Astrobiology Seminar

Here is more information on the UofL Astrobiology seminar series. If you have an interest please speak with Dr. Charles McGruder.

Prerequisites: 107 and 300+ level work in chemistry, biology or geography/
geophysical sciences, or 307 or 590.  Due to its interdisciplinary nature,
some exposure at the 200+ level in more than one of the following is
desired: physics & astronomy, chemistry, biology, geography/geophysical
sciences.

Format: 5-7 lectures to build on astrobiological topics beyond 107 or 307. Guest
lectures from faculty in related fields will be solicited. After the
introductory lectures,  students will explore topics to research in the current
astrobiology literature.  Upon approval of a topic by the instructor,  they will
prepare presentations to be given in class, plus a written paper.
Grading will be on the presentation and the paper.  This course is suitable
for pass/fail grading, if that is the usual procedure for seminar courses.

Topics:
the formation of stars and planets
conditions on pre-biotic Earth (atmosphere, climate, radiation environment)
formation of life during first Gyr on Earth
feedback on atmosphere and climate due to biological activity
impact of astronomical events on Earth life
life in extreme terrestrial environments
current astrobiology research in the lab
past and current searches for life elsewhere in the solar system
the search for life outside the solar system: suitable stars and planets
the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence
future searches for life or life-bearing worlds being planned