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Planetary Sciences: a Physical Perspective
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:33
Abstract
This course aims to give a physical understanding of the formation, structure, dynamics and evolution of planetary bodies in our solar system and also apply it to ongoing discoveries regarding planets around other stars.
Objective
The goal of this course is to enable students to understand current knowledge and uncertainties regarding the formation, structure, dynamics and evolution of planets and moons in our solar system, as well as ongoing discoveries regarding planets around other stars. Students will practice making quantitative calculations relevant to various aspects of these topics through weekly homeworks. The main topics covered are: Orbital dynamics and Tides, Solar heating and Energy transport, Planetary atmospheres, Planetary surfaces, Planetary interiors, Asteroids and Meteorites, Comets, Planetary rings, Magnetic fields and Magnetospheres, The Sun and Stars, Planetary formation, Exoplanets and Exobiology
Resources
Lecture Notes
Slides and scripts will be posted on Moodle.
Literature
It is recommended but not mandatory to buy one of these books: Planetary Sciences, 2nd edition, by Imke de Pater & Jack J. Lissauer (hardback), Cambridge University Press, 2015. Available free online from ETH's network. Fundamental Planetary Science (updated edition), by Jack J. Lissauer & Imke de Pater (paperback), Cambridge University Press, 2019. Fundamental Planetary Science, by Jack J. Lissauer & Imke de Pater (paperback), Cambridge University Press, 2013.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
- Mode
- written 105 minutes
- Aids
- none
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Planetary Sciences: a Physical Perspective
Students who complete this course are not entitled to register for the course 651-7011-00L Introduction to Planetary Science.
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2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Restricted Choice Modules Mineralogy and Geochemistry (A minimum of two restricted choice modules must be completed in the major Mineralogy and Geochemistry.)
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General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
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