2025 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Basic science and technology courses
Earth and Space Sciences A B
- Academic unit or major
- Basic science and technology courses
- Instructor(s)
- Satoshi Okuzumi / Hidenori Genda / Yoko Kebukawa / Tetsuya Yokoyama / Shigeru Ida
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 7-8 Tue (M-374(H131)) / 7-8 Fri (M-374(H131))
- Class
- B
- Course Code
- LAS.A101
- Number of credits
- 200
- Course offered
- 2025
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 19, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of modern astronomy, planetary science, and Earth science as part of a well-rounded university education. A focus is given on the materials that make up the universe. Students will gain an understanding of the structure and origins of key cosmic components, including elements, stars, the solar system, planets, Earth, and life on Earth. The course will also introduce recent advancements in related research.
Course description and aims
Students will develop an understanding of modern perspectives on the universe and the Earth, along with the fundamental concepts that shape them. The course aims to facilitate comprehension primarily through physics, mathematics, and chemistry at the high school level.
Keywords
astrophysics, Earth and planetary sciences
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
At the beginning of the class, a summary of the previous lecture is given. Then the main points of the day's lecture are presented, and students are asked to provide solutions to some of the questions as necessary.
The order of contents listed in the plan may change.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Astrobiology |
Extraterrestrial life |
| Class 2 | Materials in the universe and Earth |
Understand the overview of the material circulation in the universe and Earth |
| Class 3 | Elements and their origins |
Element and nucleus, Big Bang nucleosynthesis |
| Class 4 | Nucleosynthesis in stars |
Nucleosynthesis in stars |
| Class 5 | From the galaxy to stars and planets |
Galaxies, molecular clouds, protostars, protoplanetary disks |
| Class 6 | Solar system: Planets |
Sun and planets |
| Class 7 | Solar system: small bodies |
Understand the basics of chronology based on radioactive isotopes. |
| Class 8 | Formation theory of solar system |
Understand basic concepts of solar-system formation. |
| Class 9 | Chemical evolution of solar system |
Solar abundance, differentiation |
| Class 10 | Interiors of terrestrial planets |
Crust, mantle, core, lithosphere |
| Class 11 | Rocks forming Earth |
Igneous rock petrology, differentiation |
| Class 12 | Evolution of solid Earth |
Platetechtonics |
| Class 13 | Evolution of planets |
Evolution of atmosphere, initial atmosphere, |
| Class 14 | Evolution of Earth life |
History of life, Co-evolution/interaction of Earth |
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)
Uchu Chikyu Kagaku, Bun'ei Sato and Hideo Tsunakawa, Kohdansya
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Reference books and course materials are introduced during the course.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Student's understanding of materials explained in classes will be assessed with exercise problems. The actual evaluation method will be announced at the beginning of the first class.
Related courses
- 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)
Prerequisites
None