Exploration Systems Design, PhD

Program Overview

This PhD program in Exploration Systems Design prepares graduates for careers in designing, developing, and implementing scientific experiments, instruments, and missions for Earth, planetary, and space exploration. It offers a transdisciplinary approach, combining science, instrumentation, and systems engineering, with specialization options in instrumentation, systems engineering, and sensor networks.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objective:

• To prepare graduates for careers in the design, development, and implementation of next-generation scientific experiments, instruments, and missions for Earth, planetary, and space exploration.

Program Description:

• This PhD program offers students a transdisciplinary approach to exploration systems design, focusing on developing advanced technologies for Earth and space exploration.
• It combines science, instrumentation, and systems engineering to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field.
• Students can specialize in instrumentation, systems engineering, or sensor networks.

Key Features:

• A focus on the design and development of next-generation scientific instruments and missions
• Collaboration between the School of Earth and Space Exploration and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
• Specialization options in instrumentation, systems engineering, and sensor networks

Outline:

Program Structure:

• 84 credit hours, including coursework, research, and a dissertation.
• Core coursework in exploration systems design, science, and instrumentation.
• Electives allowing for specialization in instrumentation, systems engineering, or sensor networks.
• Culminating experience involving a dissertation and defense.

Module Descriptions:

• Exploration Systems Design: Covers the principles of systems engineering applied to exploration missions, including mission requirements, design tradeoffs, and project management.
• Science and Instrumentation: Provides an understanding of the scientific instruments used in exploration missions and their design requirements.
• Instrumentation Concentration: Focuses on the design, development, and testing of scientific instruments.
• Systems Engineering Concentration: Covers system-level design, analysis, and integration for complex exploration systems.
• Sensor Networks Concentration: Focuses on the design and implementation of sensor networks for data acquisition and analysis in exploration missions.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Written comprehensive exam
• Oral comprehensive exam
• Thesis or dissertation proposal
• Dissertation defense
• Coursework performance

Assessment Criteria:

• Depth of knowledge
• Ability to apply knowledge
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Research and writing skills

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Hands-on laboratory exercises
• Research projects
• Collaborative learning

Faculty:

• Experienced researchers and educators in exploration systems design, science, engineering, and related fields.

Unique Approaches:

• Strong emphasis on research and hands-on experience
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary research and study abroad

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Data scientist
• Engineering professor
• Project manager
• Research engineer
• Scientist
• Systems engineer

Career Opportunities:

• Remote sensing
• Systems engineering
• Data science
• Environmental consulting
• Earth and planetary science
• Engineering

Career Outcomes:

• Graduates are well-prepared for careers in research, academia, and industry.

Other:

• The program is approved for the STEM-OPT extension, allowing international students to gain additional work experience in the US.