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Planetary Physics and Chemistry
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:19:13
Abstract
THIS COURSE WILL BE TAUGHT IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEMESTERThis 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 following gives an overview of the course content and approximate schedule (subject to change). Hours Topics 1-2 Introduction and overview 3-4 Orbital dynamics and tides; Solar heating and energy transport 5-6 Planetary atmospheres 7-8 Planetary surfaces 9-10 Planetary interiors 11-12 Surfaces, interiors and atmospheres: comparative planetology 13-14 The Sun and stars 15-16 Planetary magnetospheres and the interplanetary medium 17-18 Meteorites and asteroids 19-20 Comets 21-22 Planetary rings 23-24 Planetary formation 25-26 Extrasolar planets, life elsewhere? 27-28 Review
Resources
Lecture Notes
Planetary Sciences, by de Pater and Lissauer (hardback), Cambridge University Press, 2001. ISBN 0 521 482219 4 (amazon.com $68.85, amazon.co.uk £55, books.ch CHF141).The New Solar System (4th Edition), by Beatty (paperback), Cambridge University Press, 1999. ISBN 0 521645875. (amazon.com $51.35, amazon.co.uk £30, books.ch CHF80).Moons & Planets, by William K. Hartmann, Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2005, ISBN 0-534-49393-9. (amazon.com $141.95,www.amazon.co.uk£75, amazon.co.uk, books.ch 229CHF)
Literature
Planetary Sciences, by de Pater and Lissauer (hardback), Cambridge University Press, 2001. ISBN 0 521 482219 4 (amazon.com $68.85, amazon.co.uk £55, books.ch CHF141). The New Solar System (4th Edition), by Beatty (paperback), Cambridge University Press, 1999. ISBN 0 521645875. (amazon.com $51.35, amazon.co.uk £30, books.ch CHF80). Moons & Planets, by William K. Hartmann, Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2005, ISBN 0-534-49393-9. (amazon.com $141.95, www.amazon.co.uk £75, amazon.co.uk, books.ch 229CHF)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Planetary physics & chemistry |
|
4 h weekly |