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 07.10.2020
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
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 (8568)
Instructor: Keith Crisman
Required Textbook:
National Geographic Encyclopedia of Space by Linda Glover, 1st Edition 2004. National Geographic. ISBN-10: 0792273192, ISBN-13:
978-0792273196 (hardcover)
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.
Offered: On-Campus (12306)
Instructor: Caitlin Nolby
Required Textbook: TBD
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.
Offered: On-Campus (8613), Online (8614)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Space Engineering)
Instructor: Ron Fevig
Required Textbook: TBD
Online Chat Schedule: Tuesdays at 7:00pm Central Daylight Saving Time
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.
Offered: On-Campus (8593), Online (8594)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Space Engineering)
Instructor: Ron Fevig
Required Textbook: TBD
Online Chat Schedule: Thursdays at 8:00pm Central Daylight Saving Time
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.
Offered: On-Campus (8575), Online (8580)
Instructor: Pablo de León
Required Textbook: NONE
Online Chat Schedule: Mondays at 6:00pm Central Daylight Saving Time OR 7:00pm Central Daylight Saving Time
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.
Offered: On-Campus (8598), Online (8599)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Applications or Human Factors)
Instructor: Travis Nelson
Required Textbook: TBD
Online Chat Schedule: Fridays at 6:00-9:00pm Central Daylight Saving Time
SPST 520. Asteroids, Meteorites and Comets. 3 Credits.
The small bodies of the solar system provide clues to the origin and early history of the solar system. The planets and larger moons have all been chemically transformed erasing their records of their formation. By contrast, many asteroids, meteorites and comets are essentially unmodified from the time of their origin 4.5 billion years ago and thus preserve a record of the formation epoch. Each of these classes of objects is investigated separately, and relationships between them are examined. Implications for impact hazards and for extraterrestrial resources are also explored. The results of recent and current spacecraft missions to asteroids (e.g., Galileo, NEAR, DAWN, Hayabusa, Rosetta, OSIRIS-Rex, etc.) and to comets (e.g. Giotto, Vega 1, Stardust, Deep Impact, Rosetta, etc.) are reviewed. On demand.
Offered: On-Campus (8621), Online (8622)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Planetary Science)
Instructor: Mike Gaffey
Required Textbook:
The New Solar System by J. Kelly Beatty, Carolyn Petersen, and Andrew Chaikin, 4th Edition. ISBN-13: 978-0933346567
(hardcover)
Meteorites and Their Parent Planets by Harry McSween, Jr., 2nd Edition. ISBN-10: 0521587514, ISBN-13: 978-0521587518
(paperback)
Both books are out-of-print, but readily available at reasonable cost from Amazon and other online bookstores
Online Chat Schedule: Tuesdays at 8:00pm Central Daylight Saving Time
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.
Offered: On-Campus (8596), Online (8595)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Applications or Space Engineering)
Instructor: Sherry Fieber-Beyer
Required Textbook: NONE
Online Chat Schedule: Tuesdays at 6:00pm Central Daylight Saving Time
SPST 555. Military Space Programs. 3 Credits.
An introduction to military uses of space by the United States, Russia, and other nations. The course introduces ballistic missiles, anti-ballistic missile and anti-satellite systems, space-based reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering, communications, navigation, acquisition, and military space treaties. On demand.
Offered: Online (8623)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (History or Policy)
Instructor: David Kugler
Required Textbooks:
Toward a Theory of Space Power by Charles Lutes and Peter Hays, 2011. National Defense University. ISBN-10: 0160877865,
ISBN-13: 978-0160877865. Available at Defense Technical Information Center
Beyond Horizons: A Half Century of Air Force Space Leadership by David Spires, 1998. ASIN: B003HKQH66. Available at Department of Defense
Recommended Textbook:
Harnessing the Heavens: National Defense Through Space by Paul Gillespie and Grant Weller, 1st Edition 2008. Imprint. ISBN-10: 1879176459,
ISBN-13: 978-1879176454 (paperback)
Online Chat Schedule: Wednesdays at 6:00-9:00pm Central Daylight Saving Time
SPST 560. Space Politics and Policy. 3 Credits.
This course serves as a graduate-level introduction to the field of Public Policy as applied to Space Policy. The course surveys the evolution of Space Policy at several levels of analysis including context, political actors and institutions, political processes, and policy outcomes, and assesses the symbiotic relationship between policy, technology, and science. On demand.
Offered: On-Campus (8619), Online (8620)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (History or Policy)
Instructor: Michael Dodge
Required Textbooks:
John F. Kennedy and the Race to the Moon by John Logsdon, 2010 Edition. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN-10: 1137346493, ISBN-13:
978-1137346490 (paperback)
...The Heavens and the Earth: A Political History of the Space Age by Walter McDougall, 1997. Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN-10: 0801857481, ISBN-13:
978-0801857485 (paperback)
Ronald Reagan and the Space Frontier by John Logsdon, 2019. Springer. ISBN-10: 3319989618, ISBN-13: 978-3319989617 (hardcover)
Online Chat Schedule: Thursdays at 6:00pm Central Daylight Saving Time
SPST 575. Remote Sensing Law and Policy. 3 Credits.
This course focuses on the evolving laws, policies, and institutions that have long-term ramifications for earth observations. Some topics addressed are the United Nations Principles on Remote Sensing, the U.S. Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992, the commercialization of remote sensing activities, as well as manned and unmanned aerial remote sensing systems and their intersection with criminal and civil law. The course will also analyze current and developing remote sensing law, regulations, and technological capabilities, and their implications for both legal and cultural conceptualizations of privacy. At the U.S. domestic level, this will involve 4th Amendment jurisprudence, privacy laws, and case law. On demand.
Offered: On-Campus (8627), Online (8628)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (Law or Policy)
Instructor: Michael Dodge
Required Textbook: NONE
Online Chat Schedule: Thursdays at 7:00pm Central Daylight Saving Time
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) |
| 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) |
| 570 | Systems for Planetary Surface Exploration offered online |
Pablo de León | Technical (Space Engineering) |
| 590 | Space Studies Colloquium offered on-campus and online |
Pablo de León | |
| 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 |
TBD | 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 |
Pablo de León | |
| 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) |