Planetary Geology
CPD, 4 months, distance learning
Planetary Geology CPD by distance learning
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Introduction
Planetary Geology covers the interiors and surface structure of the planets in our solar system, starting with the Earth and moving out through the terrestrial planets to the moons of the Jovian planets.
The Earth we live on is a constantly changing world – the land beneath us is being constantly eroded and re-created, by a variety of processes such as plate tectonics, volcanism, glacial erosion and weathering. Compared to the Earth, the majority of the other planetary bodies in our solar system are much less active; our Moon has remained relatively unchanged for the last three billion years. What are the factors that have led to such a difference in two bodies that formed so close together?
The planets Mars and Venus have their own geological processes, similar in many ways to those on Earth, but also quite different in others. The larger moons of Jupiter and Saturn also have complex resurfacing processes occurring, either now or in the distant past.
In this course you will learn how the evolution of the surfaces of the worlds in our solar system has occurred, and if there are any fundamental processes that are true for all solid planetary bodies. You will study the formation and evolution of the planets and moons, and how differences in their mass and composition have led to the diverse selection of terrain that we can see throughout our solar system. The course will also allow you to become familiar with the current investigations taking place on Mars and Titan by robotic probes such as Spirit and Huygens.
Target Awards
A Certificate of Professional Development in Astronomy will be awarded for the successful completion of this module. This module is assigned 12 credit points which can be used to build up credits towards other academic qualifications at Liverpool John Moores University and other universities.
Entry requirements
School science or maths (UK GCSE equivalent). The course commences in November each year.
How to Apply
Please see 'Enrolment' Section above.
Contact Name: Distance Learning
Tel: +44 (0)151 231 2900
Fax: +44 (0)151 231 2926
Address: Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University
Twelve Quays House, Egerton Wharf,
Birkenhead, CH41 1LD, UK
EMail: enquiry@astro.livjm.ac.uk
