I. An Introduction to Astronomy

This section will introduce students to the size of the universe and the scale of structure within it. Basic characteristics of stellar evolution and the interstellar medium will be provided, especially as they relate to the formation of biological compounds and their constituent atoms and molecules. The criticality of knowing the astronomical universe in the search for extraterrestrial life is underscored by recalling that the first pulsar signals were initially hypothesized to be extraterrestrial communications. The discovery of amino acids in the interstellar medium formed the basis of the panspermia hypothesis for the origin of life. The spectral type of a star determines the zone of habitability in a solar system. These are just a few examples where an understanding of basic astronomy is needed for astrobiology.

2. The Nature of Life on Earth

This section will begin with the critical definition of life and its biological characteristics using life on earth as an example. An historical perspective on the origin of life on earth and related experiments will also be covered. Perhaps the most crucial step in the formation of life is the evolution from organic to biological material. This as well as alternative origins will be discussed from a broad yet scientifically detailed perspective.

III. The Search for Life in the Solar System

Historically, our own Solar system has been the most intriguing location in the Universe to look for extraterrestrial life. Recent observations of Mars, including the controversial Mars meteorite, and the satellites of the Giant planets, such as Titan, have given much new information with which to build the case for past or future emergence of life in locations.

4. The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

The detection of dozens of extra-solar planets over the past decade by ground based telescopes has made finding earth-like planets inevitable. Given the belief that similar conditions to earth would also produce life makes these the best locations to search for signs of life such as evidence of photosynthesis in the planetary atmosphere. The SETI institute has been carrying out a privately funded systematic search of sun-like stars for communications, either direct or incidental, in the radio band. The results of these data will be discussed as well as future endeavors.

Required Textbook

The textbook will likely be “The search for Life in The Universe”, Goldsmith & Owen, University Science Books (ISBN 1-891389-16-5, 2001), 3^rd Edition.

Useful References

Life in the Universe
Bennett and Shostak
Addison Wesley
2nd edition
ISBN 0-8053-4753-4

Astrobiology - Lunine
Addison Wesley
ISBN 0-8053-8042-6

The Search for Life on Other Planets - Jakosky
Cambridge U. Press
ISBN 0-521-59837-0

Life's Origins
Ed. J. Schopf
U. of CAlifornia Press
ISBN 0-520-23391-3

Planets and Life Sullivan and Baross
Cambridge U. Press
ISBN 978-0-521-53102-3

Introduction to Astrobiology
BGilmour and Sephton
Cambridge U. Press
ISBN 0-521-54621-4

Exams

There will be two midterm exams, one Final Exam, and homework. The breakdown will be 20%, 20%, 30%, 30%.