EAE2051 Introduction to the formation and evolution of planets
Faculty of Science
EAE2051 Introduction to the formation and evolution of planets is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before EAE2051
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After EAE2051
No unit lists EAE2051 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
PREREQUISITE: 24 credit points of Level 1 study
Overview
This unit is an introduction to the processes that led to formation of planets in our solar system, and controlled their evolution over the last 4.56 billion years. It starts with aspects of larger scale astronomy to generate a picture of our place in the universe and where planets form within galaxies. Next we focus in on the planets in our solar system, generating an understanding of how they formed in a way that explains their large-scale characteristics. The unit then moves through geologic time from the first few million years of the solar system’s history when planets first formed, through 4.56 billion years of planetary evolution to what we see today. This covers aspects of planetary geology, deep time climate change, and planetary surface geomorphology. In doing so, Earth is compared and contrasted with the other planets. The unit thus provides an understanding of links within the broader discipline of Earth sciences and should be of interest to anyone wanting to learn more about geology, climate science and environmental geography.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Semester-long research projectDemonstration50%
- In-class practical exercisesDemonstration30%
- Critical evaluation of the literature essayWritten20%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain the current hypotheses for the large-scale formation and evolution of the Solar System, and how these may differ to planetary systems around other stars;
- 2
Describe the characteristic building blocks of different types of planets and moons;
- 3
Discuss how surface features on planets and moons indicate different geological, climate, and geomorphological processes;
- 4
Combine scientific data to design and evaluate strategies to conduct research on planetary materials;
- 5
Combine scientific data to form a hypothesis that can be used in exploration of planetary surfaces for evidence of life, or for resources;
- 6
Communicate effectively with scientists and engineers in the space sector.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops60 hours
- Teaching approachResearch activities
- Teaching approachCase-based teaching
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachEnquiry-based learning
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- One 3-hour workshop;
- One 2-hour workshop and
- Seven hours of independent study per week.
The semester-long research project will be the primary research activity, supplemented by the critical literature evaluation essay.
Case examples of different processes will be used to teach theory content throughout the semester.
The workshop approach will be based around practical exercises.
The semester-long research project is a quintessential example of enquiry-based learning. It will help students connect individual weekly topics through the common thread of their research project, which is revisited multiple times through the semester.
The semester-long research project and practical exercises will be conducted in groups.
The workshop approach will be based around practical exercises where students learn through solving problems.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Planetary Sciences, 2nd Edition (2015) by de Pater and Lissauer (book).
Where it fits
EAE2051 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Andy Tomkins
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Andy Tomkins
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EAE2051?
EAE2051 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is EAE2051 offered?
In 2026, EAE2051 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does EAE2051 have an exam?
No. EAE2051 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include EAE2051?
EAE2051 is part of Geoscience.