ASTR 120. |
|
PHYS 226 - Optics and Sound Waves
| Hours:45:18:0 |
Credits:3 |
| Students learn the basic principles of wave mechanics. Topics include simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves, sound waves, geometrical and physical optics. Students are introduced to applications such as microscopes, telescopes, Doppler radar, spectrometers, holograms, seismic waves and molecular vibrations. Advanced topics including matter waves and quantum properties of light is discussed. In the laboratory component of the course, students investigate the physical principles of mechanical waves, sound and light. |
| Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in PHYS 109, PHYS 126, or PHYS 146, and in MATH 114. |
|
PHYS 242 - Physics of Planetary Exploration
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
| Students study the physical principles that govern the design of interplanetary missions within the Solar System. Topics include Newton’s Universal Law of Gravity, Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion, orbital elements, and the planning of transfer orbits between planets. Further topics include past, present, and future space missions and the operating principles of spacecraft instrumentation and sensors. |
| Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in one of PHYS 109, PHYS 126, or PHYS 146, and in MATH 114. |
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PHYS 252 - Physics of the Earth
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
| In this course students apply basic mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and thermodynamic principles to planetary processes, with a focus on the Earth, leading to an understanding of the basic physical principles guiding the studies of geophysics, geomagnetism, atmospheric physics and oceanography. |
| Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in PHYS 109, PHYS 126, or PHYS 146, and in EASC 101, and in MATH 114. |
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EASC 334 - Planetary Surface Imaging
| Hours:45:36:0 |
Credits:3 |
| Satellite imagery is being used more and more frequently to assess everything from oil spills to fire hazards, from mining potential to archaeology, from water on Mars to methane lakes on Titan. In this course, students learn to interpret images from several different satellite and airborne instruments for applications in geology, environmental studies, urban planning, mining, archaeology, forestry, and planetary science. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in EASC 221, EASC 225, or ANTH 206. |
|
PHYS 324 - Origins of Planetary Systems
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
| This course focuses on how the Earth and the other planetary bodies in our solar system were formed, and makes comparisons between the planets in our solar system and those planets found around other stars in the Milky Way galaxy. During this course, two compelling questions will be addressed: "How common are Earth-like planets and are other planetary systems similar to ours and, if not, why not?" |
| Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in PHYS 224 or in PHYS 244 or a minimum grade of C- in both EASC 206 and either MATH 113 or MATH 114. |
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You must complete a minimum of six credits at the 300- or 400-level. EASC 398, EASC 495, EASC 498, PHYS 398, or PHYS 498 can be used to fulfill this requirement if the topic is relevant to planetary physics.
EASC 398 - Independent Study
| Hours:0:0:72 |
Credits:3 |
| This course permits an intermediate-level student to work with a faculty member to explore a specific topic in depth through research or through directed reading in primary and secondary sources. The student plans, executes and reports the results of their research or study project under the direction of a faculty supervisor. To be granted enrollment in the course, the student must have made prior arrangements with a faculty member willing to supervise his or her project. This course can be taken twice for credit. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
|
EASC 495 - Special Topics
| Hours:0:0:45 |
Credits:3 |
| This course involves reading, discussing and critically evaluating current research on specialized topics in Earth and Planetary Science. Topics covered vary with the interests of students and faculty. Students should consult with faculty members in the Earth and Planetary Science area for details regarding current offerings. Note: this course is intended for students in the final year of their degree. This course may be taken twice for credit. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of B- in a 300-level Earth and Planetary Science course and permission of the department. |
|
EASC 498 - Advanced Independent Study
| Hours:0:0:72 |
Credits:3 |
| This course permits a senior-level student to work with a faculty member to explore a specific topic in depth through research or through directed reading in primary and secondary sources. The student plans, executes and reports the results of their research or study project under the direction of a faculty supervisor. To be granted enrollment in the course, the student must have made prior arrangements with a faculty member willing to supervise his or her project. This course can be taken twice for credit. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
|
PHYS 398 - Independent Study
| Hours:0:0:72 |
Credits:3 |
| This course permits an intermediate-level student to work with a faculty member to explore a specific topic in depth through research or through directed reading in primary and secondary sources. The student plans, executes and reports the results of their research or study project under the direction of a faculty supervisor. To be granted enrollment in the course, the student must have made prior arrangements with a faculty member willing to supervise his or her project. This course can be taken twice for credit. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
|
PHYS 495 - Special Topics in Physics and Astrophysics
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
In this course, students examine one or two topics of specialization in physics and/or astrophysics in-depth. Topics can vary with the interests of students and the instructor. Consultation with the department is required prior to registration.
Prerequisites: Consent of the department. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
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Program planning
Minor in planetary physics
Planning sheets help you keep track of the courses you must take to fulfill the breadth, major(s), minor(s), and option requirements of your degree. Check for additional degree planning materials on your program website.
Contact us
Department of Physical Sciences
5-132, City Centre Campus
10700 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Office hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 4:30 p.m.
