Program Overview

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Planetary Geoscience

Overview

The B.S. in Planetary Geoscience will prepare students for science and industry careers in the rapidly expanding field of planetary science and exploration (including Earth and its Moon, the planets, their satellites, and myriad minor bodies in the solar system; as well as exoplanetary systems). The curriculum will build on a foundation of mathematics, physics and chemistry; it will comprise fundamental training in Earth materials, structures, and processes; and it will provide advanced study of the physical and chemical evolution of the Solar System and advanced course options focused on particular planetary bodies and planetary topics. The curriculum will culminate in a capstone research experience and advanced fieldwork in relevant Earth settings. Students will take courses from faculty in two internationally recognized, top-rated departments - Planetary Science and Geosciences - with opportunities for transdisciplinary mentorship and advisement.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify the planets and classes of minor objects and describe key features associated with them.
• Explain the physical processes governing solar system dynamics.
• Relate the chemical makeup of planetary bodies to the formation and evolution of the solar system.
• Solve quantitative problems related to the geological processes that have shaped planetary landscapes.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data through research or field work.

Program Details

Coursework Location(s)

• Main/Tucson

Areas of Interest

• Environment & Sustainability
• Physical & Space Sciences

Level of Math

• Substantial Knowledge

This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

Level of Second Language

• 2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Science

Degree

• Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

4-Year Sample Plan

• 1st Semester
  • MATH 122A/B (GE Foundation Math) - 5 credits
  • GE Foundation Second Language (First Semester) - 4 credits
  • Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course) - 1 credit
  • ENGL 101 - First Year Writing 1 (GE Foundation Composition) - 3 credits
  • GE Core Exploring Perspectives - 3 credits
• 2nd Semester
  • MATH 129 - 3 credits
  • PHYS 141 - 4 credits
  • GEOS 251 - 4 credits
  • GE Foundation Second Language (Second Semester) - 4 credits
  • ENGL 102 - First Year Writing 2 (GE Foundation Composition) - 3 credits
• 3rd Semester
  • MATH 223 - 4 credits
  • PHYS 142 - 4 credits
  • PTYS 270 - 3 credits
  • GEOS 285 - 3 credits
  • GE Core Exploring Perspectives - 3 credits
• 4th Semester
  • CHEM 151 - 4 credits
  • GEOS 300 - 3 credits
  • GEOS 304 - 4 credits
  • PTYS 395 - 1 credit
  • GE Core Exploring Perspectives - 3 credits
• 5th Semester
  • GEOS 302 - 4 credits
  • GEOS 322 - 3 credits
  • PTYS 395 - 1 credit
  • GE Core Building Connections - 3 credits
  • GE Core Building Connections - 3 credits
• 6th Semester
  • PTYS 403 - 3 credits
  • PTYS 395 - 1 credit
  • Adv. emphasis opt. - 3 credits
  • GE Core Exploring Perspectives - 3 credits
  • GE Core Building Connections - 3 credits
• 7th Semester
  • PTYS 407 - 3 credits
  • PTYS 498 - 1 credit
  • Adv. emphasis opt. - 3 credits
  • PTYS 4XX (field) - 3 credits
  • Free Elective - 3 credits
• 8th Semester
  • PTYS 411 - 3 credits
  • PTYS 498 - 2 credits
  • Adv. emphasis opt. - 3 credits
  • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course) - 1 credit
  • Free elective - 3 credits

Map Transfer Coursework

• Enter your coursework from Arizona universities or community colleges to see how they can map to this major.
• Connect with The University of Arizona Academic Advisors to validate how your coursework will transfer.

About the Transfer Mapping Categories

Maps to One Requirement

A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that maps to one requirement for this major.

Can Map in Multiple Ways

A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that maps to more than one requirement for this major. This means that the transfer course could meet any of the matching requirements but does not mean it fulfills all matching requirements.

Ask an Advisor

A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that has not yet been mapped to a requirement for this major, or it means that the transfer course was input incorrectly.