Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• account for the different theories of how life originated and evolved on Earth,
• account for the challenges involved in the the search for signs of life and intelligence in outer space, and how they may be overcome,
• account for the structure and properties of the solar system,
• interpret observations of exoplanets,
• perform calculations related to the orbits and physical properties of planets, for example in relation to the circumstellar habitable zone,
• perform calculations on the prospects of using astronomical telescopes to detect interstellar radio signals and artificial objects around stars,
• account for the design of the messages that humankind has previously transmitted into space.

Content

The origin and evolution of life on Earth; the role of water and biomolecules in the evolution of life on Earth; mass extinctions and the evolution of new life forms; panspermia; terraforming and astroecology; astrobiotechnology and space medicine; the structure and properties of the solar system and the prerequisites for life in the solar system; exoplanets; dynamics of the solar system; spectroscopic observations of exoplanets including biosignatures; the Drake equation and Fermi paradox; methods for searching for technosignatures in exoplanetary systems; the design of messages that humankind has sent into space 

Instruction

Lectures, exercise sessions and seminars

Assessment

Written examination, hand-in exercises, active participation in seminars