Web Site: http://mintaka.sdsu.edu/faculty/wfw/CLASSES/ASTROBIO/astrobio.html
Required Books: Life in the Universe, 2nd 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 220 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: All dates except the Final Exam date 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 (no copying).
Exams will be graded on a mild curve. Late homework penalty is 1 letter grade per class day overdue.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in an automatic failure for the course and possibly additional disciplinary action by the University.
Classroom Rules: To maintain a professional atmosphere and to respect your fellow classmates, the following is prohibited:
- Cell phones: please turn them off!
- 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...
Class Website: The class website is an important part 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 and important class news will be posted on the web.
Lecture Notes: Most lectures have class 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 will expire after the lecture on that topic is given and no longer be available.
Class Attendance Policy: 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.
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.
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 to students; rather, students earn their grades. I would be absolutely delighted to give everyone an excellent grade - but that's entirely up to you.
Final note: Sometimes we fall victim to a string of bad luck. If you are having legitimate difficulties that prevent you from being able to study for this class, see me and we'll work something out.
These lectures and all material contained therein, including WWWeb pages and on-line lecture notes, are copyrighted - no material can be reused or reproduced in any fashion without my written permission.