PHY229   Extra-Solar Planets and Astrobiology   (10 credits)

Description

The module will cover the fundamental concepts in extrasolar planetary science and astrobiology. We will examine the methods used to discover extrasolar planets, both present and planned. We will then discuss current theories of planet formation and evolution in light of the planets we have discovered. We will examine life on Earth - its origin, processes, evolution, and interaction with the Earth - in the context of our only current example of life. We will then discuss the possibilities and search for life in the Solar System and beyond. In the context of the previous discussions we will critically examine ideas about the frequency of life, advanced life, and intelligent technological civilisations in the Universe. In this course we ask the basic questions: does other life exist, what is it like, and how can we find it? We obviously cannot answer these questions yet (although we hope to), and so this course concentrates on how to frame these questions within current scientific knowledge and thinking. For many aspects of this course there is no `correct answer¿, just many competing theories and ideas.

Reading List