Course Catalogue

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Is there anybody out there? This question has captured human imagination for centuries. In this advanced course we will explore how close we are to answering this question using an interdisciplinary approach. We will examine the space missions and studies of extraterrestrial materials and ancient terrestrial environments that have shaped the field of Astrobiology.

One class per week for 10 weeks (1 hour lecture 2 hour laboratory per class), plus a 4 day residential fieldtrip in March/April

A first or upper second-class Honours degree in a relevant STEM area or equivalent professional experience.
Students must also have at least level 1 mathematics that includes calculus (Scottish Advanced higher Maths or equivalent) and at least Level 1 Physics Scottish Advanced higher Physics or equivalent).
For applicants where English is not a first language the student must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0 or equivalent English language qualification.

None

None

Field notes/sketches and general fieldwork competence during residential field course. 25%

Scientific report based on field data and independent research. 60%

Oral presentation summarizing the key results from scientific research. 15%

The aim of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to explore the origin of Life on Earth, the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe and the wider field of Astrobiology. Through a variety of learning environments including lectures, laboratory work and field classes. The students will gain interdisciplinary skills to collect and evaluate data from ancient rocks, extreme environments and space missions. Thew course includes experience conducting fieldwork around an impact structure in order to explore fundamental concepts in astrobiology and examine the potential for life beyond Earth. This course will also prepare participants for the modern space sector through skills aligned assessments, including developing confidence in writing scientific reports.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Critique current evidence for/against the existence of extraterrestrial life.

■ Assess the definitions of life and evaluate the theories for the origin of life on Earth.

■ Evaluate the advantages and limitations of our current approach to searching for extraterrestrial life.

■ Compare the potential benefits and hazards of impact processes on habitable worlds.

■ Plan and prepare scientific reports based on new field data, independent research and a critical evaluation of published literature.

■ Analyse the societal and ethical implications of discovering extraterrestrial life.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components of the course's summative assessment.