Course Schedule

SPST 200. Introduction to Space Studies. 3 Credits.

An introduction to a range of topics in space studies including: an overview of planetary science, stellar evolution and the history of the universe; a brief view of the history of national and international activities, an examination of the fundamentals of space flight and human activity in space, a review of some current problems and issues in the space arena, and a projection of the future course of space activities in the coming decades. This is a required course for an undergraduate minor in space studies. F,S.

SPST 360. NASA. 3 Credits.

An examination of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA was formed in 1958 out of the existing National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA) and elements from the Army and Navy -- but not the Air Force -- space programs. This course will examine the technologies, the history and the politics involved in each of the NASA elements -- including the one "new" center not inherited from earlier organizations: the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The course will conclude with a picture of NASA today. Prerequisite: SPST 200 or consent of instructor. F.

SPST 405. Space Mission Design. 3 Credits.

A team design project to develop the requirements for a space mission. The specific mission will vary from time to time. Design teams will work on selected portions of the mission. Accompanying lectures will provide background material. Prerequisite: SPST 200. S.

SPST 460. Life in the Universe. 3 Credits.

This course examines the nature and evolution of life on Earth from its origin to the present time in the context of cosmological evolution, chemical evolution, planetary evolution, biological evolution, and cultural evolution. The possibility of life elsewhere in the universe is considered based on the conditions under which life could arise and flourish. Human changes to the Earth are placed within this context. The future of life on Earth is discussed and the social and cultural implications arising from the discovery of extraterrestrial life are explored. On demand.

SPST 500. Introduction to Orbital Mechanics. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students without much background in either mathematics or physics to the problems faced everyday by orbital analysts as they track the 7000 satellites which orbit the earth. The course gives the students an ability to converse, as managers and co-workers, with those individuals who are calculating these difficult orbits. This appreciation is important in both the civilian and military sides of the space program. On demand.

SPST 501. Survey of Space Studies I. 3 Credits.

SPST 501 is the first course in a two-course sequence (along with SPST 502) in Space Studies that introduces new students to essential knowledge that will be necessary to successfully complete their M.S. degree in space studies. SPST 501 consists of the following six modules: 1) space history, 2) space policy, 3) space law, 4) planetary and space sciences, 5) space life sciences and human factors, and 6) Earth remote sensing. All modules contain foundational information that will give students the basic knowledge and skills necessary to achieve a broad understanding of the multi- and inter-disciplinary nature of space studies; knowledge that can be applied in later courses, such as Capstone; and knowledge that facilitates thesis and other specialized types of instruction and research. Course content in SPST 501 will also be used to assess student learning at the end of their M.S. program via the Comprehensive Examination. Students are expected to master and understand course content, be able to apply course content as appropriate, and demonstrate their understanding of course content prior to graduation. F.

SPST 515. Human Factors in Space. 3 Credits.

This course is a review of the major stresses experienced by humans on entering the space environment. The course objectives include investigation of the psychological and physiological effects experienced by U.S. and Russian space crews, with an emphasis on longer flights. The examination of the avoidance and mitigation of these stresses is an essential need in the future development of human spaceflight. On demand.

SPST 526. Advanced Observational Astronomy. 3 Credits.

An advanced course that utilizes UND Observatory's full wavelength range capabilities to obtain data from a variety of celestial objects with the key goal of learning appropriate ways to reduce and interpret observational data. In particular, the course will focus on visible-wavelength stellar spectroscopy, near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy, solar astronomy, radio astronomy, and color imaging. Students will also engage in reading professional literature for each sub-discipline and prepare a mock publication using data obtained during the course. Learning outcomes and objectives for this course include: 1) Students will be able to locate and observe astronomical objects and reduce data, 2) Develop analytical skills and the ability to interpret observational data, 3) Gain experience with measurement techniques and equipment, and develop the ability to assess uncertainties and assumptions, 4) Communicate professionally, in writing, the results of their observational endeavors, and be able to understand scientific ideas by reading published professional journal articles, 5) Students will be able to understand scientific ethical practices and demonstrate them in the conduct of scientific research, and 6) Students will be able to conduct astronomical research under the direction of the professor, which will ultimately contribute to the generation of new knowledge as it will prepare them to do this professionally. Prerequisites: SPST 425 and MATH 165 or consent of instructor. On demand.

SPST 542. Risk Management of Space Organizations. 3 Credits.

This course includes a systematic approach to the principles and practices of risk management in the space industry from project initiation through planning, implementation, control and closeout. It discusses various techniques and models for qualitative and quantitative risk assessment and risk mitigation in such areas as cost, schedule, and performance. Decision making under conditions of uncertainty and risk is also discussed. On demand.

SPST 545. Space and the Environment. 3 Credits.

This course is an advanced graduate-level review of international relations theories, policies, and laws as applied to the international implications of global commons. This course introduces the concept of global commons, examines the theories and practices concerning management of global commons, and analyzes the global commons dealing with the challenges of collective action as applied to global, orbital, and planetary environmental changes. On demand.