Current Topics in Earth and Space Science

Kentaro NAGAMINE (Graduate School of Science)

Course Objective
   This course will provide general views of our Universe, starting from the Big Bang to the formation of planetary systems and Earth. Two major methods of studying our Universe in infrared and X-ray wavelenths will be presented. Finally, statistical physical approach in Earth Science will be discussed, including numerical models of earthquakes and phase transitions.

Learning Goals
   Students will learn the basic concepts and views regarding our Universe, large-scale structures, galaxies, stars, extrasolar planets, our solar system, and other topics in earth science. The main goal is to obtain the global overview on the scientific topics at the research frontier of Earth and Space Science.

Requirement / Prerequisite
   None.

Class Plan
   This course consists of three main parts. In Part I, the global view of our Universe will be presented from the Big Bang to the star and planetary systems. In Part II, we will discuss observational astronomy in infrared and X-ray wavelengths. In Part III, various topics on statistical and physical approach in Earth and Space Science will be presented.

	Theme	Content
Week 1	Kentaro NAGAMINE	Introduction & Expanding Big Bang Universe
Week 2	Kentaro NAGAMINE	Structure Formation in the Universe
Week 3	Yutaka FUJITA	High Energy Astrophysics & Galaxy Clusters
Week 4	Kengo TOMIDA	Formation of Star and Planetary Systems: I
Week 5	Kengo TOMIDA	Formation of Star and Planetary Systems: II
Week 6	Taro MATSUO	Infrared Astronomy
Week 7	Takahiro SUMI	Search for Extrasolar Planetary Systems
Week 8	Taro MATSUO	Characterization of Extrasolar Planetary Systems
Week 9	Hiroshi SHIBAI	Search for Life in the Universe
Week 10	Hiroshi TSUNEMI	X-ray Astronomy and Supernovae
Week 11	Kiyoshi HAYASHIDA	X-ray Astronomy, Dark Matter, Black Holes
Week 12	Hiroshi NAKAJIMA	X-ray spectroscopy of Supernova Remnants
Week 13	Hikaru KAWAMURA	Statistical Physical Approach in Earth Science
Week 14	Satoshi YUKAWA	Computer Simulations of Nonequilibrium Phenomena
Week 15	Kazushi AOYAMA	Introduction to Superconductivity and Superfluidity

Type of Class
   Lecture

Independent Study Outside of Class
   Students are expected to read some textbooks, journals and magazines that have articles related to the subjects discussed in the classrooms.

Textbooks
   Not required.

Reference
   Will be given as necessary during the classes.

Grading Policy
   At the end of the semester, each student is expected to complete a report of 3-5 pages (single-spaced A4 paper) on one of the lecture topics. The report should be submitted to the main instructor (Kentaro NAGAMINE: kn@ess.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp) by Jan 30, 2017.