Web Site: http://mintaka.sdsu.edu/faculty/wfw/CLASSES/ASTROBIO/astrobio.html
Required Books: Life in the Universe, 3rd Edition, Bennett and Shostak
Course Catalog Abstract: The search for extraterrestrial life in our Solar System and other planetary systems; the formation of stars and planets; UFOs and SETI; origin and evolution of life on Earth; life in extreme environments; cosmology and the structure of the Universe.
Course Description and Goals:
The past decade has seen an explosion of discoveries related to astrobiology. For example, we now know of over 700 planets in orbit around stars beyond the Solar System. We have also discovered that life can thrive in environments that were once thought to be much too hostile for life to survive. In this course students will learn about these new discoveries and will develop an understanding of the size, structure, origin, content, and physical laws governing the Universe. Students will also learn some basics of Earth biochemistry, and will use this knowledge to understand how astronomers are searching for extraterrestrial life. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of data and the testing of hypotheses, as opposed to philosophy, beliefs, or doctrine. Students will also develop their critical thinking skills and explore topics in pseudoscience.
Outline of Topics:
Important Dates: Note: Exam dates (except the Final Exam) are subject to change.
Grading Policy: All assignments must be typed and written in proper, college-level English and stapled together. You can work with a partner, but the homework must be done individually. Show all work for the problem-solving questions. Homework is due at the start of class. Late homework loses 1 letter grade per class day overdue. Homework must be printed and turned in: e-mailed homework will not be accepted. Copying out of the textbook is plagiarism. Plagiarism may result in a failing grade for the homework assigment and possible other penalties, including failing the course.
Exams will be graded on a mild curve. You will need ParScore Enrollment scantron forms. No make-up exams will be allowed unless there is a serious, legitimate reason (e.g. medical emergency) and full documentation. If a make-up exam is deemed appropriate, an oral or essay exam may be administered instead of, or in combination with, multiple-choice questions.
No extra credit projects will be accepted.* See class webpage for details about homework, grading, incompletes, and plagiarism policies.
Class Website: The class website is an important part of this course. Be sure to frequently refer to the website and links therein. Like the textbook, the links on the website will help you get the most out of this course. Homework assignments, lecture notes, and important class news will be posted on the website.
Lecture Notes: Most lectures have notes that will be available on-line a few days before the lecture. Download, print, and bring the notes to the lectures. The class notes expire after the lecture on that topic is given and will no longer be available.
Class Attendance and Expectations: Attendance is not mandatory, but be aware that much of the course material is not contained in the textbook/reader. It will be much easier to earn a good grade if you come to class. It is expected that you will attend all the lectures, read all the material assigned for homework - including the web pages assigned, and participate in class (e.g. ask questions, contribute to discussions, etc.). I expect you to come to office hours for help or for addition discussion.
Mathematical Skills: The mathematics will be kept to a minimum, but for some concepts a quantitative understanding is as important as a qualitative understanding. We will be using the metric system, scientific (exponential) notation and simple algebraic relations.
Classroom Rules: To maintain a professional atmosphere and to respect your fellow classmates, the following is prohibited:
- Cell phones: please turn off the ringers!
- Using a laptop for anything other than class-related work
- Using a cell phone for texting
- Handing in homework after the lecture starts
- Reading newspapers, magazines, etc., or doing homework for this or any other class
- Eating or drinking anything in the classroom
- Talking above a whisper; Loud snoring...
General Philosophy: This class should be fun and rewarding, but it's not an easy class. What you get out of this class is directly proportional to the effort you put in. I do not assign grades; rather, I simply report the grades the students earn. I would be absolutely delighted to report an excellent grade for everyone - but that's entirely up to you.
The lectures and all material contained therein, including web pages and on-line lecture notes, are copyrighted - no material can be reused or reproduced in any fashion without written permission.