Planetary Science
PostgraduateSWI-AST800152019
Course information for 2019 intake
Navigate the universe of planetary science. Get chemistry revolving around astronomy, geology and atmospheric science. Study an atmosphere and map the surface, interior and structure of planets. Probe the origin and evolution of the solar system.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- -
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Planetary Science
About this subject
Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:
- Distinguish that planetary science is an inter-disciplinary field involving astronomy, physics, chemistry and geology and describe inter-related concepts in a non-technical manner understandable to the general public
- Explain planetary orbits and discuss the nature of gravity in shaping our Solar System
- Discuss planetary atmospheres, surfaces and interiors and explain specifically what they can teach us about planet formation
- Explain and discuss the origins and evolution of our Solar System
- Use problem solving skills to explain and synthesise solutions to problems in planetary science
- Design and create a research project on an astronomy topic, assessing and critiquing current knowledge, using credible sources of astronomical information, data and research articles
- An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of planetary science
- Orbital dynamics: 2, 3 and N-body problems; perturbations and resonances; tides; dissipative forces
- Solar heating and radiative equilibrium
- Planetary atmospheres: thermal structure, composition, meteorology, photochemistry, escape
- Planetary surfaces: morphology, mineralogy, cratering
- Planetary interiors: modelling internal structure, terrestrials and giants
- Magnetospheres: dipole magnetic fields, plasma, planetary magnetospheres
- Debris: meteorites, asteroids, comets and planetary rings
- Planet formation and the origin of the Solar System
This subject will provide students with a detailed understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of planetary science - combining astronomy, geology, chemistry, and atmospheric science. It will investigate the origins and evolution of our Solar System, the terrestrial and giant planets, planetary atmospheres and surface phenomena.
- Computer Managed Tests (20%)
- Newsgroups (30%)
- Project (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
- SWI-AST80005-Exploring the Solar System
SWI-HET602 (Not currently available)
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
SWI-HET620 (Not currently available)
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.