Course Schedule
The following courses are tentatively scheduled to be offered as part of the Space Studies Program. Note that SPST 504, 591, 593, 996, 997, and 998 are available every semester and require department approval prior to registration; contact the Space Studies Department to do so. To see all space studies courses, refer to the course listing.
Space studies online courses are sometimes difficult to differentiate in the Campus Connection registration system. Class numbers are provided below, which are specific to the online section of each course.
- In Campus Connection, locate the course you want
- By clicking on either section that is highlighted in blue, the class details will provide the information indicating an online course
- The location code lists "Space Studies Distance Program" and meeting information as "UND Online" (on-campus courses would list the location code as "University of North Dakota" and provide meeting information.
NOTE: Textbooks listed are confirmed for the given semester.
Last Updated 03.27.2020
Spring 2020
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.
Offered: On-Campus (8997)
Instructor: Sean McCloat
Required Textbook: TBD
Online Chat Schedule: TBD
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.
Offered: Online (18040)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Human Factors)
Instructors: Pablo de León
Required Textbook: NONE
Online Chat Schedule: Tuesdays at 6:00pm Central
SPST 425. Observational Astronomy. 3 Credits.
This course explores aspects of observational astronomy including monochromatic imaging, astrometry, and photometry. Basic observing techniques, astronomical equipment, characteristics of the night sky, data reduction, interpretations, as well as image processing techniques will be taught. Students will learn to operate a remotely controllable Internet telescope and CCD camera. A broadband Internet connection is recommended. Night observing is required. Prerequisite: PHYS 110. S.
Offered: On-Campus (9033), Online (9034)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Applications)
Instructor: Sherry Fieber-Beyer
Required Textbook:
To Measure the Sky: An Introduction to Observational Astronomy by Frederick Chromey, 2nd Edition. ISBN-13: 978-1107572560 (paperback)
Online Chat Schedule: Tuesdays at 6:00pm Central
SPST 502. Survey of Space Studies II. 3 Credits.
SPST 502 is the second course in a two-course sequence (along with SPST 501) 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 502 consists of the following five modules: 1) space mission design (two modules), 2) orbital mechanics, 3) launch vehicles and propulsion, and 4) robotic spacecraft instrumentation. 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 502 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. S.
Offered: On-Campus (9022), Online (9023)
Instructor: Pablo de León
Required Textbook: NONE
Online Chat Schedule: Mondays at 6:00pm Central OR 7:00pm Central
SPST 505. Spacecraft Systems Engineering. 3 Credits.
This course will guide the students through the spacecraft design and proposal process for an actual mission. In this course the students will work in teams on individual spacecraft subsystems, participate in an engineering design review, and create a document which can be submitted for funding for a small satellite project. Lectures will provide an overview of the separate spacecraft subsystems involved in a typical mission, the systems engineering approach to spacecraft development, and the grant writing process. Distance students will interact with on-campus students via conferencing software. Prerequisite: SPST 405 or consent of instructor.
Offered: On-Campus (14395), Online (14396)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Space Engineering)
Instructor: Ron Fevig
Recommended Textbooks:
Space Mission Analysis and Design by James Wertz and Wiley Larson, 3rd Edition 1999. Microcosm Press. ISBN-13: 978-1881883104
(paperback)
Space Mission Engineering: The New SMAD by James Wertz, David Everett, and Jeffery Puschell, 1st Edition 2011. Microcosm
Press. ISBN-13: 978-1881883159 (paperback)
Online Chat Schedule: Thursdays at 7:00pm Central
SPST 512. Human Performance in Extreme Environments. 3 Credits.
This course identifies the impact that the stressors of extreme environments have on human performance. The course objectives are to highlight the differences and similarities among extreme environments and to demonstrate that, despite the differences lessons learned from operations in a given extreme environment can be effectively applied to other environments. Although settings such as space, mountains, or deep sea exhibit unique characteristics, the human physiological and psychological reactions and adaptations to these extreme settings stay similar. On demand.
