How did the Earth form? How do planets form? How can we search for life beyond Earth? This course is an introduction to planetary science that tries to answer these questions.  We will explore the solar system and exoplanets. We will step back in time to examine the earliest solar system, going back to the origin of the elements themselves and the processes that build new solar systems, planetary surfaces and planetary interiors. We will examine how planets are explored and modelled using theory, experiments and field studies. We will study the essential ingredients for life on planets and strategies to search for life beyond Earth.

NOTE: Graduate students will attend joint classes with undergraduates, but will be assessed under a different scheme, which will require a greater level of conceptual understanding.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Explain, in scientific terms, the astronomical context of planet formation in our solar system and exoplanetary systems, and the evolution of planetary bodies.
2. Recognise key visual aspects of planets and exoplanets through observations.
3. Apply data and approaches used on Earth (e.g., experimental data and field analog sites) to other planetary bodies.
4. Demonstrate laboratory skills through a range of modules requiring, for example, models of orbital dynamics, descriptions of rocks from the solar system, and crater counting methodology for Mars and Moon.
5. Critically evaluate a planetary science topic

Research-Led Teaching

This course will introduce you to real world problems and give you the opportunity to figure out strategies for solving them. Some tutorial sessions will involve in-class and hands-on work. Some laboratories will allow you to create new knowledge. The research poster will provide you with the opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge research going on in planetary sciences. You will have the opportunity to review other students' posters and to present your research poster in an oral presentation- both skills are required in research.

Field Trips

Please see the trip information page for more information.

Additional Course Costs

N.A.

Examination Material or equipment

Foreign language dictionary with permission of the convenor.

Required Resources

McSween, Jr, H., Moersch, J., Burr, D., Dunne, W., Emery, J., Kah, L., & McCanta, M. (2019). Planetary Geoscience. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316535769; https://www.cambridge.org/au/academic/subjects/earth-and-environmental-science/planetary-science-and-astrobiology/planetary-geoscience?format=AR

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

Written comments (on assessment items and via Wattle)

Verbal comments (in the classroom, lab, and via Wattle)

• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, and in some cases focus groups (in person and via Wattle).

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Please note, that where there are multiple assessment tasks of the same type, e.g., tutorial assignments, a date range is used in the Assessment Summary. The first date is the approximate due date of the first task, the return date is the approximate return date for the final task. Further information is provided in the assessment section of the class summary, and details are provided on the course wattle site.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Solar System & Exploration using Energy & Radiation	[Seek approval for research poster topic]
2	Big Bang, Galaxies, Stars, Elements & Isotopes	[Peer–reviewers for research topic assigned] Field trip to Mt Stromlo
3	Accretion, Planetary Motions, Satellite Systems & Migration	Lab Wk 2 due (Tues 23.59)
4	Planetary Formation, Meteorites, Minerals & Compositions	Lab Wk 3 due (Tues 23.59)
5	Planetary Interiors, Tectonics, Heat Flow, Volcanism	Lab Wk 4 due (Tues 23.59)
6	Planetary Surfaces - Ice, Sediments, Regolith & Thermal Inertia	Test #1 (Mon tutorial) Lab Wk 5 due (Tues 23.59)
7	Impact Cratering & Water	Authors submit poster to peer reviewers (Mon 23:59) Lab Wk 6 due (Tues 23.59)
8	Planetary Atmospheres	Peer reviewers submit poster to authors (Mon 23:59) Lab Wk 7 due (Tues 23.59)
9	Life, Organic Matter & the Rise of Oxygen	Lab Wk 8 due (Tues 23.59)
10	Evolution of Life on Earth & Searching for Life	Final research poster & poster peer reviews due (Mon 23.59) Lab Wk 9 due (Tues 23.59)
11	Mars missions & Exoplanets	Lab Wk 10 due (Tues 23.59)
12	Research Presentations	Test #2 (Mon tutorial) Research poster presentation Presentation peer reviews due (Fri 23.59)

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Tests	40 %	1-5
Research Poster & Presentation	25 %	1, 2, 5
Peer-review of other students' posters and peer-review of student research presentations	10 %	1, 2, 5
Labs	25 %	3, 4, 5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation is expected in the laboratories (assessment item 4), poster (assessment item 2) and in peer-review items (assessment item 3). Students who cannot come to ANU will be able to participate remotely via either Zoom (live video conferencing) and/or videos.

Examination(s)

N.A.

Assessment Task 1

Tests

WHAT: Two tests throughout the semester (20% each)

PURPOSE: To help students to build on concepts throughout the course.

GRADING: These are short-answer and multiple choice questions that will be given % for each question.

Short-answer questions will be graded based on completeness and quality of the answer. The graduate student version of the tests will have 20% more questions than the undergraduate version of the tests.

DUE DATES: Tests will be delivered in the Monday Tutorial in Weeks 6 & 12.

Assessment Task 2

Research Poster & Presentation

WHAT: (1) A0 size poster with text, figures & tables to illustrate points (including at least one figure prepared by the student), plus a reference list. Written response to peer-review. (20%) (2) Less than 5 min oral presentation in class with 1 min questions. (5%)

PURPOSE: Finding & synthesising recent, high quality literature on a topic. Writing a set piece with clarity for an educated reader. Evaluating & preparing figures/tables to illustrate points. Responding to peer-review of your work. Verbally presenting a research topic using a poster.

GRADING:

(1) Poster: Marked based upon the content (introduction, literature review, synthesis, discussion), figures and/or tables, clarity & organization, grammar & spelling, response to peer-reviewer’s suggestions, & references. (20%)

(2) Presentation: Assessed based upon structure & content, use and quality of visual aids, attributes of speaker, audience interaction, and response to questions. (5%)

DUE DATES FOR GRADING:

Poster, peer-reviews & response to peer-reviewers is due in Week 10, Monday 23.59. Poster presentations take place in Week 12.

Assessment Task 3

Peer-review of other students' posters and peer-review of student research presentations

WHAT: Written evaluation of two other students' poster to include constructive feedback. Evaluation of 100% the poster presentations by other students’ in the class.

PURPOSE: Providing constructive feedback to peers and learning about other students' research.

GRADING: Assessed based on: 1) Depth of understanding revealed in the comments; and 2) Constructive nature of the comments. 5% on 3 peer reviews + 5% on poster peer-review.

DUE DATES FOR PEERS:

Authors submit poster to peer reviewers (Wk 7 Mon 23:59)

Peer reviewers return 3 reviews to authors (Wk 8 Mon 23:59)

DUE DATES: The peer-review of another student's essay is handed in at the same time as the final posters - Week 8, Monday 23.59. Peer-review of other students' research presentations (100% of the class) takes place in Week 12 ultimately due in Week 12, Friday 23.59.

Assessment Task 4

Labs

WHAT: Submit 8 labs completed throughout the semester, 6 graded.

PURPOSE: Applying knowledge to problems, undertaking data collection and consolidating knowledge on planetary science and applying it to new situations.

GRADING: Marked based on the completeness and quality of the answer. Marks for each question are given in each lab. Best 5 labs go towards 25% of the grade.

DUE DATES: Students will undertake 8 labs throughout the semester. Labs are due each Monday the week after the lab.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

All assessment items will need to be submitted via Wattle as a PDF file.

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

N.A.

Late Submission

Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Staff will make their best efforts to give students feedback on assessment items (online) within two weeks of submission.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Assignments can only be resubmitted in exceptional circumstances by emailing the course convenor within 5 working days of the return of the assignment.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students