| Unit name | Formation and Evolution of the Terrestrial Planets |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EASCM1017 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1B (weeks 7 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Tim Elliott |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
The course will examine the processes that shape the gross composition and structure of the terrestrial planets. The course will concentrate on planetary formation from nebula accretion and initial differentiation but will cover major subsequent changes. The Earth will be used as a well-studied reference to understand both physical and chemical aspects of planetary-scale evolution. Additionally, differences between the Earth, Mars, Venus and Mercury will be investigated, with an emphasis the fundamental processes that control the properties of the terrestrial planets.
On successful completion of the unit students will be able to:
develop tests to resolve competing hypotheses for planetary evolution
Teaching will be through lectures. A session examining a collection of meteorites and lunar samples will be organised.
The unit will be assessed (100%) with a comprehension of a publication from the literature. The publication will be made available to the students the day before the exam to allow them to familiarise themselves with the text. The exam will pose questions based on the publication, exploring the students’ understanding of the specific and more general issues associated with the study. In particular the logic of various arguments will be explored and quantitative aspects of the interpretation examined.
