ASTR 337 - Extrasolar Planets

Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: GE-UDB
Introduction to extrasolar planet detections and characterization. Topics of study include extrasolar planet detection methods, planet geologic and atmospheric characterization, and a summary of biosignatures of Earth and other planetary systems. Formerly PHYS 337.

Strongly Recommended Preparation: Upper division status (greater than 60 earned semester units) and completion of lower division Areas B1-B3.
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Areas A1, A2, A3 and B4 with grade C- (CR) or better.
Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground or Online-Synchronous.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-UDB - Upper Division Science Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning
Course Typically Offered: Variable Intermittently

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Summarize how solar systems form and evolve;
Understand the instruments and methods used behind sensitive exoplanet detection;
Summarize the current population of known exoplanets;
Compare and contrast characteristics of our planet and our solar system to other planetary systems which have been observed;
Summarize the affects of solar system environments on planetary formation, geology and atmospheric evolution;
Read and interpret data to draw valid scientific conclusions about exoplanet composition, atmospheric conditions and biosignatures.

UD-B. Upper-division Science Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning Learning Outcomes

demonstrate advanced and/or focused science or quantitative content knowledge in a specific scientific field, using appropriate vocabulary and referencing appropriate concepts (such as models, uncertainties, hypotheses, theories, and technologies);
apply advanced quantitative skills (such as statistics, algebraic solutions, interpretation of graphical data) to scientific problems and evaluate scientific claims;
demonstrate understanding of the nature of science and scientific inquiry and the experimental and empirical methodologies used in science to investigate a scientific question or issue; and
apply science content knowledge to contemporary scientific issues (e.g., climate change) and technologies (e.g., genome editing), where appropriate.