2024 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Basic science and technology courses
Earth and Space Sciences B
- Academic unit or major
- Basic science and technology courses
- Instructor(s)
- Junichi Nakajima / Kazumi Ozaki
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Tue / 5-6 Fri
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAS.A102
- Number of credits
- 200
- Course offered
- 2024
- Offered quarter
- 3Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 14, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course will provide an overview of modern earth and space sciences. First the instructor will introduce how to measure size, distance, and physical properties of celestial objects, and will explain basic physics of the universe such as stars and galaxies. Next, the instructor will introduce the shape, gravity, and atmosphere of the planets. Lastly, the plate tectonics, seismicity and volcanic activity on the Earth and will be discussed.
Course description and aims
Understanding of physics and mechanics of the space, planets, and solar system.
Keywords
Space, Galaxy, Planets, the Earth
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Lectures are given with ppt slides and the blackboard.
The order of contents listed in the plan may change.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Size and structure of the universe |
How to measure the size and distance of celestial objects |
| Class 2 | Galaxies and our galaxy |
Proper motion, radial velocity, structure of our galaxy |
| Class 3 | Star formation |
Molecure clouds, gravitational collapse |
| Class 4 | Stellar interiors |
Hydrostatic equilibrium, main-sequence stars |
| Class 5 | Planet formation theory |
Dynamics of planet formation |
| Class 6 | Planet atmosphere |
Composition, structure, and origin of atmosphere of planets |
| Class 7 | Planets |
Exploration of planets in our solar system and ways of exoplanets observations |
| Class 8 | Gravity na magnetic field of the planet |
Is the Moon outside the Earth's gravity? |
| Class 9 | Effects of tidal force on the planet and satellite |
Tide of the planets |
| Class 10 | Internal structure of planets |
Examine the structure of the planetary interior and its origin. |
| Class 11 | Plate tectonics |
plate tectonics |
| Class 12 | Seismic activity |
Earthquakes around the Japanese Islands |
| Class 13 | Volcanic activity |
Why are many volcanoes near the trench? |
| Class 14 | Evaluate the level of understanding |
Evaluate the level of understanding |
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)
Earth and Space Sciences, Sato & Tsunakawa, Kodansha, 2018.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Material necessary for the class will be given at the lecture.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Score is determined with reports and the final examination
Related courses
- LAS.A101 ： Earth and Space Sciences A
- 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)
Prerequisites
No requirements.