A281 -- Astrobiology

Syllabus

Handouts

Homeworks

Meech homepage

IfA Homepage

ASTR 281 is a largely nonmathematical course that focuses on the new knowledge gained by space missions. Special emphasis is given to the exploration of our own solar system, including the most recent results from NASA, European, Russian and Japanese missions. One theme of the course is the quest for an understanding of the origin and cosmic distribution of life. This topic embraces the search for life on Mars, efforts to find planets around other stars, an evaluation of the UFO phenomenon, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Another theme involves the issue of how humans can participate directly in space exploration, what resources are available in space, the challenges of space flight and how colonization of the Moon and planets might proceed. The emphasis of the course will shift between these two main themes depending on the instructor and the current modes of space exploration being planned and pursued worldwide.

Requirements -- Astronomy 110 or equivalent and strong interest in planetary science and exploration. The course is intended to be largely non-mathematical in format.