U13 EPSc 230
3 Credits

Logistics:
Fall 2009
W 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Location: EPSc 102
Instructor: Selby Cull
Email: selby@levee.wustl.edu
Office: EPSc 275
Office Phone: 314-935-8594

Course Description:
Astrobiology is the study of the origin and evolution of life, an interdisciplinary topic at the intersection of biology, geology, astronomy, chemistry, physics, and atmospheric science. This course will cover the major fields of research in astrobiology: the requirements for life as we know it, the origin and evolution of life on Earth, life in extreme environments on Earth, and the possibilities of life elsewhere in the Universe (Mars, Europa, Titan, and on extrasolar planets).

Course Goals:
The goal of astrobiology is to find extraterrestrial life and understand it. The goal of this class is to give you the concepts, knowledge, and tools you need to participate in and understand this pursuit.

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Identify current discoveries and ideas in astrobiology (e.g., from the Mars Phoenix and Rover missions)
2. Describe classic ideas and discoveries (e.g., requirements for habitability in the Solar System and Universe)
3. Synthesize results and concepts from multiple fields of science to understand what life is, how it works, and where it's found
4. Apply these ideas to practical problems
5. Evaluate competing hypotheses that address those problems
6. Develop individual opinions on the ethical questions posed by astrobiology, be able to support those opinions with documented facts and scientific concepts, and recognize arguments and facts of different viewpoints on the subject.

Reading: Class handouts. (No textbook)

Topics Covered:

1. What is "Life"?
1. Energy, metabolism
2. The Chemical Basis of Life
3. Requirements for Life
4. Our Biases as Carbon-Water-Based Life Forms
2. Life on Earth
1. The Formation of Earth
2. Physical Environment of Early Earth
3. Chemical Environment of Early Earth
4. Earliest Evidence of Life on Earth
5. Major Events in the Evolution of Life on Earth
3. Extreme Life on Earth
1. Acidophiles, alkaliphiles, lithophiles, xerophiles, halophiles, thermophiles, and lots of other philes
2. Unique Environments on Earth
4. Alternative Forms of Life?
1. Alternative Solvents?
2. Alternative Environments?
3. Alternative Reproduction? Genetic Material?
4. Alternative Biochemical Basis?
5. Searching for Life
1. Biomarkers
2. Biosignatures
6. Searching for Life in the Solar System
1. Mars
2. Europa
3. Titan
4. The Panspermia Hypothesis