Earth & Space Sciences

This course aims to teach the fundamentals of planetary science, including an introduction to research subjects, key phenomena and observational facts, basic theoretical frameworks and ways of thinking, as well as fundamental research and detection methods.

This course covers the basics of stellar evolution. It addresses stellar structure and properties; nuclear reaction; stellar evolution; white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes, and supernovae. 

This course introduces Geology and covers the essentials of the discipline as follows: crystals and minerals; igneous and metamorphic rocks; structural geology; mineral deposits and economic geology; paleontology; the interpretation of geological maps. A three-day field trip to the Western Cape serves as an introduction to field geology. DP requirements: An average of 30% in all marked classwork and tests. Assessment: Class tests count 35%; field reports count 15%; one 2-hour theory examination written in November counts 50%. A subminimum of 40% is required in the theory examination paper.

The course introduces Astronomy and our place in the universe from the small scales of the Earth-Sun-Moon system to the large scales of distant galaxies. The course provides insight into how we study astrophysical objects via EM radiation and telescopes (theory) as well as providing a high-level overview of objects in the universe, moving outwards from our solar system, to stars and stellar remnants, our galaxy and others, dark matter and cosmology, and the study of the universe at the largest scales. Practicals: One compulsory practical or tutorial per week. DP requirements: Satisfactory attendance at lectures and compulsory attendance at sessions and submission of bi-weekly problem sets and poster project; class record of at least 35%. Assessment: Class record: 50%; final examination 2 hours: 50%. Sub-minimum: 40% for final examination

This course examines the study of the ‘blue’ spaces of our planet—oceans, rivers, reefs, and inland bodies of water—through case studies in the arts and literature. Using the vantage point in Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, “The Great Connector”, it considers environments and peoples whose lives are explicitly connected with and determined by the ocean. It considers kinship, sovereignty, and belonging through aesthetic, historical, religious, political, social, and material manifestations. Situated around issues of ocean acidification, pollution, and sea-level rise, it critically reflects on ways the humanities can improve our knowledge of cultures, histories, publics and practices of the blue planet.

This course introduces students to the understanding of space and natural philosophy, aimed at cultivating scientific and interdisciplinary literacy for Yonsei students who will become future leaders of society. It covers the characteristics of science, an overview of the universe, stellar evolution and the origin of humans, and the relationship between science, technology, and the fate of nations. The course also explores galaxy formation and evolution, Big Bang cosmology and natural philosophy, dark matter and dark energy, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence in an accessible way. In addition, it introduces the history and future prospects of astronomical observation.

This course introduces major atmospheric phenomena and their related basic concepts of atmospheric dynamics, optics, chemistry, thermodynamics, and meteorology. 

Students examine atmospheric thermodynamics to describe changes in the state of water, atmospheric dynamics to describe the movement of air, photochemistry to determine the composition of the atmosphere, and the formation and radiation processes of aerosols and clouds. In addition, students acquire theoretical and experimental methods necessary to understand these complex processes and cultivate the ability to solve practical problems related to extreme weather. 

Prerequisites:  (Essential) Earth Environmental Science (1,2), Calculus (1,2). (Recommend) General Physics (1,2), General Chemistry (1,2)