‘Astrobiology is the science that seeks to understand the story of life in our universe’ (Astrobiology primer v2.0, 2016) and this DeCal will introduce students to how this little known science impacts almost all space research and in doing so, shed some light on the history and future of all life. This course is open to all students and necessitates no specific educational background - Astrobiology is by its nature multidisciplinary and so the more diverse the class, the more we will all get out of this experience. This DeCal offers the opportunity to study a subject that is otherwise restricted to very certain (often graduate) courses.

By the end of the course, students will be acquainted with the key facets of astrobiology, including prebiotic chemistry and the emergence of life on earth; strategies employed in astrobiology; the geological evolution of earth; planetary science; current and future astrobiological research; and the challenges faced in the field of astrobiology. Students will be able to appreciate the multidisciplinary nature of astrobiology as well as how the subject impacts space organisations’ mission plans and the ethical and philosophical implications astrobiology has on today’s society. Students will also learn to critique sensationalist news in the light of what they will be taught. The topic of human space travel will also be covered but is tangential to the main course.

Course text: http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/ast.2015.1460

THE FIRST LECTURE IS ON JANUARY 31ST ROOM 2011 VSLB

The enrolment code will be given at the first lecture but in the event that too many students arrive, I will decide based on the filled out survey below (NOTE: your major has no effect on the decision making process, MCB majors do not have an advantage against anyone). Hence, please fill out this survey: https://goo.gl/forms/pR1IHSdtvU2HJRm03