Hofstra University                                                                       Spring 2007

 

 

 

Lecture Syllabus (T, R; 9:35-10:30 AM; 162 Gittleson Hall)

 

  Week                          Topics/Readings

 

    1      Introduction to the Solar System and Terrestrial Tectonics - Ch. 1, 4

 

    2      Fundamentals of Planetary Science - Ch. 2

 

    3      Meteoritics and Planetary Atmospheres - Ch. 3, 4, 13 (Trip to AMNH – 17 Feb 2007)

 

    4      History of Rocketry and Space Travel - (*)

 

    5      History of Rocketry and Space Travel - (*) EXAM 1 [08 March 2007]

 

    6      The Earth's Moon - Ch. 5 (Trip to Cradle of Aviation Museum – 11 Mar 2007)

 

    7      Mercury - Ch. 6

 

    8      Venus - Ch. 7

 

    9      Mars - Ch. 8

 

   10     EXAM 2 [17 April 2007]; The Jupiter System - Ch. 9

 

   11     Saturn System - Ch. 10

 

   12     Uranus and Neptune Systems - Ch. 11

 

   13     Pluto, Asteroids, and Comets - Ch. 12, 13, 14

 

            FINAL EXAM during Finals Week ( See University Schedule)

 

Textbook:  Lang, K. R., 2003, The Cambridge Guide to the Solar System:  Cambridge University Press, United Kingdom , 452 p. (*) indicates outside readings and films.

 

Grading:  The lecture and lab components each constitute 50% of your grade.

 

Attendance:  Mandatory per guidelines of the NYS Education Department.

 

Office Hours:  Mondays 1 PM to 4 PM or by appointment, 141 Gittleson Hall

 

E-mail: charles.merguerian@hofstra.edu

 

Faculty Webpage:  http://people.hofstra.edu/faculty/charles_merguerian contains class information under the heading Course Materials.

 

 

 

Laboratory Schedule (Tues 10:40-12:30 PM; 225 Gittleson Hall)

 

   Week                                                Topics/Readings

 

     1      Terrestrial Plate Tectonics [L1]

 

     2      Sea Floor Spreading Rates [L2]

 

     3      Identification of Terrestrial Minerals

 

     4      Classifying Rocks of the Earth's Crust [L3]

 

     5      Films and Discussion: 1950s Propaganda and Social Reactions

 

     6      Mineral and Rock Practicum [R1] - Volcanic Constructs

 

     7      Lunar Lab [R2 - Lunar Surface Analysis]

 

     8      Films and Discussion: Mars and Venus

 

     9      Films and Discussion:  The Outer Planets

 

    10     Films and Discussion:  The Outer Planets

 

    11     Student PowerPoints I [P1, R3]

 

    12     Student PowerPoints II [P1, R3]

 

    13     Student PowerPoints III [P1, R3]

 

 

Two Field Trips:  Meteorite Hall ( American Museum of Natural History – 2/17/07), and, (Cradle of Aviation Museum – 3/11/07)

 

Weeks 11, 12, and 13 – Student PowerPoint Presentations [P1] (Mandatory Attendance)

Each student will present a 10 minute PowerPoint with a 5 minute class discussion.  Students can choose their own topic with instructor’s approval or select a topic from instructor list (e.g. - Favorite Planet, Cratering, Surface Units, Planetary Comparisons, Space Missions, Rocketry, Hamster Movies, etc.).  Departmental tutors or the University Computer Center can provide instruction on preparation and presentation of PowerPoint as we view this as excellent skill training for your professional career goals.  Grading for PowerPoints is 60% for presentation, 20% for student attendance and evaluation, and 20% by peer student grading.  A written report [R3] will be required from all students by the last lab session.

 

Lab Grade:  Based on lab-based work [L1, L2, L3], practicum and reports [R1, R2, R3], PowerPoint [P1], and attendance record.

 

 

 

Filename: 03SylSpr07.htm