F3989 Astrobiology

Faculty of Science
autumn 2017
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 1 credit(s) (fasci plus compl plus > 4). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Michaela Musilová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Michaela Musilová, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
prof. RNDr. Jana Musilová, CSc.
Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: Mgr. Michaela Musilová, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Mon 18. 9. to Fri 15. 12. Mon 11:00–12:50 Fs1 6/1017, Mon 15:00–16:50 Fs1 6/1017
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The goal of the course is to provide an introduction to the exciting new field of astrobiology, including all of the major disciplines astrobiology is related to. In particular, it will cover the: astronomical and planetary context for the origin of life; concepts of pre-biological chemical evolution and the history of life on Earth; prospects for life elsewhere in the Universe, together with its scientific and philosophical issues; and the potential of humanity to expand beyond Earth.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to Astrobiology: latest news, history and direction of the research field 2. The origin and distribution of biologically important chemicals in the Universe 3. Initial conditions in the early Solar System and on Proto-Earth 4. Basic tools for terrestrial life - replication and metabolism 5. The origin of life on Earth - from abiogenesis to panspermia 6. History of life on Earth 7. Limits of the biosphere and extremophiles 8. Biosignatures and the requirements for life 9. Looking for life elsewhere in the Solar System 10 Exoplanets and habitable zones 11. Search for extraterrestrial intelligence in the Universe 12. Expansion of humanity into space
Teaching methods
lectures followed by tutorials
Language of instruction
Slovak
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught once in two years.
General note: L.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/autumn2017/F3989