Module outline
This module deals with the geological evolution of the terrestrial planets in the context of the overall chemical and physical evolution of the solar system. It will explain the processes which shape the solid surfaces of the planets and to explain how these surfaces are analysed.

The module will consist of a series of lectures, some petrological practical (particularly the study of meteorites and lunar rocks), video materials and oral presentations by students. An extensive CAL package is available, which provides all additional information for this module can be accessed from all computer terminals on campus. In addition students will need to obtain information for one presentation from data available on the Internet.

Lecture themes will cover the following areas:-

• Why are we here and what lies out there?
• How do stars and planetary systems evolve?
• What happens during the formation and differentiation of planets?
• What is the fate of all the gases? - the gas giant planets
• An overview of the general features of the solid rocky planets.
• What are the different types of meteorites?
• The terrestrial planets of the inner solar system and Io.
• The geological evolution of the Moon.
• The geology of the other terrestrial planets.

Module Aims
This module will provide an understanding of the geological evolution of the terrestrial bodies within the solar system, and allow comparisons to be made between the Earth and the other rocky bodies.

Module objectives / Learning outcomes
In addition to providing an understanding of our position in the solar system and how our planet relates to our near neighbours in space, this module will provide students with a range of transferable skills. To complete the module students will need to make use of the Planetary Geology CAL package, retrieve information from the Internet, and prepare and present this material as small teams.