This course is not offered this semester. If you are interested in this course email Dr.Robert Benson and let him know about your interest in the course.

Course Description: An intermediate level study of the physics of the Earth and other planets. An application of mechanics, electromagnetic theory and thermal sciences to the study of physical processes involved in the evolution of planets. The prerequisites for this course are PHYS 1401 and PHYS 1402. The corequisite is MATH 2413.

Course Objectives:
1. To provide the student with a basic overview of the physics of the Earth and other planets.
2. To introduce the student to the application of basic physics and mathematics for
understanding the phenomena of seismic wave propagation, gravitational field and gravity anomalies and mantle thermal convection.
3. To introduce the student to borehole physics.
4. To introduce the student to radioactive chronology and dating.

Topics: Seismic wave propagation, elastic theory, gravitational field and gravity anomalies, borehole physics, magnetic field and magnetic anomalies, mantle thermal convection, and radioactive chronology and dating.

Evaluation Criteria:
1. Examination 1 - 20%
2. Examination 2 - 20%
3. Final Examination - 20%
4. Homework - 20%
5. Paper - 20%

Above criteria are tentative; the actual evaluation criteria including the scheme for assigning the letter grades will be announced by the instructor in the syllabus.