ES1006 Astrobiology: The Search for Life in the Universe

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 7

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Tues, Wed, Thurs 1300-1400

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr C R Cousins

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Claire Cousins, Dr Sami Mikhail, Dr Eva Stueeken, Dr Leanne Staddon

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module aims to lead students through the scientific quest for the origin of life on Earth and the prospect for finding life on other planets, both in our solar system and on habitable worlds elsewhere in the Galaxy. The course will cover diverse topics in biology, geology, astronomy and chemistry, which together comprise the field of astrobiology. The course will study the origins and evolution of planets and life on Earth, and use this as a framework for how to search for life in our Solar System and beyond, including exploring how science interfaces with society. Due to the wide range of science topics covered, the module is applicable to any Science faculty student. A key component of the course will be to examine the scientific method, how scientific theories are developed and refuted, and discuss the burden of proof for extraordinary claims.

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

Written Examination = 80%, Coursework = 20%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Lectures (3 hours x 11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

33

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

166

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Recognise the interfaces that exist between the physical and biological sciences
  • Understand core topics including the formation and evolution of planets and life, Solar System environments, and space exploration
  • Develop skills in writing, verbal and digital communication
  • Understand how to graphically plot, analysis and interpret a dataset
  • Understand how to calculate physical properties of planets
  • Develop skills in critically assessing fictional and scientific published literature