Introduction to Astrobiology (111-0-1)

Instructors

Jason Wang

Meeting Info

Tech Institute Lecture Room 2: Mon, Wed, Fri 3:00PM - 3:50PM

Overview of class

The modern scientific perspective on the question of life elsewhere in the universe. Topics to be discussed include the origin, nature, and evolution of life on Earth, the search and prospects for life elsewhere in the solar system including Mars and Europa, the discovery and character of exoplanet systems, the prospects for detecting exoplanet biospheres, and the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life. This WCAS Area I distribution course is designed for non-science majors.

Learning Objectives

Identify the important properties of life on Earth and their necessary ingredients
Explain where and what kinds of alien life could be found
Assess the accuracy of results in the search of life

Class Materials (Required)

Life in the Universe, 5th Edition
Jeffrey Bennett, Seth Shostak, Nicholas Schneider, and Meredith MacGregor
https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691241784/life-in-the-universe-5th-edition
ISBN: 9780691241784

Class Attributes

Natural Sciences Foundational Discipline
Natural Sciences Distro Area