Astrobiology

Basic course in astronomy, offered as a stand-alone course at the University of Gothenburg.

The origin and evolution of life in the universe is a new interdisciplinary field of research known as astrobiology. This course provides an astronomical background ranging from the Solar System to the Big Bang, and aims to describe the latest findings regarding the discovery of exoplanets and the conditions for life on Earth and elsewhere. The course covers, among other things:

• The properties and evolution of stars
• Organic molecules in comets and the interstellar medium
• Element synthesis
• The cosmic cycle
• The Solar System and its formation
• Kepler’s laws
• The origin and evolution of life on Earth
• Comets, comet impacts and their significance for the evolution of life
• Extreme environments and conditions for extraterrestrial life
• Life in the Solar System: Mars, Europa, Titan
• Indirect methods of observing planets: astrometry, photometry and spectroscopy of stars; gravitational lensing; pulsar studies
• Direct methods of observing planets: imaging with IR telescopes
• Observation techniques: optical telescopes, radio telescopes, interferometry
• The search for signals from extraterrestrial civilisations
• Future projects: the exploration of the solar system and the search for planets and life beyond the solar system

Upon completion of the course ‘Planetary Systems and Space Probes’, students are expected to:

• Be able to describe our current knowledge of the planetary system and its formation, with an emphasis on providing a basic physical understanding of the properties of the planets
• Describe how space probes work and how they are used to explore the planets
• Understand celestial mechanics, which can be used to calculate the movements of planets, comets and space probes

Lectures.

The course concludes with a written examination, which forms the basis for the grade.

The grading scale comprises the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with distinction (VG).

Takes place in collaboration between the teacher and the students during and after the course.