Macalester College Geology Department

Instructor: Karl Wirth
Level: Introductory
Offered: Every Spring

We live in an exciting era of solar system exploration. Recent missions such as Clementine, Galileo, Magellan, Venera, Viking, Voyager and Mars Global Surveyor have provided a wealth of new scientific data. Studies of meteorites collected from Antarctica suggest that ancient life may have existed on Mars and several missions are in progress or are planned in the next few years to test this hypothesis. This course is an introduction to the composition and character of the planets, the evolution of the solar system, and the methods used in studying the solar system. Readings and discussions will include processes of planetary formation; the geology of the Earth, Moon, Sun, and other planets; planetary interiors and atmospheres; remote sensing instruments and techniques; asteroids, meteorites, comets, and the role of impacts; the uniqueness of the Earth as a habitable planet; and extraterrestrial life. Course activities will involve extensive use of web resources, computer software, maps and digital satellite data, and solar system materials (Mars, asteroids, and the Earth). Each student in the course will complete a final team project that involves mapping and interpreting the history of a region of Mars.

Upon completion of the course, students will:

• be familiar with planetary materials, structures, and processes
• be able to interpret maps, imagery, and experimental data
• appreciate the scales of space and time in our solar system and the universe
• know how to think critically and use data to solve planetary problems
• understand the scientific method and the nature of scientific inquiry
• know how to prepare a professional quality map and presentation
• be better equipped to form personal opinions of the value of planetary exploration
• be familiar with the methods of quantitative thinking
• be a more purposeful and intentional learner