M285 is offered jointly by the Departments of Physics and Astronomy and of Earth and Space Sciences in a new, 2-quarter format during Winter and Spring of 2010. The course is intended for graduate students who are interested in the origins of planetary systems and the history of our Solar System. Advanced undergraduates and postdocs are welcome to participate as well.

Course Goals:

• To provide the background needed to understand and/or participate in research related to the formation and evolution of the solar system and of other planetary systems.
• To describe the star/planet formation process and subsequent evolution of planetary systems by integrating observations and theory.
• To foster interdisciplinary knowledge and communication among P&A, ESS students and faculty.

Here is the Spring 2010 syllabus.