ASTR 105 Life in the Universe (5 credits)
Distribution Area Fulfilled Natural Sciences with Lab; General Transfer Elective
Formerly ASTR 115
Course Description
An introductory course for non-science majors that examines the interdisciplinary field of astrobiology. General principles of astronomy, chemistry, biology, geology; as applied toward the search for life on other planetary bodies. Lab included.
Course Content
A. The solar system and our place in the universe
B. History of Astronomy
C. Radiation and spectroscopy
D. Chemistry of Life
E. Geology and Life
F. Characteristics of life
G. Origin and Evolution of Life
H. Life in extreme conditions
I. Spacecraft missions
J. Environmental requirements for life
K. Environmental conditions on Solar System Objects
L. Extrasolar Planets
M. Life beyond our Solar System
Student Outcomes
1. Describe the history of astronomy and scientific process that led to our current understanding of our place in the universe.
2. Analyze critically light curves and spectra of astronomical objects to determine physical properties.
3. Describe the basic chemistry of life on Earth.
4. Describe and apply ways in which we can find the relative and absolute ages of fossils/rocks/events in Earth’s history.
5. Rank geological and biological events in Earth’s history in chronological order and describe the basic relationship between Earth’s systems and life through geologic time, including the origin and life on earth.
6. Define life in the context of the search for life elsewhere.
7. Identify factors that make Earth habitable and how that habitability has changed over time.
8. Compare the conditions under which extremophiles on Earth live with conditions found on other planetary bodies.
9. Analyze the cost-benefit of different types of astrobiology spacecraft missions.
10. Assess the habitability of a world.
11. Explain the main methods of detecting extrasolar planets and how each method is biased.
12. Apply the Drake equation to the search for communicating, extra-terrestrial civilizations.
13. Develop knowledge of data sources in the fields of astronomy, biology, geology, chemistry, and physics.
14. Break problems into smaller, more specific pieces as part of the decision making process.
15. Integrate and analyze quantitative and qualitative information and ideas in several contexts (e.g. examine the physical conditions found on Mars and examine those conditions through the eyes of a chemist, repeat the exercise as seen though the eyes of a biologist, and repeat the exercise as seen through the eyes of a geologist)
Degree Outcomes
Natural Sciences: Graduates use the scientific method to analyze natural phenomena and acquire skills to evaluate authenticity of data and information relative to the natural world.
Critical, Creative, and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.
Lecture Contact Hours 40
Lab Contact Hours 20
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 60
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