Advanced Earth and Space Sciences J

Academic unit or major

Graduate major in Earth and Planetary Sciences

Instructor(s)

Shigeru Ida / John William Hernlund

Class Format

Lecture

Media-enhanced courses

-

Day of week/Period
(Classrooms)

3-4 Mon / 3-4 Thu

Class

-

Course Code

EPS.A427

Number of credits

200

Course offered

2021

Offered quarter

3Q

Syllabus updated

Jul 10, 2025

Language

English

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

Note: All materials and information is available at https://members.elsi.jp/~hernlund/geodynamics/ and students should visit this site for the most up-to-date information.

Geodynamics is the quest for a unified theory of planetary formation, evolution, and behavior. Geodynamics focuses on understanding the physical and chemical processes operating in a planetary system, both individually and collectively. These processes act to animate and transform matter, and are driven by a variety of energy sources. Although relatively young, the field of geodynamics has grown to become a central discipline of the Earth and planetary sciences, and an essential platform for unifying observations and experiments from all of the planetary science disciplines.

Course description and aims

In this course students will be exposed to basic tenets of geodynamics in an approachable manner using “active learning” techniques. Geodynamics is a very large and diverse subject, so it is not possible to cover the entire field in one course. Fortunately, this allows us to explore the topics that are most interesting to the students. At the beginning of the course a survey will be conducted in order to gauge the students’ backgrounds, abilities, and interests. A list of topics (see below) will be presented at the beginning and students may choose among these to show a preference for their particular interests. Prior to each class meeting students will be given reading materials relevant to the topic to be covered, which will be available for download from the course web page, and during the class meeting we will focus on studying particular applications and problem-solving. I will also give some perspectives on the cutting-edge unsolved questions and current research in each area.

Keywords

Geodynamics

Competencies

• Specialist skills
• Intercultural skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

Prior to each class meeting students will be given reading materials relevant to the topic to be covered, which will be available for download from the course web page, and during the class meeting we will focus on studying particular applications and problem-solving. I will also give some perspectives on the cutting-edge unsolved questions and current research in each area.

Course schedule/Objectives

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 course materials.

Textbook(s)

All reading materials will be distributed to students prior to each lecture. Students are expected to read the assigned materials before coming to each class meeting.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Please visit https://members.elsi.jp/~hernlund/geodynamics/ for a list of reference materials.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Students will be evaluated based on active participation in the class (60%) and demonstration of what they have learned (40%). Students may choose to demonstrate their knowledge via a project, report, or a final exam. More details will follow shortly.

Related courses

• Geophysics
• Geology

Prerequisites

Undergraduate level background in physical sciences, including standard courses in calculus, physics, and chemistry. Additional coursework in geology, applied mathematics, and physics is helpful, but not required.

Other

Please consult the course web page https://members.elsi.jp/~hernlund/geodynamics/ for the most up-to-date information.