Share Description
How are astronomers approaching the search for life in the Universe? What can we learn from the recent flurry of exoplanet discoveries? How likely is it that Earth is not the only place where life exists? This course delves into the emerging multidisciplinary field of astrobiology. Astrobiology progress is being driven by telescopes on the ground and in space, as well as new insights into how life evolved on Earth and its diversity. The topics covered in this course range from the science of detecting exoplanets to the chemistry that supports the argument that the ingredients for life are common throughout the Universe.
We will build a solid understanding by following the analyses of experts in chemistry, astronomy, geology, and archaeology. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify what makes a planet habitable and how likely it is that life exists there. Students will leave this course well-informed about one of science's most exciting fields, as well as prepared to discuss current exoplanet news stories and discoveries.
Syllabus :
1. Planets in the Solar System and Beyond
- Welcome to Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds
- Introduction to Week 1 - Planets in the Solar System and Beyond
- Exoplanets
- Planet Formation
- Planets and Moons
- Our Solar System
- Hot Jupiters and Planet Migration
- Water Worlds
- Census of Exoplanets in the Milky Way
2. Hunting for Exoplanets
- Introduction to Week 2 - Hunting for Exoplanets
- Gravity and the Doppler shift
- The Radial Velocity Method
- The Transit Method
- Learning from Observations
- Planet Composition
- Microlensing, Imaging & Selection Effects
3. Habitability
- Introduction to Week 3 - Habitability
- Cosmic Chemistry
- Essentials of Biological Life
- Defining the Habitable Zone
- The Lifetime of Stars
- Stars & Exoplanets
- Exoplanet Habitability
4. Life
- Introduction to Week 4 - Life
- The Early Earth
- The Atmosphere and Oceans
- Defining Life
- Early Life on Earth
- Life at the Extreme
- Habitable Moons
- The Habitability of Mars
5. Emerging Complex Life and Intelligence
- Introduction to Week 5 - Emerging Complex Life and Intelligence
- The Emergence of Cellular Life
- DNA & Genetics
- Life in the Phanerozoic Eon
- Evolution
- Life on Earth
- Genus Homo
6. SETI and Cosmic Companionship
- Introduction to Module 6 - SETI and Cosmic Companionship
- Civilizations & Culture
- Scientific Revolution
- Interstellar Communication
- SETI
- The Drake Equation
- Interstellar Travel
- Life as Computation
- Exoplanet Mission Proposal - Overview
