Graduate Requirements: Planetary Science

In addition to general Institute and basic division requirements, candidates for the Ph.D. degree in planetary science must satisfy the following course requirements: Ge 101, Ge 102, and courses in planetary formation and dynamics (Ge/Ay 133), planetary atmospheres (Ge/ESE 150), planetary interiors (Ge 131), and planetary surfaces (Ge 151). In addition, students shall successfully complete 45 units of 100-level or higher courses in a coherent field of specialization. This requirement may be satisfied by completion of a subject minor or through a set of courses chosen in consultation with and approved by the adviser and the option representative. A grade of C- or better is required for all course work that satisfies these requirements. Higher-level mathematics and physics courses are strongly encouraged. All candidates are expected to attend the planetary sciences seminar regularly. Satisfaction of the oral presentation requirement includes at least one 30-minute presentation annually by the student in the planetary sciences seminar, starting in the second year. Typically, students will present on their research work each year.

Units at Caltech nominally reflect the total hours a typical student will spend per week in the classroom, the lab and with homework. Thus, a nine unit course may involve three hours in the classroom, two hours in a laboratory and four hours doing homework each week.