2020 Faculty Courses School of Science Undergraduate major in Earth and Planetary Sciences
Introduction to Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Academic unit or major
- Undergraduate major in Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Instructor(s)
- Taishi Nakamoto
- Class Format
- Lecture (Zoom)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Mon (I321) / 5-6 Thu (I321)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- EPS.A202
- Number of credits
- 200
- Course offered
- 2020
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 10, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
To understand the basics of planetary sciences: structure and properties of our Solar System, stars, and planets, as well as the formation and evolution of planetary systems. Also, some relations with other classes provided in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences are introduced.
Course description and aims
To understand basics of planetary sciences.
Keywords
Planetary Science, Astronomy, Astrophysics
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Lectures.
Contents and the order of contents listed in the plan may change due to the progress of the class.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | What are planets? | To understand planets. |
| Class 2 | Basic Astronomy 1: Objects in the Universe | To understand objects in the universe. |
| Class 3 | Basic Astronomy 2: Methods to Measure Objects | To understand methods to measure objects. |
| Class 4 | Motion of Planets 1: Two-Body Problem | To understand two-body problem. |
| Class 5 | Motion of Planets 2: Kepler Motion | To understand Kepler motion. |
| Class 6 | Motion of Planets 3: Multi-Body System | To understand multi-body system. |
| Class 7 | Internal Structure of Objects 1: Sun 1 --- Basic Equations --- | Think of the internal structure of the Sun. |
| Class 8 | Internal Structure of Objects 2: Sun 2 --- Thermodynamical Properties --- | To understand thermodynamical properties of the Sun. |
| Class 9 | Internal Structure of Objects 3: Solid Planets | Think of the internal structure of solid planets. |
| Class 10 | Formation of Planetary Systems 1: Star and Protoplanetary Disk Formation | To understand the formation of star and protoplanetary disk. |
| Class 11 | Formation of Planetary Systems 2: Evolution of Dust Particles in Disk | To understand the evolution of dust particles in the disk. |
| Class 12 | Formation of Planetary Systems 3: From Protoplanets to Planets | To understand processes from protoplanets to planets. |
| Class 13 | Extra-Solar Planets 1: Methods of Observation, Properties of Observed Planets | To understand extra-solar planet observation methods and properties of extra-solar planets. |
| Class 14 | Extra-Solar Planets 2: Exoplanets and Planetary System Formation Theory | To understand planetary system formation theory. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
None
Reference books, course materials, etc.
All materials used in the class can be found in OCW-i.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Homework assignments: 100%
Related courses
- EPS.B203 ： Mechanics (EPS course)
- EPS.B212 ： Electromagnetism (EPS course)
- EPS.B202 ： Thermodynamics (EPS course)
- LAS.A101 ： Earth and Space Sciences A
- LAS.A102 ： Earth and Space Sciences B
- LAS.A110 ： Earth and Space Sciences, Laboratory and Field Studies (geophysics)
- LAS.A111 ： Earth and Space Sciences, Laboratory and Field Studies (earth materials)
- LAS.A112 ： Earth and Space Sciences, Laboratory and Field Studies (astronomy)
- EPS.A333 ： Planetary Astronomy
Prerequisites
None