Search for Life in the Universe

Catalog description

This course explores the question of whether or not life exists elsewhere in theUniverse. An interdisciplinary approach will be taken using concepts fromastronomy, physics, chemistry, and biology to explore the likelihood of lifedeveloping beyond Earth. In addition, the course will focus on recent/currentdevelopments concerning space expeditions designed to seek out possible formsof life on other worlds in our solar system. Sociological and philosophicalviewpoints on the topic of life forming in other parts of the Universe will bediscussed. Students will be expected to perform elementary mathematics, thinkcritically, acquire and interpret data, present original thoughts/opinions in bothoral and written form. The scientific method will be the cornerstone of thecourse's endeavors to demonstrate how to use scientifically established facts asthe basis for the search for life beyond Earth. Note: Fulfills SUNY-GE NaturalSciences. (3 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. laboratory) Prerequisite: MAT007 or equivalent.