2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Science Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences Graduate major in Earth and Planetary Sciences
Advanced Earth and Space Sciences A
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Instructor(s)
- Taishi Nakamoto
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Tue (I3-203(I321)) / 3-4 Fri (I3-203(I321))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- EPS.A410
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
Formation of planets, extra-solar planets, solar system, and extra-solar planetary systems, is an interesting question. In order to understand the front line of planetary system formation studies, we look at basics of planetary system formation theory.
This course consists of seven classes. The course schedule will be announced at http://www.geo.titech.ac.jp/en/education.php
Course description and aims
To understand basics of planetary sciences and planetary system formation processes.
Keywords
Planetary System Formation, Planetary Sciences, Astronomy, Astrophysics
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Lecture
Lessons are mainly given in English, and if it is needed, Japanese is also used. Students are required to submit some reports.
Please pay attention on class dates: The first class will be held on April 10 (Fri).
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction: What are planets? (April 10) |
Grasp the basic properties of planetary systems. |
| Class 2 | Star Formation (April 17) |
Understand star formation processes |
| Class 3 | Formation of Protoplanetary Disk (April 24) |
Understand the formation processes of protoplanetary disks. |
| Class 4 | Structure and Dynamical Evolution of Protoplanetary Disk (May 1) |
Understand the structure and the dynamical processes of the disk. |
| Class 5 | Evolution of Dust Particles (May 12) |
Understand the evolution of small dust particles and the formation of planetesimals. |
| Class 6 | Asteroids, comets, meteorites (May 19) |
Understand small bodies in the solar system: asteroids, comets, and meteorites, including Ryugu explored by Hayabusa2. |
| Class 7 | Formation of Planetary Systems (June 2) |
Understand the planetary system formation. |
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 reference books and other course material.
Textbook(s)
None
Reference books, course materials, etc.
● Shin Taiyoukei, S. Ida and T. Nakamoto (in Japanese),
● Wakusei Keisei no Butsuri, S. Ida and T. Nakamoto (in Japanese),
● Keigai Wakusei, S. Ida (in Japanese),
● Planetary Sciences, I. de Pater and J. Lissauer,
● Astrophysics of Planet Formation, P. Armitage
● Protostars and Planets VII
Evaluation methods and criteria
Report assignments: 100%
We will assign a couple of report assignments and grade students based on those reports.
Related courses
- EPS.A411 ： Astrophysics and Planetary Physics B
- EPS.A412 ： Astrophysics and Planetary Physics C
- EPS.A413 ： Astrophysics and Planetary Physics D
Prerequisites
None
Other
Please pay attention on class dates.