ASTR B2

Life in the Universe

Introductory course on the scientific search for life in the universe. The process and philosophy of science are examined from the astronomical and biological perspectives. Among topics included: the definition and nature of life, the formation and development of the Earth and life on the Earth, other places in our solar system that might have habitats for life, habitable zones around other stars, how we detect extrasolar planets, how we could detect biological activity on extrasolar planets, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, interstellar travel, and implications of making contact.

Units: 3.0

Hours: 54.0