Offered: On-Campus (9043), Online (9044)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Human Factors)
Instructor: Travis Nelson
Required Textbooks:
Performing in Extreme Environments by Lawrence Armstrong, 2000. ISBN-10: 0880118377, ISBN-13: 978-0880118378 (paperback)
Fundamentals of Space Life Sciences, Volumes 1 & 2 by Suzanne Churchill, 1997. ISBN-10: 0894640518, ISBN-13: 978-0894640513 (hardcover)
(NOTE: the necessary portions of this textbook will be available as a duplicated course
pack through the UND Bookstore to alleviate the high cost of purchasing the text)
Online Chat Schedule: Fridays at 6:00-9:00pm Central (live class)
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.
Offered: On-Campus (9045), Online (9046)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Planetary Science)
Instructor: Mike Gaffey
Required Textbook: NONE
Online Chat Schedule: Tuesdays at 7:00pm Central
SPST 561. Public Administration of Space Technology. 3 Credits.
This course is an advanced graduate-level review of Public Administration theories as applied to the implementation of space technology programs. In this course, the political, organizational, and technical variables that affect the management processes of space organizations are examined. Prerequisite: SPST 560 or SPST 541. On demand.
Offered: Online (9047)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (Management)
Instructor: David Kugler
Required Textbooks:
Theories of Public Organization by Robert Denhardt, 7th Edition. ISBN-13: 978-1285436333 (paperback)
Politics of the Administrative Process by Donald Kettl, 7th Edition. ISBN-13: 978-1506357096 (paperback)
Online Chat Schedule: Wednesdays at 6:00-9:00pm Central (live class)
SPST 565. Space Law. 3 Credits.
This course serves as a graduate-level introduction to the field of Law as applied to Space Law. The course examines the origins and evolution of the laws of outer space from the beginnings of the space age to the present. International laws governing access and use of space, and national laws regulating governmental and commercial activities in space are reviewed and analyzed. On demand.
Offered: On-Campus (9048), Online (9049)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (Law)
Instructor: Michael Dodge
Required Textbook:
Handbook of International Law by Anthony Aust, 2nd Edition. ISBN-13: 978-0521133494 (paperback)
Online Chat Schedule: Mondays at 8:00pm Central
SPST 590. Space Studies Colloquium. 1 Credit.
A series of lectures presented by visiting lecturers and faculty. May be repeated for up to 2 credits. S/U grading.
Offered: On-Campus (9008), Online (9014)
Instructor: James Casler
Required Textbook: TBD
Online Chat Schedule: Mondays at 5:00-7:00pm Central on select days (Presentation and Q&A)
SPST 595. Space Studies Capstone. 3 Credits.
The capstone course integrates, extends and applies knowledge gained in earlier Space Studies courses and reading. The major component of this course is a collaborative team project inter-relating policy, technology and science. This course is required for students who select the non-thesis option and can be taken after completing at least 25 credits in the program or completion of the curriculum breadth requirements. The course concludes with a required week-long capstone experience on the UND campus in the spring. Prerequisites: SPST 501, SPST 502, SPST 997, Comprehensive Exam, Graduate school status, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Prerequisite or Corequisite: Will graduate in the calendar year; either in Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters. F.
Offered: Online (9042)
Instructor: Ron Fevig
Required Textbook: TBD
Online Chat Schedule: Mondays at 7:00pm Central
Summer 2020
SPST 551. 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.
Offered: Online
Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (History)
Instructor: Michael Dodge
Required Textbooks:
This New Ocean: The Story of the First Space Age by William E. Burrows, 1985. Modern Library. ISBN-13: 978-0375754852
Space and the American Imagination by Howard E. McCurdy, 2001. John Hopkins University Press. ISBN-13: 978-0801898686
(paperback)
Online Chat Schedule: Mondays at 7:00pm Central Daylight Saving Time
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.
