Astrobiology

(5 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This module aims to lead students through the scientific quest for the origin of life on Earth and the prospect for finding life on other planets, both in our solar system and on habitable worlds elsewhere in the Galaxy. The course will cover diverse topics in biology, geology, astronomy and chemistry, which together comprise the field of astrobiology. The course will study the origins and evolution of planets and life on Earth, and use this as a framework for how to search for life in our Solar System and beyond, including exploring how science interfaces with society. Due to the wide range of science topics covered, the module is applicable to any Science faculty student. A key component of the course will be to examine the scientific method, how scientific theories are developed and refuted, and discuss the burden of proof for extraordinary claims.