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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.