Overview: This course investigates the potential for industrial space activities, with analysis of the possibilities and the barriers. Key areas include drivers influencing space industrial operations, potential locations and products to be mined or manufactured, and adapting terrestrial industry to operate in the space environment. Discussion of potential operations will be used to illustrate the challenges and opportunities of planetary industrial operations. As this remains a speculative area of study, creative and critical thinking will be emphasized. The vision for this course is that you will be actively engaged in the analysis and discussion of topics and issues relevant and critical to the future of off-Earth industrial enterprises.
Objectives: The main objectives of this course are to provide you with an understanding of the principles, theories, and drivers of industrial operations in space. Familiarity with the concepts learned in this course will enable you to effectively participate in the decision-making processes necessary to develop space industrial operations. Specifically, you should be able to answer the following questions:
- What are the potential resources or desired products of space industrial operations?
- What are the current drivers for these operations?
- What are advantages and challenges of performing these operations in space?
- How might these business concepts go from theory to reality?
- What entities are interested in these operations, and which are leading the charge?
Offered: Online
Areas (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Space Engineering), Social (Management)
Instructor: James Casler
Required Textbook: NONE
Online Chat Schedule: Wednesdays at 7:00pm Central Daylight Saving Time
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.
Public engagement in space is crucial for funding, political interests, and overall scientific literacy. Traditionally, journalists were the chief way NASA and other agencies sent their message out to the public, since journalists have training in how to write or do broadcasts in a way that the public will understand and appreciate. The course will help you better understand space journalism, with a few questions such as: Who does space journalism? How well do journalists do their job? How has journalism changed over history? Why is it still important in the age of social media?
Offered: Online
Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (Policy or Management)
Instructors: James Casler/Elizabeth Howell
Required Textbook:
Journalism and Society by Denis McQuail, 2013. Sage Publications Ltd. ISBN-13: 978-1446266809
Online Chat Schedule: Tuesdays at 6:00pm Central Daylight Saving Time
Fall 2020
| Number | Title | Instructor | Area (Sub-Discipline) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | Introduction to Space Studies offered on-campus |
Will Green | |
| 220 | Space Science and Exploration offered on-campus |
Caitlin Nolby | |
| 405 | Space Mission Design offered on-campus and online |
Ron Fevig | Technical (Space Engineering) |
| 500 | Introduction to Orbital Mechanics offered on-campus and online |
Ron Fevig | Technical (Space Engineering) |
| 501 | Survey of Space Studies I offered on-campus and online |
Pablo de León | |
| 515 | Human Factors in Space offered on-campus and online |
Travis Nelson | Technical (Applications or Human Factors) |
| 520 | Asteroids, Meteorites and Comets offered on-campus and online |
Mike Gaffey | Technical (Planetary Science) |
| 526 | Advanced Observational Astronomy offered on-campus and online |
Sherry Fieber-Beyer | Technical (Applications or Space Engineering) |
| 541 | Management of Space Enterprises offered on-campus and online |
James Casler | Social (Management) |
| 555 | Military Space Programs offered online |
David Kugler | Social (History or Policy) |
| 560 | Space Politics and Policy offered on-campus and online |
Michael Dodge | Social (History or Policy) |
| 570 | Systems for Planetary Surface Exploration offered online |
Pablo de León | Technical (Space Engineering) |
| 575 | Remote Sensing Law and Policy offered on-campus and online |
Michael Dodge | Social (Law or Policy) |
Spring 2021
| Number | Title | Instructor | Area (Sub-Discipline) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | Introduction to Space Studies offered on-campus |
