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Dive into astrobiology exploring the origins of life, potential habitats, and the search for extraterrestrial life in our galaxy and beyond. Join us on this captivating cosmic adventure!
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Astronomy 07Life in the Universe • About this course; • About you; • About me; • About astrobiology.
About this course… Course Materials • Life in the Universe, 4e, Bennett & Shostak (on Library loan) • Handouts • Web site: http://astronomy.sierracollege.edu/ - Lecture notes; - Extra credit documents; - Course schedule; - Other cool things. • Hallway
About this course… Policies and procedures • Prerequisites—none; • Your Astronomy 07 ID number; • Emergency protocols. Class-time activities • Lectures; • Participatory exercises; • Discussions; • A few walks; • Thinking.
About this course… Review the syllabus with me… Grading • Three tests: 3x60=180 pts • Final exam: 60 pts • Mini quiz: 10 pts • In-class activities: 30 pts • Homework sets: 70 pts • Opinion pieces: 0-20 pts • Extra credit: 0-15 pts • Bonus credit: 0-?? pts • Total: 350 pts • Late material on any work is not accepted. A: score ≥90% B: 80% ≤ score < 90% C: 70% ≤ score < 80% D: 60% ≤ score < 70%
About this course (and college life in general)… Tough statistics • Only 53.6% of degree seeking students, get their degree. Secrets to Success • Read assigned chapters before class; • Read pages xiv-xv in your text; • Annotate your copies of my lectures; • Work in groups; • Do some extra credit, and if motivated present an opinion piece; • Ask questions; • Find time to think; • Course advisory! The completion of English 50 is strongly recommended!
About you… • Your standards of excellence • You have completed the reading before each lecture; • You are thoughtful; • You will be opinionated, yet mentally flexible; • You adhere to the Sierra College Student Handbook; • You will be respectful of others; • You arrive on time; • You sleep at home; • Your cell phone is not in operation.
About you… Opinion Piece • Is class content morally offensive? • Do you oppose evolution on religious grounds? • Are you sure aliens exist? • Is the quest to create artificial life unethical?
About me… Prof. Barry Rice • B.S: Physics & Astrophysics; • Ph.D: Astronomy – star formation; • Botany, especially carnivorous plants; • Biodiversity conservation (The Nature Conservancy); • Photographer; • Martial Artist; • Office Hours: (given in class) • brice (@) sierracollege.edu
About astrobiology Big questions • What is life? • How and where did it originate? • Where could life develop or persist? • Is anything or anyone else out there?
More questions • Where on Earth did life first evolve? • What was ancient life like? • Simple life, plant life, fungi, animals… • Human origins and evolution • Climate conditions • The roles of atmospheres and other key planetary characteristics • Our impacts upon the climate and biosphere • Astronomical influences on the planet • Terrestrial planets that may have life • Other solar system sites that may have life • Planets in other star systems • Life in our galaxy • Attempts to detect extraterrestrials • Attempts by extraterrestrials to explore us