Related Resources

Planets, Life, and the Universe

Instructors: J. DiRuggiero, C. Norman, and others
3 Credit Hours
AS.360.339; AS.360.671
A multidisciplinary course that explores the origin and evolution of the universe, star and planet formation, our solar system, exoplanets and the habitable zone, origins and evolution of life, life in extreme environments, and current space missions.

 

Microbiology

Instructors: J. DiRuggiero and E. Fisher
3 credit hours
AS.020.329/020.629
This course explores the physiology and genetics of microorganisms within an evolutionary and ecological framework.

 

Guided Tour: The Planets

Instructors: K. Lewis, S. Horst, and S. Stanley
3 credit hours
AS.270.114
An introduction to planetary science and planetary exploration primarily for non-science majors. A survey of concepts from astronomy, chemistry, geology, and physics applied to the study of the Solar System.

 

Earth History

Instructor: M. Gomes
3 credit hours
AS.270.303
This course explores the evolution of life in the context of environmental, ecological, and geological changes to the Earth surface system.

 

The Carbon Cycle: Past, Present, and Future

Instructors: E. Smith and M. Gomes
3 credit hours
AS.270.400
This course will explore how the carbon cycle shapes environmental conditions and influences other biogeochemical cycles through an investigation of the modern carbon cycle, major carbon cycle perturbations in the geological record, and projections of future global change.

 

Planetary Interiors

Instructor: S. Stanley
3 credit hours
AS.270.404
This course investigates the physical processes occurring in planetary interiors. Topics include formation and differentiation of planetary bodies, planetary structure, thermal evolution, convection, and dynamo generation of magnetic fields. Results from recent planetary satellite missions will also be discussed.

 

Planetary Surface Processes

Instructor: K. Lewis
3 credit hours
AS.270.410
This course explores processes that influence the evolution of planetary surfaces from Earth to the Moon, Mars, and other terrestrial bodies.

 

Planetary Atmospheres

Instructor: S. Horst
AS.270.423
3 credit hours
Fundamental concepts and basic principles of chemistry and physics applied to the study of planetary atmospheres. Vertical structure of planetary atmospheres. Atmospheric radiation, thermodynamics, and transport. Principles of photochemistry. Planetary spectroscopy and remote sensing. Upper atmospheres and ionospheres. Evolution and stability of planetary atmospheres.

 

Earth and Planetary Fluids

Instructors: S. Stanley and A. Gnanadesikan
3 credit hours
AS.270.425
An introductory course on the properties, flow, and transport characteristics of fluids throughout the Earth and planets.

 

Stars and the Universe: Cosmic Evolution

Instructor: W. Zheng
3 credit hours
AS.171.118
This course looks at the evolution of the universe from its origin in a cosmic explosion to emergence of life on Earth and possibly other planets throughout the universe.

 

Introduction to Space, Science, and Technology

Instructors: J. MacKenty and S. McCandliss
3 credit hours
AS.171.321
Topics include space astronomy, remote observing of the Earth, space physics, planetary exploration, human space flight, space environment, orbits, propulsion, spacecraft design, attitude control and communication.

 

Exoplanets and Planet Formation

Instructor: K. Schlaufman
AS.171.644
A graduate-level introduction to the properties of the Solar System, known exoplanet systems, and the astrophysics of planet formation and evolution. Upper-level undergraduates may enroll with the permission of the instructor.

 

For more information, see the JHU Course Catalog

Institutions

• Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts & Sciences
• NASA Astrobiology Institute
• The Space Telescope Science Institute

 

Astrobiology Initiatives

Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University
The institute explores factors that determine if a planet or moon can host life, and how we could find it by bringing together experts from a range of scientific disciplines.

Center for Astrobiology at the University of Arizona
This program shares faculty research, provides a lecture series and regular events, and seeks to answer astrobiology questions.

Center for Space and Habitability (CSH) at the University of Bern
CSH stimulates both disciplinary and interdisciplinary research that investigates the science of habitability.

Harvard University’s Origins of Life Initiative
A community of Harvard faculty, senior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates fascinated by the challenge of answering this question: Is life abundant in the universe?

Lunar and Planetary Institute
The institute collaborates with its partners to make current Earth and planetary science content available to all audiences at a variety of venues with the goal of fostering lifelong learning and a commitment to science by the public in the community, region, and nation.

NASA Exoplanet Exploration
A NASA program dedicated to finding potential life-bearing worlds among the stars. Visit its exoplanet travel bureau!

Origins Institute at McMaster University
The institute uses transdisciplinary research to address fundamental questions on the origin and evolution of the universe, and life within it.

The Virtual Planetary Laboratory at the University of Washington
The laboratory explores the evolution and limits of terrestrial planet habitability, works to identify life’s observable impact on a planetary environment, and calculates the likely detectability of planet characteristics by future space telescopes.

 

Additional Resources

The Art of Astrophysics
Members of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) community participate in an annual effort to create works of art that help us visualize our universe and how we observe it through photography, poetry, crafts, computer code, music, and more.

Johns Hopkins University's Students for the Exploration and Development of Space
This independent, student-based organization promotes the exploration of space by providing opportunities for student members to develop leadership skills and inspiring people through space-related projects.