This course is intended to provide a basic understanding of many aspects of space exploration, including discovering the physical make-up of the universe and evidence surrounding its origin, learning the discoveries made in the solar system and evidence surrounding its origin. This course in addition to lecture material will include a class project to assess teamwork skills.

An introduction to the sciences behind robotic and human exploration of space with laboratory.

A study of physical, chemical, and biological phenomena under the conditions of reduced gravity.

Introduction to space transportation systems and their payloads.

The mechanics of the movement of bodies in space under the influence of gravity.

An individual library or laboratory project in conference with faculty. With permission of the department chair, student may repeat the course for credit when the area of the study is different.

The physics of vacuum as applied to phenomena in space. Introduction to production and measurement of vacuum in laboratories on Earth.

A study of the chemistry and mineralogy of extraterrestrial materials including moon samples and meteorites. Introduction to the laboratory techniques used to examine these materials.