Earth & Space Sciences

This research internship program offers selected students the opportunity to participate in research projects or work as an intern in research centers or organizations at Yonsei University. Students are expected to participate in research projects for approximately 20 hours per week throughout the program. Projects will vary depending on placement. Graded Pass/No pass only.

The course introduces field study and geological surveying methods. The teaching material is lecture based and includes the concept of field geological surveying and the Heng-Chun Peninsula, which the class will embark on a four-day trip to Southern Taiwan to examine the rock and land formations of the area. Field practice is held during the semester, and performance during the field observation is the main determinant for performance assessment. A final examination is given after the field study, covering information on land formations, geological mapping, etc.

This multi-discipline course treats the question of life in the Universe. Where can life have developed? Must it be on a planet similar to Earth? How is life on a planet develop and evolve? Under what extreme circumstances can life persist? We discuss these and similar questions from physical, biological and social perspectives. Students also discuss methods to find and explore planets around other stars (exoplanets) and the search for intelligent life in the Universe and possible philosophical and other consequences of its eventual discovery.

The aim of the course is achieved by a combination of theoretical studies of measuring principles, planning and execution of field investigations, writing of a technical report, and oral presentation at a seminar. The course is dominated by a major compulsory project work which is carried out in groups of three students. The field investigation project consists of establishing a conceptual model, numerical pre-modeling for the design of investigation strategy, field investigation, data processing, inverse modeling, interpretation, and also written and oral presentation of results. The field investigation comprises three days and consists of geological field reconnaissance, and measurements with a couple of geophysical methods in combination with other field investigation methods such as drilling, penetration testing, and digging of test pits. Two of the days are carried out in small groups of about three-four students with one teacher per group.