Astrobiology is a new discipline concerned with
the emergence and development of life in the Universe. It is a
task-oriented field of research, and thus it uses tools and expertise
from various traditional branches of science (astronomy, astrophysics,
biology, biochemistry, geochemistry, geophysics, etc.) to accomplish
its goals. This new course gives an introduction to astrobiology
for science majors or undecided students considering to major in one
of the sciences.
List of topics:
Part I - Elements of Astrophysics
The Roadmap to Astrobiology - what is life?
Origin of the biogenic elements: The Big Bang and the origin of the
elements; the interstellar medium; star formation and star evolution
Origin of habitable planets: the formation of the Earth, planetary systems, exosolar planets,
cosmochemsitry of meteorites, comets; role of impacts; volcanism,
plate tectonics
Habitability requirements: water, UV shielding, solar energy
Part II - Origin of Life on Earth
Elements of biology: cell, DNA, RNA,
Physical and chemical processes relevant to biology (photosynthesis,
etc.)
Emergence of life on Earth (multicellular life) and life in extreme
environments (extremophiles, etc.); models for life's origins
Development of life on Earth (speciation; tools (rock dating, etc.);
mass extinctions; the habitability zone)
Part III: Searching for Life
Finding life beyond the Earth: historical perspective of previous
investigations and the Solar system exploration; Mars, Venus, Europa and Titan
Special topics: currents trends in astrobiology. Mini-lectures presented by
students on current research in astrobiology
List of topics:
