Course Schedule

SPST 410. Life Support Systems. 3 Credits.

A review of the physiological effects of living in space including a discussion of current and near-term life support systems equipment for the provision of oxygen, water, food, and radiation protection. In addition, a review will be made of the issues associated with the development of fully closed ecological life-support systems that will be essential to the long-term development of space. Prerequisite: SPST 200. On demand.

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 552. History of Astronomy and Cosmology. 3 Credits.

This course investigates the history of human endeavors to understand the stars, planets, and cosmos as a whole from a scientific perspective. It covers the early observations and theories of the Babylonians and Greeks through the European Scientific Revolution, and finally to the development of astrophysics and modern cosmology using space vehicles. On demand.

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 220. Space Science and Exploration. 3 Credits.

Revolutionary advances that have occurred in astronomy, the earth sciences and planetary science as a result of our entry into space. This course surveys the manned and robotic space missions which have gathered data for this new view of the Universe. The course introduces current concepts in cosmological theory as well as an overview of planetary evolution, solar system dynamical processes and physical characteristics of the planets. Prerequisite: SPST 200. S.

SPST 270. History of the Space Age. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to the history of human endeavors in space. These include the development of rocketry, the influence of amateur societies and science fiction, the military development of ballistic missiles, and human and robotic spaceflight. Prerequisite: SPST 200 or HIST 102 or HIST 104. 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 450. International Space Programs. 3 Credits.

This course will introduce students to the major governmental space programs around the world. The history, activities and future directions of the Russian/Soviet, European/ESA, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and other space programs will be explored. International collaborations between the various programs will also be studied. Prerequisite: SPST 200. 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 521. The Planet Mars. 3 Credits.

This course provides an in-depth review of the present state of our knowledge of the planet Mars. Topics that are covered include: the origin and evolution of the planet, the surface geology and geological processes, the geophysical properties of the Martian interior, the origin and evolution of the Martian atmosphere, the present and past climates of Mars, the Martian moons, and the possibility of past or present life on Mars. The American, Soviet/Russian and other nations' Mars exploration programs are reviewed and the course incorporates the most recent results from spacecraft missions such as Mars Odyssey, the Mars Exploration Rovers (Opportunity & Spirit), Mars Express (European Space Agency), Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity Rover), MAVEN, and Mangalyaan (India's Mars Orbiter Mission). Potential future manned and unmanned missions are also discussed. 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 541. Management of Space Enterprises. 3 Credits.

This course investigates the management of space organizations. These include organizations that are public and private, R&D and operations, profit and non-profit. You will learn the basics of management theory, the history of systems management, and the technical issues that must be considered in the management of space R&D and operations. 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.

SPST 570. Advanced Topics in Space Studies. 1-3 Credits.

Lecture, discussion and readings on advanced topics of current interest. May be repeated if the topic is different. Repeatable.