PHYM012	Solar and Extra-Solar Planets and Their Atmospheres	2013-14
	Dr M.K.M. Browning
Delivery Weeks:	T1:01-11
Level:	7 (NQF)
Credits:	15 NICATS / 7.5 ECTS
Enrolment:	17 students (approx)

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. Waves in fluids
   3. Instability, convection, and turbulence
7. Life on Alien Worlds
   1. Definition of life
   2. Conditions required for emergence of life
   3. The habitable zone
   4. Effects of life on atmospheres and their observable properties

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Description	Study time	KIS type
20×1-hour lectures	20 hours	SLT
2×1-hour problems/revision classes	2 hours	SLT
5×6-hour self-study packages	30 hours	GIS
4×4-hour problem sets	16 hours	GIS
Reading, private study and revision	82 hours	GIS

Assessment

Weight	Form	Size	When	ILOS assessed	Feedback
0%	Guided self-study	5×6-hour packages	Fortnightly	1-9	Discussion in class
0%	4 × Problems sets	4 hours per set	Fortnightly	1-9	Solutions discussed in problems classes.
100%	Final Examination	2 hours 30 minutes	January	1-7	Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

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:

• De Pater I. and Lissauer J. (2010), Planetary Sciences (2^nd edition), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-85371-2 (UL: 523.0074 DEP)

Supplementary texts:

• Armitage P. (2009), Astrophysics of Planet Formation, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-88745-8 (UL: 523.4 ARM)
• Haswell C.A. (2010), Transiting Exoplanets, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-13938-0 (UL: 523.24 HAS)
• Pierrehumbert R. (2010), Principles of Planetary Climate, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-86556-2 (UL: 551.5 PIE)
• Seager S. (2010), Exoplanet Atmospheres: Physical Processes, Princeton University Press, ISBN 978-1-40-083530-0 (UL: On Order)

ELE:

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

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Pre-requisite Modules	Vector Mechanics (PHY1021), Introduction to Astrophysics (PHY1022) and Condensed Matter I (PHY2024)
Co-requisite Modules	none

Re-assessment

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

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Time scale for re-assessment
Whole module	Written examination (100%)	1-7	August/September assessment period

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Learning activities and teaching methods SLT - scheduled learning & teaching activities 22 hrs GIS - guided independent study 128 hrs PLS - placement/study abroad 0 hrs Total 150 hrs

Summative assessment Coursework 0% Written exams 100% Practical exams 0% Total 100%

Miscellaneous

IoP Accreditation Checklist	N/A this is an optional module
Availability	MPhys and PGRS only
Distance learning	NO
Keywords	Physics; Life; Planets; Observations; Atmospheres; Emergence; Exoplanets; Thermodynamics; Fluid dynamics.
Created	01-Oct-11
Revised	N/A