Description

This module will show how theory and observations underpin our rapidly developing knowledge of planetary objects both inside and outside solar system, an area of physics that has been developing rapidly since the first observation of an extra-solar planet in 1995 and a major research theme at Exeter.

Module Aims

Students will learn how to apply their knowledge of core physics in order to understand and interpret a wide range of phenomena associated with planetary objects both inside and outside the solar system.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. describe and explain a range of methods used to discover exoplanets;
  2. derive physical structures from observation using simple physical models;
  3. describe and explain theories of the origin and evolution of planetary systems;
  4. find solutions to the 2-body problem and apply them to star-planet systems;
  5. describe physical conditions necessary for the emergence of life, and current ideas about how life came into being;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  6. solve problems involving fluid mechanics and heat transfer;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  7. retrieve and evaluate information from research journals and the WWW;
  8. communication skills via discussions in classes;
  9. met deadlines for completion of work to be discussed in class and develop appropriate time-management strategies.

Syllabus Plan

1. Formation and Evolution of Planets
   1. Constituents of planetary systems: rocks, gases, liquids
   2. Surface processes: cratering, volcanism, weathering
   3. Theories of planetary formation
2. The Solar System
   1. Earth and Moon, inner planets, outer planets
   2. Asteroids, comets, dwarf planets
3. Exoplanets
   1. Observational techniques: direct observation; radial velocity and astrometry; transits
   2. Physical and Statistical Properties
4. Orbital Dynamics
   1. Orbits in two-body systems
   2. Multi-body interactions, resonances, and chaos
5. Planetary Atmospheres at Rest
   1. Hydrostatics
   2. Basic radiative transfer
   3. Thermodynamics of atmospheres
   4. Atmospheric constituents
6. Planetary Atmospheres in Motion
   1. Principles of fluid dynamics
   2. Effects of rotation
   3. Instabilities, waves, and turbulence
7. Life on Alien Worlds
   1. Definition of life
   2. Conditions required for emergence of life
   3. Effects of life on atmospheres and their observable properties

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Lissauer J.J. and de Pater I. (2018), Fundamental Planetary Science, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-1-13-905046-3

Supplementary texts:

• Armitage P. (2009), Astrophysics of Planet Formation, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-88745-8
• De Pater I. and Lissauer J. (2010), Planetary Sciences (2^nd edition), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-85371-2
• Haswell C.A. (2010), Transiting Exoplanets, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-13938-0
• Pierrehumbert R. (2010), Principles of Planetary Climate, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-86556-2
• Seager S. (2010), Exoplanet Atmospheres: Physical Processes, Princeton University Press, ISBN 978-1-40-083530-0
• Vallis G.K. (2019), Essentials of Atmospheric and Oceanic Dynamics, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-1-107-69279-4

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phym012

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous