Astronomy 205: Intelligent Life in the Universe?

Schedule:

Unless otherwise specified, course material refers to Life in the Universe by Jeffrey Bennett and Seth Shostak (2nd Edition).

DATE

COURSE MATERIAL
ASSIGNMENTS/NOTES
11 Jan Ch. 1 - A Universe of Life? Ch. 1 Lecture
15 Jan No class!

What do we mean by "scientific?"
20 Jan Ch. 2 - The Science of Life in the Universe Ch. 2 Lecture

Where exactly is "elsewhere in the Universe?"
27 Jan Ch. 3 - The Universal Context of Life Ch. 3 Lecture

What is "life?"
1 Feb Ch. 5 - The Nature of Life on Earth Ch. 5 Lecture
8-14 Feb Darwin Week in Charleston
Events approved for class participation:
    Feb 9 - The Darwinian Revelation On Darwin’s “One Long Argument”
    Feb 11 - Who Says the Neandertals Are so Different?
8 Feb Ch. 6 - The Origin of Life on Earth Ch. 6 Lecture
12 Feb Ch. 4 - The Habitability of Earth Ch. 4 Lecture
17 Feb Test #1

The search for life
19 Feb Ch. 7 - Searching for Life in Our Solar System Ch. 7 Lecture
26 Feb Ch. 8 - Mars Ch. 8 Lecture
5 Mar Astronomy Public Lecture (Event approved for class participation)
    Dr. Lisa Kaltenegger, Harvard University
    Life on Super-Earths: The Puzzle of Exoplanets
    6:00 pm, New Science Center, Room 129
6-14 Mar Spring Break!
15 Mar Ch. 9 - Life on Jovian Moons Ch. 9 Lecture

Prospects of life outside our Solar System
19 Mar Ch. 11 - Habitability Outside the Solar System Ch. 11 Lecture
19 Mar Astronomy Open House (Event approved for class participation)
    8:00-9:30 pm, RHSC (various rooms)

Intelligent life
5 Apr Ch. 12 - The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Ch. 12 Lecture
14 Apr Test #2
21 Apr Ch. 13 - Interstellar Travel and the Fermi Paradox Ch. 13 Lecture
30 Apr Final Exam, 12:00-3:00, RHSC 126