Academic Catalogs

NS A197: Special Topics in Science - Exploring Ocean Worlds of the Outer Solar System

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 10/06/2021
Top Code 191400 - Geology
Units 2 Total Units 
Hours 72 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 18; Lab Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)

Course Description

Introduction to engineering design while building teamwork and communication skills and examining the engineering major offered and engineering careers. Completion of hands-on engineering design projects, preparation of short reports describing projects, and presentation of results. The specific project challenges students to explore the ocean worlds of the outer solar system with an eye toward its potential for life. The overall goal is to build an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) and develop programs that allow the rover to navigate an underwater environment. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Demonstrate a new or enhanced professional skill and be able to graphically or verbally articulate a current topic in the sciences by producing a physical manifestation of newly acquired skills.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Identify, discuss and analyze current topics relating to ocean worlds in our outer solar system.
  • 2. Develop skills related to the current science of ocean worlds in our outer solar system.
  • 3. Assess the limits of current engineering practices as they apply to ocean worlds in our outer solar system and develop new strategies or directions for future practices.

Lecture Content

Introduction The Origin of Water and Life The Frost Line Life on Earth and in Space Confirmed Ocean Worlds Europa Ganymede Callisto Titan Enceladus Possible New Ocean Worlds Ceres and Dione Triton and Pluton The Possible Others Future Missions to the Ocean Worlds Confirmed and Proposed Missions to the Ocean Worlds

Lab Content

A. Introduction 1. The RedBoard Platform 2. Baseplate Assembly 3. RedBoard Anatomy 4. Breadboard Anatomy 5. The Arduino IDE 6. Inventory of Parts B. Light 1. Blinking an LED 2. Potentiometer 3. Photoresistor 4. RGB Night-Light C. Sound 1. Buzzer 2. Digital Trumpet 3. “Simon Says” Game D. Motion 1. Servo Motors 2. Distance Sensor 3. Motion Alarm E. Display 1. : LCD “Hello, World!” 2. Temperature Sensor 3. “DIY Who Am I.” Game F. Robot 1. Motor Basics 2. Remote-Controlled Robot 3. Autonomous Robot G. Going Further

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
  • DE Online Lecture (02X)
  • Lab (04)
  • DE Live Online Lab (04S)
  • DE Online Lab (04X)

Instructional Techniques

Lectures, demonstrations, discussions, individual and small group exercises, instructor feedback, peer-to-peer.

Reading Assignments

Students will spend approximately 2 hours reading from the textbook and instructor material provided via LMS.

Writing Assignments

Students will spend approximately 1 hour per week on writing assignments, including: Keeping a journal of chronological notes taken during research, lecture, and laboratory experience. Author a technical report for each project written to industry standards for technical reports.

Out-of-class Assignments

Students will spend approximately 3 hours per week on out-of-class assignments, including: Researching topics as assigned. Preparing technical documents prior to laboratory projects. Completing technical reports after each project. Maintaining a portfolio of projects throughout the semester.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Students execute the design of a robot using the engineering design process. Students work individually and in groups to solve challenges presented in a project-based form.  Quizzes are administered at the end of each topic to demonstrate mastery of the specific objective.  Midterm and a final exam administered to test the ability to retain problem-solving skills.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Exercises  Group and individual Projects Quizzes  Midterm Exam  Final Exam  Keep a journal of chronological notes taken during: a) research b) lecture c) laboratory experience.  Maintain a portfolio of technical reports, research and class notes. Submit technical reports for lab projects containing results and analysis.

Eligible Disciplines

Earth science: Masters degree in geology, geophysics, earth sciences, meteorology, oceanography, or paleontology OR bachelors degree in geology AND masters degree in geography, physics, or geochemistry OR the equivalent. Masters degree required. Physical sciences: See interdisciplinary studies Masters degree required. Robotics (computer integrated manufacturing): Any bachelors degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Henin, B.. Exploring the Ocean Worlds of Our Solar System, 1st ed. Springer, 2018