PHYS 304 - Astrobiology: Origins and Search for Life in the Universe

Description:
This is an online interdisciplinary course focusing on life’s origins and the potential for life in our solar system and beyond. It will be taught at a level suitable for non-science and non-math majors. Course will not have an established scheduling pattern.

Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.

Credits: (4)

Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Develop a personal definition of life.
Describe why Earth is habitable for advanced life.
Describe the history of life on Earth and the scientific evidence that supports that history.
Understand current research of astrobiologist.
Describe how the study of extreme life on Earth has broadened our understanding of what habitability means.
Describe how past, current, and future space missions contribute to our understanding of habitable zones on our solar system and beyond.
Formulate theories on how humanity would react to the discovery or contact with extraterrestrial life based on past historical events and popular fiction.

Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
12/21/17

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