FRS 002II —
Sec. 001 —
(2 unit) — CRN 53665 — F 3:10-5:00 PM — 175A
Physics/Geology
Exploring Mars
Instructors: Louise Kellogg and Robert Zierenberg,
Department of Geology,
College of Letters and Science
Description: In late December, 2003, the Mars Express lander,
Beagle 2, is expected to arrive at planet Mars, followed in January, 2004, by
Spirit and Opportunity, two NASA rovers. The arrival of these
missions will provide
a unique opportunity for scientific education. This seminar will focus on the
scientific questions and societal factors driving these and other missions to
Mars. We will discuss fundamental scientific questions such as how the planet
has evolved and whether conditions on Mars could have sustained life. We will
also discuss the technical challenges of sending missions to distant planets,
the feasibility of sending humans to Mars, and the societal motivations behind
space exploration.
Information will be presented through informal lectures, readings
from scientific
journals, and in-class discussions. We will use NASA’s web
coverage of the
Mars missions, adjusting the order of topics to take advantage of
real-time developments
on the three newest Mars missions. Students will be asked to
critically evaluate
information, and will work in small groups to research selected topics in more
depth. We will also take advantage of NASA’s program allowing members of
the public to propose “targets” to be photographed by the
Mars Orbital
Camera (http://www.msss.com/plan/moc), by asking students to propose a site for
a photo to be taken of the surface of Mars. A key component of the assignment
(and of NASA’s program) is that the purpose of the proposed image must be
described in detail. This assignment will provide an opportunity for students
to consider the scientific rationale for planetary exploration. We will assist
students who wish to submit their proposed target to NASA for
consideration.
Format: The seminar will meet for two hours each
week. The time
will be divided between informal lecture presentations, discussion, and student
presentations. Reading material will be provided. There is no text
for the course.
Students will be required to research a topic, in order to propose a possible
target for the Mars Global Surveyor Mars Orbital Camera. Students will present
their proposed target in written form and in class.
Grading:
The course grade will be based on the quality of their written (1/3) and oral
(1/3) presentations of their research projects and on the frequency and quality
of their participation in class discussion (1/3).
About the Instructors: Professor Kellogg is a member
of the faculty
and chair of the Department of Geology. Her research interests
include the interiors
of the Earth and terrestrial planets, with an emphasis on the processes driving
tectonic activity on the planets. Current projects include numerical models of
mantle plumes and deformation of the crust associated with earthquakes.
Professor Zierenberg is a member of the faculty in the Department of Geology.
His research interests include aqueous geochemistry; stable isotope
geochemistry;
economic geology, and the environmental effects of mining. His
research has focused
on water/rock interaction in active and ancient hydrothermal systems, including
the "black smokers" on the mid-ocean ridges, where life may
have originated
on Earth.