FYS 100: Mars Exploration

Instructor: Julia Daly, Ricker 38; x7403        dalyj@maine.edu
Course times: Wed. and Friday, 10- 10:50; Preble 35
Thursday 9:30 – 11:30; Ricker 33

About this class:
This course will explore the science of planetary geology, the influence of space exploration on fiction, and the ethics of space exploration.
The exploration of Mars elicits excitement among scientists and the general public alike, as evidenced by the recent media coverage of the Mars rovers.  The investigation of the Martian surface is fueled by the desire to understand the evolution of the planet and to compare it to Earth – was there water?  Did life exist on Mars?  In many ways, the exploration of Mars is a test of our understanding of physical geologic processes on Earth.  Our predictions about Mars and analysis until this year have largely been based on visual observations of the surface of the planet; how will these interpretations fare when more quantitative data are available? 
Mars has also been the subject of many imaginative accounts of life and adventures away from Earth.  How do these works of fiction reflect scientific understanding, and cultural or political views?  As space research continues and more ambitious missions are planned, how will views of space change?  Does society have any ethical responsibilities with regard to space exploration?

Course objectives:
•    To learn some of the major geologic and physical principles used to acquire and interpret data from other planets
•    To develop significant observation skills based on field experiences and original research
•    To develop critical thinking skills in the context of synthesizing and evaluating raw data, observations, or original texts
•    To develop skills associated with interpreting and creating visual representations of field observations or numerical data

Resources/texts:
Martian Chronicles, Ray Bradbury
Red Mars, Kim Stanley Robinson
Dr. Art’s Guide to Planet Earth, Art Sussman
The Earth System, Kump et al., will be available on reserve for reference
Journal articles: Science, Space Policy, Scientific American, National Geographic
Web: NASA/ Jet Propulsion Lab sites; Earth Systems Science (UPenn)

Other materials: small notebook, colored pencils, simple calculator, ruler (6 in. clear plastic); zip disk (optional)


Assessment:
 Journal (25 %)
Investigation summaries (35 %)
Written proposal (15 %)
Oral presentation (10 %)
Assignments/problems (15 %)
 

Please remember this is YOUR OWN WORK.  Plagiarism, electronic or otherwise, will result in a grade of zero.  If you are uncertain about using research material or how to cite an article, please come see me.  A more comprehensive description of the expectations of academic honesty may be found in the UMF Code of Academic Integrity.
(http://catalog.umf.maine.edu/show.php?type=subcategory&id=37&version=2004-2005)

Attendance & make-up policy
Attendance in class and labs is required.  There will be no scheduled lab make-ups.  In an emergency (if you are sick, etc.), contact me as soon possible to discuss alternatives.

Equal educational opportunity is offered to students with special needs due to disability.  Please notify me if a reasonable accommodation is needed to meet course requirements.