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| Space Studies (SpSt) |
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Bieri, Gaffey (Interim Chair), Hardersen, McLaughlin, Rygalov and Seelan
A minor in Space Studies is available to introduce students to the complexities of research, development, and operation of a wide array of space ventures. The multi-disciplinary nature of space activity immediately becomes evident, allowing the student to correlate the space experience with areas in a major field of study. Political, legal, and scientific aspects are dealt with extensively, and key technologies are introduced.
John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
MINOR IN SPACE STUDIES
Required 20 credits, including: |
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SpSt 200 |
Introduction to Space Studies |
(3)
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SpSt 491 |
Independent Study |
(2) |
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And 15 credits from: |
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SpSt
300 |
The Case for Space |
(3) |
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SpSt 405 |
Advanced Space Mission Design |
(3) |
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SpSt 410 |
Life Support Systems |
(3) |
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SpSt 420 |
Space Science & Exploration |
(3) |
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SpSt 425 |
Observational Astronomy |
(3) |
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SpSt 430 |
Earth System Science |
(3) |
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SpSt 435 |
Global Change |
(3) |
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SpSt 438 |
Volcanism: A Planetary Process I |
(3) |
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SpSt 440 |
Commercialization of Space |
(3) |
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SpSt 450 |
Soviet/Russian Space Program |
(3) |
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SpSt 451 |
History of the Space Age |
(3) |
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SpSt 460 |
Life in the Universe |
(3) |
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SpSt 470 |
Special Topics in Space Studies |
(3) |
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SpSt 480 |
Readings in Space Studies |
(3) |
Courses
200. Introduction to Space Studies. 3 credits. An introduction to a range of topics in space studies including: a brief view of the history of national and international activities, an examination of the fundamentals of space flight and human activity in space, a review of some current problems and issues in the space arena, and a projection of the future course of space activities in the coming decades. This course is a prerequisite for undergraduates for all 300 and 400 level Space Studies courses. F, S
300. The Case for Space. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SpSt 200. This is a multidisciplinary course that will examine the rationales for a wide variety of space exploration and development activities. Topics will include human space flight, space science missions, military and commercial space activities, space resource utilization, and the benefits and problems that society derives from these activities. The socio-economic, socio-political and multi-cultural impact of space activities—nationally and globally—will be discussed and debated with the goal of providing students with a broad perspective of the varying effects of space activities on modern society. F/2
405. Space Mission Design. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SpSt 200. A team design project to develop the requirements for a space mission. The specific mission will vary from time to time. Design teams will work on selected portions of the mission. Accompanying lectures will provide background material. On demand.
410. Life Support Systems. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SpSt 200. A review of the physiological effects of living in space including a discussion of current and near-term life support systems equipment for the provision of oxygen, water, food, and radiation protection. In addition, a review will be made of the issues associated with the development of fully closed ecological life-support systems that will be essential to the long-term development of space. F
420. Space Science and Exploration. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SpSt 200. Revolutionary advances that have occurred in astronomy, the earth sciences and planetary science as a result of our entry into space. This course surveys the manned and robotic space missions which have gathered data for this new view of the Universe. The course introduces current concepts in cosmological theory as well as an overview of planetary evolution, solar system dynamical processes and physical characteristics of the planets.
425. Observational Astronomy. 3 credits. Prerequisites: Phys 110. This course provides an introduction to observational astronomy and includes three segments: basic observing techniques and astronomical equipment (telescopes, CCDs); visualobserving and the characteristics of the night sky; astrometric and photometric observing, data reduction, and interpretations; and image processing and color imaging techniques. Students will learn to operate a remotely controllable Internet telescope and CCD camera. A broadband Internet connection is recommended. Night observing is required. Course fee. F
430. Earth System Science. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SpSt 200. This course begins with a review of the physical sciences of geology, meteorology and oceanography to examine the coupled interactions between the land, atmosphere and oceans. Particular emphasis is placed on remote sensing techniques for global monitoring of biogeochemical processes. The role of human activities on Earth processes and the consequences of global environmental changes are discussed. The growing use of space-based data sets and the implications of Earth Observing System technologies, including research goals and hardware requirements, are examined. On demand.
435. Global Change. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SpSt 200. Investigation of environmental changes, often occurring locally, which contribute to large scale global transformations. Some of these changes are natural, others are a consequence of human activity. Topics include comet impacts, population growth, volcanic eruptions, deforestation, biodiversity, water management, global warming, ozone and sustainable societies. On demand.
438. Volcanism: A Planetary Process I. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SpSt 200 or consent of instructor. Volcanism is a fundamental process in the evolution of planetary bodies. In this course undergraduate students are introduced to the fundamentals of planetary evolution and the role volcanism plays in this. Terrestrial volcanism in all its forms and its impacts on the Earth System are discussed. Physical models for various volcanic processes are introduced. Classic eruptions are used to illustrate the impact of volcanism. Using this knowledge as a base, we will explore silicate, cryo- and hydrocarbon volcanism in the solar system. A field trip will be arranged if sufficient interest is expressed by students. On demand.
450. International Space Programs. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SpSt 200. This course will introduce students to the major governmental space programs around the world. The history, activities and future directions of the Russian/Soviet, European/ESA, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and other space programs will be explored. International collaborations between the various programs will also be studied. On demand.
451. History of the Space Age. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SpSt 200 or Hist 102 or 104. This course introduces students to the history of human endeavors in space. These include the development of rocketry, the influence of amateur societies and science fiction, the military development of ballistic missiles, and human and robotic spaceflight. F/2
460. Life in the Universe. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SpSt 200. This course examines the evolution of the universe from its origin to the present: cosmological evolution, chemical evolution, planetary evolution, biological evolution, and cultural evolution. The possibility of life in the universe elsewhere than Earth is considered. Human changes to the Earth are placed within this context. On demand.
470. Special Topics in Space Studies. 1-3 credits. Prerequisite: SpSt 200. Lecture, discussion and readings on specific topics of current interest. May be repeated for credit if topic is different up to a total of 6 credits. On demand.
480. Readings in Space Studies. 1-3 credits. Prerequisites: SpSt 200 and consent of instructor. Directed student readings designed to develop advanced knowledge in a specific area. A written report is required. May be repeated for a total of six credits. F, S, SS
491. Independent Study. 2 credits. Prerequisite: SpSt 200, senior standing, 15 hours of Space Studies, and consent of instructor. An independent study project culminating in a paper on an approved topic in Space Studies. Requires regular meetings with the instructor. F,S,SS |
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