Sean McCloat | |
| 300 | The Case for Space offered on-campus |
Caitlin Nolby | |
| 425 | Observational Astronomy offered on-campus and online |
Sherry Fieber-Beyer | Technical (Applications) |
| 502 | Survey of Space Studies II offered on-campus and online |
Pablo de León | |
| 506 | Advanced Orbital Mechanics offered on-campus and online |
Ron Fevig | Technical (Space Engineering) |
| 512 | Human Performance in Extreme Environments offered on-campus and online |
Travis Nelson | Technical (Human Factors) |
| 527 | Extraterrestrial Resources offered on-campus and online |
Mike Gaffey | Technical (Planetary Science) |
| 540 | Space Economics and Commerce offered online |
David Kugler | Social (Management) |
| 552 | History of Astronomy and Cosmology offered on-campus and online |
Michael Dodge | Social (History) |
| 565 | Space Law offered on-campus and online |
Michael Dodge | Social (Law) |
| 570 | Space Propulsion Systems offered on-campus and online |
Marcos Fernandez | Technical (Space Engineering) |
| 590 | Space Studies Colloquium offered on-campus and online |
James Casler | |
| 595 | Space Studies Capstone offered online |
Ron Fevig |
Summer 2021
| Number | Title | Instructor | Area (Sub-Discipline) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 460 | Life in the Universe offered online |
Mike Gaffey | Technical (Planetary Science) |
| 517 | Human Spaceflight Systems offered online |
Pablo de León | Technical (Space Engineering) |
| 570 | Scientific Writing: Proposals offered online |
Sherry Fieber-Beyer |
Fall 2021
| Number | Title | Instructor | Area (Sub-Discipline) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | Introduction to Space Studies offered on-campus |
TBD | |
| 360 | NASA offered on-campus |
Michael Dodge | |
| 405 | Space Mission Design offered on-campus and online |
Ron Fevig | Technical (Space Engineering) |
| 500 | Introduction to Orbital Mechanics offered on-campus and online |
Ron Fevig | Technical (Space Engineering) |
| 501 | Survey of Space Studies I offered on-campus and online |
Pablo de León | |
| 515 | Human Factors in Space offered on-campus and online |
Travis Nelson | Technical (Applications or Human Factors) |
| 521 | The Planet Mars offered on-campus and online |
Mike Gaffey | Technical (Planetary Science) |
| 526 | Advanced Observational Astronomy offered on-campus and online |
Sherry Fieber-Beyer | Technical (Applications or Space Engineering) |
| 542 | Risk Management of Space Organizations offered on-campus and online |
James Casler | Social (Management) |
| 575 | Remote Sensing Law and Policy offered on-campus and online |
Michael Dodge | Social (Law or Policy) |
Spring 2022
| Number | Title | Instructor | Area (Sub-Discipline) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | Introduction to Space Studies offered on-campus |
Mike Gaffey | |
| 300 | The Case for Space offered on-campus |
Caitlin Nolby | |
| 410 | Life Support Systems offered online |
Lynn van Broock | Technical (Human Factors) |
| 425 | Observational Astronomy offered on-campus and online |
Sherry Fieber-Beyer | Technical (Applications) |
| 502 | Survey of Space Studies II offered on-campus and online |
Pablo de León | |
| 506 | Advanced Orbital Mechanics offered on-campus and online |
Ron Fevig | Technical (Space Engineering) |
| 512 | Human Factors in Extreme Environments offered on-campus and online |
Travis Nelson | Technical (Human Factors) |
| 520 | Asteroids, Meteorites and Comets offered on-campus and online |
Mike Gaffey | Technical (Planetary Science) |
| 551 | History of the Space Age offered on-campus and online |
Michael Dodge | Social (History) |
| 561 | Public Administration of Space Technology offered online |
David Kugler | Social (Management) |
| 565 | Space Law offered on-campus and online |
Michael Dodge | Social (Law) |
| 590 | Space Studies Colloquium offered on-campus and online |
James Casler | |
| 595 | Space Studies Capstone offered online |
Ron Fevig |
Summer 2022
| Number | Title | Instructor | Area (Sub-Discipline) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 545 | Space and the Environment offered online |
Michael Dodge | Social (Law or Policy) |
| 570 | Planetary Industrial Operations offered online |
James Casler | Technical (Space Engineering) Social (Management) |