1. Overview
Astronomy 100 is a seminar course intended for freshmen interested in astronomy and astrophysics. But other majors and non-freshmen are welcome.Ê The topic chosen for this semester is “Astrobiology: Life and Intelligence in the Universe.”Ê
2. Professor
Dr. Edison Liang
Office: Rm 342 Herman Brown Hall (HBH)
Office Hours: TBD
Telephone: X3524; Email: liang@rice.edu
3. Class Structure
This is a seminar course (one 50-60 minute class per week) so students are expected to do most of the talking using Powerpoints. After an initial lecture by the professor, students will take over the weekly classes by presenting summaries and commentary on each chapter of the text, followed by round-table discussions. Occasionally (especially when the professor is on travel) we may have guest lecturers come and participate.
class time TBD during first meeting on Wed 8/26/09 at 1:30-2:30 pm in HBH 254; additional sections may be added if there is enough enrollment. Email instructor if you cannot make first meeting
4. Text
“Life in the Universe”
by J. Bennett, S. Shostak, & B. Jakosky;
© Revised Edition November 2006, Benjamin Cummings Paperback
This is an excellent (though rather non-mathematical) comprehensive discussion of astrobiology, which will serve as a framework for topics covered in class.Ê Students will take turns to summarize and discuss each chapter, and we will select highlights from the text for discussion by the whole class, especially questions and problems at the end of each chapter.Ê Nonetheless, students are expected to read the entire book during the semester and participate in round table discussions of all chapters.
“Other references: Intelligent Life in the Universe”
by I. S. Shklovskii & C. Sagan
© 1998 Emerson-Adams
5. Topical Sequence
The topical sequence follows the ãLife in the Universeä textbook.Ê Below is a rough schedule based on the assumption that our meetings will be on Wednesdays during the Semester.
Week # Topic Text Chapter Speaker
01 A Universe of Life 01 Student
02 Science of Life 02 Student
03 Universal Context of Life 03 Student
04 Habitability of Earth 04 Student
05 Nature of Life on Earth 05 Student
06 Origin and Evolution of Life on Earth 06 Student
07 Search for life in solar system 07 Student
08 Mars 08 Student
09 Life on Jovian Moons 09 Student
10 Nature and Evolution of Habitability 10 Student
11 Habitability outside the solar system 11 Student
12 Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence 12 Student
13 Interstellar Travel & Fermi Paradox 13 Student
6. Grade
A student's final grade in the course will be determined as follows:
Class participation and presentations: 70%
Final project report: 30%