Planetary science encompasses the study of the physical and chemical nature of planetary bodies, both in the Solar System and in extrasolar systems. The formation of planets, the forces that sculpted their orbits, the processes that shaped their interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres, and the development of life all fall under its rubric. Understanding these complex phenomena requires knowledge of astronomy & astrophysics, earth science, meteorology, atmospheric science, space science, plasma physics, chemistry, and biology. The Planetary Science track has been developed to study the remarkable interface among these separate disciplines.

Requirements

Lower Division Required Courses

• Math 1A-1B (4,4) Calculus
• Math 53-54 (4,4) Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus
• Physics 7A-7B-7C (4,4,4) Physics for Scientists and Engineers
• Chem 1A (or Chem 4A) (4,4) General Chemistry
• EPS 50 (4) The Planet Earth

Lower division required units = 40

Upper Division Required Courses

• EPS 102 (4) History and Evolution of Planet Earth
• EPS 150 (2) Case Studies in Earth Systems
• EPS /Astro 162 (4 units) Planetary Astrophysics

An additional 14 units are required from the following list of courses:

• Math 121A: Mathematics for scientists and engineers (4)
• EPS 122: Physics of Earth and planetary interiors (3)
• EPS 108: Geodynamics (4)
• EPS 117: Geomorphology (4)
• EPS 180: Atmospheric chemistry (3)
• EPS 181: Atmospheric physics and dynamics (3)
• EPS 182 Atmospheric chemistry and physics laboratory (3)

Upper division required units: 24 units

Total units in Planetary Science track: 64

Please note that any course of study in the major must be approved by a faculty advisor. This list is intended to be used as a guide, and may be subject to change.