ASTR/GEOL 4330/5330: Cosmochemistry





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Course Syllabus

Problems 1
Problems 2
Problems 3
Problems 4
Problems 5

Lecture Notes:

Week 1 - introduction to the course
Lecture 2 - overview of solar system structure, introduction to nuclear chemistry, the first elements
Lecture 3 - introduction to the light stable isotopes, H- and He-burning, basic nuclear reactions
Lecture 4 - He-burning, s-process, CNO-cycle, heavier elements

Lecture 5 - Carbonaceous Chondrites and meteorite classifications

Lecture 6 - Carbonaceous Chondrites - laboratory assignment
Lecture 7 - r-, p- and rp-process nucleosynthesis
Lecture 8 - Condensation sequence

Lecture 9 - Achondrites and metals
Lecture 10 - Achondrites and metals - laboratory assignment

Lecture 11 - Short-lived nuclides 1
Lecture 12 - Short-lived nuclides 2
Lecture 13 - Planetary bodies

Lecture 14 - Moon
Lecture 15 - Lunar samples - laboratory assignment

Lecture 16 - Water
Lecture 17 - Pre-Life
Lecture 18 - Atmosphere
Lecture 19 - Geochemistry of Mercury and Venus
Lecture 20 - Geochemistry of Mars

Supplementary Readings:


B^2FH "Synthesis of the elements in stars"
Arnould & Takahashi "Nuclear Astrophysics"
Prof. Bill White's class notes (Cornell University) on "Nucleosynthesis"
Nicolas Dauphas' treatment of the Th/U evolution of the Galaxy

Interesting Links To Check Out:

  • Center for Lunar Origin and Evolution
  • NASA Lunar Science Institute
  • NASA Exploration Home
    Nicole, download your powerpoint presentation here!
    Elizabeth, download your powerpoint presentation here!

    If you encounter any problems or have suggestions, please send me an mail to mojzsis@colorado.edu.

    S.J. Mojzsis | Early Earth & Planetary Systems Geology Group | Geological Sciences | CU Planetary Sciences Program

    Created September, 2011 by Stephen J. Mojzsis