Tag: Graduate courses
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Courses
SEST 6577: GIS for Security Studies
This course provides an introduction to geospatial data science and its applications to public policy, political economy, and international relations. The course will enable students to work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data structures and understand cartography, transformations, georeferencing, geocoding, and spatial analysis. It will provide students with hands-on experience in using open-source GIS software to visualize and analyze multiple types of data, including administrative records, historical maps, boundaries, weather, climate, roads, and satellite images/remote sensing. Applications will include data on elections, armed conflict, crime, public infrastructure, and economic activity, plus a series of specialized topics selected by students. Class…
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Courses
STIA 4400: Space Diplomacy
Spaceflight increasingly serves as a powerful tool for diplomacy, fostering collaboration between nations and shaping global relations. This interdisciplinary course explores the role of outer space in international relations, examining how space programs, missions, and technologies influence political, economic, and strategic interactions on Earth. Throughout the semester, students will investigate how spaceflight has served as a tool of diplomacy, while also examining how diplomatic frameworks and negotiations are essential for space exploration. Key topics include the role of multinational organizations like the United Nations in space policy, landmark programs in space history (such as the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project and the…
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Courses
SEST 6631: Outer Space/Strategic Capabilities
This course will explore how outer space and associated strategic technologies are transforming the international security environment. The course will examine the role that outer space played during the Cold War and discuss how current technological trends are shaping today’s space security environment. Additionally, this course will explore contemporary topics like the rise of commercial space companies; anti-satellite and counterspace weapons; the growth of orbital debris; cybersecurity challenges; the creation of the U.S. Space Force; the emergence of China as a space power; and the potential for arms control and norms of behavior to help manage competition in the space…
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Courses
SEST 6632: Space Policy and Power
This course examines the evolution and challenges of U.S. space policies and strategies, space programs, and space activities within the context of technological, environmental, economic, and international relations theories. Integral to this process is the development of critical thinking on the utility of the space domain to further overall US policy and space power projection. By the end of this course, students should be able to utilize a variety of frameworks to effectively assess competing theoretical, doctrinal and strategic perspectives. Course information
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Courses
STIA 4406: Space Security and Exploration
Satellites provide a foundation for Earth and space science, weather forecasting, treaty verification, strategic and military intelligence, global communications and navigation, and projection of military power. This course will focus on intersections between space and international security, with additional discussion about modern space exploration and new private companies. We will cover four broad areas: fundamentals of astronautics and satellite applications, space security in the Cold War, scientific exploration and commercial development, and modern space security dilemmas. Throughout the course, students will explore technical, strategic, economic, and policy issues using real-world examples. Course information
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Courses
STIA 4321: Rocket Economics
A new generation of reusable rockets and smaller more powerful satellites are revolutionizing the space business. Rocket Economics will examine the fundamentals of the rapidly expanding space economy driven by applications for commercial, civil, and national security customers around the globe. The goal is to educate future business, government, and science leaders on next generation markets for space-based services. The course will employ case studies, readings, and guest lectures by space industry leaders to inform the dialectic method as we explore the business of space. Students are not presumed to have a technical background. The course will cover the basic…
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Courses
BIOL 5170: Astrobiology Journal Club
This journal club provides a relaxed setting for students to present their research for peer review and discuss the most recent topics in astrobiology and planetary sciences. Course information
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Courses
MSFS 5590: Space Policy and Diplomacy
This course provides an overview of key space topics and explores how they intersect with the complex landscape of space policy, diplomacy and international affairs. This course will examine contemporary civil, commercial, and national security space policy issues. Topics include U.S. space policy, international space law and governance, the role of space in international development, strategic competition in space, diplomacy with emerging and established space nations, space sustainability, and the increasing role of commercial space actors in shaping national and international policy. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key actors, policies, and challenges in the space sector, enabling…
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Courses
STIA 4417: National Lab Space Research Forum
This seminar offers students a guided introduction to the cutting-edge space research conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Over the course of the semester, participants will hear from prominent LLNL scientists and engineers working on topics such as spacecraft instrumentation, remote sensing, astrophysics, planetary defense, small sats, earth system science, and astrobiology. Students will gain a unique perspective on the inner workings of a national laboratory, and how its structure, priorities, and mission differ from those of a university setting. Lectures will be supplemented with behind-the-scenes case studies of LLNL’s projects and virtual lab tours and reinforced through close…
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Courses
STIA 4418/PHYS 2020: Astronomy and Astrophysics
This class will introduce students to a variety of active research topics in astrophysics today as well as the context and basics of the particular area of study from the Big Bang to the formation of stars and planets. The course will also provide an overview of different astronomical techniques and observatories as well as a discussion of career pathways for students who are interested in astronomy and astrophysics as an undergraduate or graduate major. Finally the course will end with the outstanding big questions in the field and how these are likely to be addressed by the national and…