Astrogeology, Minor

In addition to University Requirements:

• Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this minor in Astrogeology is to provide students with interests in planetary geology and surface processes with the foundational knowledge rooted in traditional geologic principles.  Similarly, students will also gain invaluable astronomical perspectives, building the perspectives of scale and geologic/astronomic time that are necessary to appreciate astronomical context.  Specific courses in planetary surface processes, the tools and techniques used to study such processes, and the underlying geologic principles that drive these processes will constitute the bulk of the required coursework.  Students minoring in Astrogeology will be ready to appreciate the recent and upcoming missions to planetary bodies throughout our solar system.  They will also be able to critically assess the geologic properties of planetary surfaces to better understand how these planetary bodies evolve over time.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Understand the underlying planetary processes that drive geologic processes at or near planetary surfaces.
• Describe the temporal evolution of planetary surfaces as they relate to the multitude of geologic and environmental processes at work.
• Understand the tools and techniques used to study geologic processes on planetary surfaces.
• Critically evaluate the requirements necessary to perform “traditional” geologic field work on other planetary bodies.

Minor Requirements

• Take the following 23 units:*

  • AST 190, AST 190L, AST 280, AST 455 (10 units)
  • GLG 309 (4 units) 
  • Select from the following: (9 units)
    • AST 390
    • GLG 240, GLG 259, GLG 259L, GLG 315, GLG 324, GLG 360, GLG 435, GLG 451, GLG 460
    • GLG 485, GLG 497, GLG 499

• *Students pursuing a BS in Astronomy, or Geology have alternative requirements outlined below.
   

• • Minor Requirements for Astronomy, BS Majors
    Take the following 23 units:

    • GLG 309 (4 units)
    • Select from the following: (10 units) 
      • AST 190, AST 190L, AST 280, AST 390, AST 455
    • Select from the following: (9 units)
      • GLG 240, GLG 259, GLG 259L, GLG 315, GLG 324, GLG 360, GLG 435, GLG 451, GLG 460
      • GLG 485, GLG 497, GLG 499

• • Minor Requirements for Geology, BS Majors
    Take the following 23 units:

    • AST 190, AST 190L, AST 280, AST 390, AST 455 (13 units)
    • GLG 309 (4 units) 
    • Select from the following: (6 units)
      • GLG 240, GLG 259, GLG 259L, GLG 315, GLG 324, GLG 360, GLG 435, GLG 451, GLG 460
      • GLG 485, GLG 497, GLG 499

     

• For all minor requirements, be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.