ASTC11 - Astrobiology

Welcome

Welcome to the Canvas information page for the course 

ASTC01/ASTC11: Astrobiology, 7.5 credits

given by the Department of Physics.

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NEW COURSE CODE FROM 2024: ASTC11

 

Content

After the course you should have acquired skills to apply a perspective from astronomy and geosciences, in describing methods for mapping of environments within, and outside our solar system, where there might exist preconditions for the existence of life; to apply a perspective from biology, in describing how life has developed on Earth, and in studying its limits, e.g., the most extreme environments that terrestrial life can endure. The student should be able to give a general account of

  • the earliest traces of life on Earth Theories of the origin of life. terrestrial life under extreme relations
  • the evolution of other planets and of their atmospheres. The planet Mars: its evolutionary history and properties; climate changes, seasonal variations and their causes; the differences versus the Earth
  • impacts of meteorites and asteroids; biological effects concerning the extinction or modification of species. Possible transfer of microorganisms between planets in the solar system. The need for quarantine on Earth for extraterrestrial samples and protection of other celestial bodies against contamination from Earth
  • planets around other stars (exoplanets) and current methods to find and study these. Future ground-based and spaceborne experiments. Construction of space probes to search for life in the solar system
  • mechanisms for global climate changes. The Earth's future billions of years from now. Possible artificial climate changes on other planets
  • the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Interstellar communication and the feasibility of interstellar spaceflight. Possible sociological and other consequences of the discovery of extraterrestrial life and/or of extraterrestrial intelligence
  • historical perspectives: Shifting thoughts about extraterrestrial life throughout the times

 have received training in

  • interdisciplinary approaches within astrobiology as a distinctly multidisciplinary subject
  • literature searches within research topics close to current research frontlines. Oral, written and computer-based presentation of an independent project.

 

General information

  • Semester: ​autumn 
  • Study period: ​2
  • Level: ​bachelor
  • Language: English
  • Form of teaching:  Lectures, problem-based learning sessions, and self-study
  • Assessment:  written examination
  • Grading scale: U-G-VG
  • Course plan: in English, in Swedish

Course literature

  •  An Introduction to Astrobiology, 3rd ed., Rothery, Gilmore, and Septhon, Cambridge University Press, 2018, ISBN: 9781108430838

Teacher

Schedule

The upcoming schedule for the next instance of the course can be found here: ASTC01 on TimeEdit. Links to an external site.

 

Introductory Meetings

Information about the compulsory introductory meetings can be found on fysik.lu.se.

 

Application

Apply for the course on antagning.se