Peking University

Space Science and Technology

I. Major Introduction

Space Science and Technology major is a newly established profession for the development of China’s space science and technology, its predecessor is the space physics major established in 1958. The teaching and research content of space science and technology major includes: using observation instruments and laboratory equipment on various types of spacecraft, studying the physical and chemical characteristics and evolution process of solar-terrestrial space, interplanetary space, star space environment; studying the structure characteristics and their formation and evolution process of celestial bodies (including the Earth, the Sun, the planets and their satellites, comets, asteroids, and other stars); using space platforms to conduct various scientific experiments that cannot be achieved in the laboratory on the earth, studying various physical and chemical processes, life phenomena and materials under microgravity conditions; and using the exploration technologies of sounding rockets and spacecraft space. At present, the main research areas of space science include the following subject branches: space physics, space astronomy, astrometeorology, micro-gravity science, space life science, space geoscience, and so on. The space technology of this major mainly only refers to technologies associated with the research and application of space science, including space exploration technologies, satellites and space station application technology, spacecraft protection technology, etc. The 21st century will be the new century that space science develops fast and prosperously, the Department Space Science and Technology of Peking University is an important training base for China’s senior personnel in space science, application and exploration techniques. This major is both a national doctoral and master’s station of space physics, and also the key discipline of Beijing city, with complete subject range, highly qualified teachers, rich research achievements, wide international and domestic cooperation and broad development prospects. Based on the current development condition of space science and technology and various conditions of this Department, there are 3 main directions of space science and technology major:

Space Physics

Space physics studies the physical phenomena and rules of solar-terrestrial space, it is an important part of space science.

Space Environment and Space Weather

The Earth space is the area for all kinds of satellites to run, and also the major flight area of medium and long-range rockets. The monitoring and prediction of the Earth’s space environment is an important factor of outer space and aerospace security. This major undertakes various national high-tech projects, such as research related to space environment changes and space weather forecasting method, and is gradually forming a major force in China’s space environmental research.

Space Exploration Technology

Space exploration is the basis of satellites application and space research, and the main approach for humans to understand spatial phenomena and their laws. This department has developed advanced space-borne exploration instruments, carried out relevant advanced research work of deep space exploration, and will significantly strengthened space exploration technologies in the future, making space exploration technology become the pillar of disciplinary development.

The Department of Space Science and Technology has 1 academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 professor of the Yangtze River, 6 professors and associate professors, 2 lecturers, and 2 senior engineers; teachers are strongly qualified, and keep close relations and good cooperative relations with foreign universities and research institutes. This profession pays attention to equip students with a solid foundation of mathematics and physics and profound knowledge of foreign languages and computers, and to learn and master the basics of space science and technology at present. The disciplinary characteristics of space science and technology determines that graduates of this major will not only have a strong capacity in space science and technology research, but can also adapt to the needs of various work in modern society, becoming a generation of new technology and management talents.

Other than the majority of graduates in this major who apply for domestic and international postgraduate degrees, the others mainly volunteer to conduct research, teaching, and senior management in research institutions, universities, energy and resources, aerospace and communications, national organs, and other department.

II. Training Requirements and Targets of This Major

This profession trains talents who are morally, intellectually and physically developed and master the basic theory, knowledge and skills of space science and technology.

It requires students to love the motherland, adhere to the four cardinal principles, have a good moral character, diligent, rigorous, realistic and innovative scientific spirit, and be willing to wholeheartedly serve for the people and socialist construction.

It requires students to master systematical theory and knowledge in mathematics and physics, have strong computer application capacity and proficient foreign language skills, hold solid professional knowledge and basic experiment skills in space science and technology, receive preliminary training for  basic research or applied research, possess strong knowledge update capacity, and can conduct scientific research, teaching, production technology, and other aspects of work related to space science and technology and other subjects.

III. Awarded Degree

   Bachelor of Science

IV.  Credit Requirement and Course Setting  

Total credits: 145 credits, among which: 

1．95 credits for compulsory courses;

2．44 credits for optional courses；

3．Graduation dissertation/design  6 credits；

          4．Other studies（such as scientific research training, social internship and practice, off-campus study and exchange, etc.)