Last modified: 02 Aug 2024 15:46
This course will explore the origins and likely extent of life on Earth and in the Solar System. We will begin by discussing the elements and building blocks of life and processes that can make precursors of life (e.g. amino acids). We will then discuss how microbial life may be fossilised and how to identify ancient and extra-terrestrial signs of life. We will make use of our excellent analytical facilities to show how biotic signals can be distinguished from abiotic effects, including exploring organic carbon biomarkers, and using examples of fossilisation of microorganisms by siliceous and carbonate minerals from lakes, streams, hot-springs and oceans. From there, we will be able to explore potentially habitable environments of our Solar System, and learn about current and future astrobiological exploration missions (Martian rovers and orbiters, asteroid, comets, sample return, ocean worlds…)
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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Outline of Topics:
Astrobiological exploration missions: review of instrument observations and interpretation (Martian rovers and orbiters, asteroid, comets, sample return, ocean worlds…)
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Recorded presentation on a technique that can be used in astrobiological research |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Explore how morphological analysis of samples can be used to distinguish between biotic and abiotic structures. |
| Procedural | Apply | Learn how different analytical facilities can be used for studying biomarkers and biotic signals. |
| Procedural | Create | Enhance visual presentation skills |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Challenge published investigations and interpretations against own observations and deductions |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Enhance critical thinking and reasoning skills |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Extended abstract on a course topic such as the synthesis and origin of life, biomarkers, or astrobiological exploration |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand the fundamental concepts related to the emergence, evolution, and future of life and its implications for extraterrestrial life. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand the relationship between life and the environment |
| Procedural | Apply | Learn how different analytical facilities can be used for studying biomarkers and biotic signals. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Exploration campaign plan Report based on satellite and remote data focusing on identifying landing sites, sampling locations, and areas within samples from which biotic signals may be obtained
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Explore how morphological analysis of samples can be used to distinguish between biotic and abiotic structures. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand the relationship between life and the environment |
| Procedural | Apply | Learn how different analytical facilities can be used for studying biomarkers and biotic signals. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Learn how to plan campaigns to collect and analyze samples indicative of life processes. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Challenge published investigations and interpretations against own observations and deductions |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | ||||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
|
|
||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand the fundamental concepts related to the emergence, evolution, and future of life and its implications for extraterrestrial life. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand the relationship between life and the environment |
| Procedural | Apply | Learn how different analytical facilities can be used for studying biomarkers and biotic signals. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Explore how morphological analysis of samples can be used to distinguish between biotic and abiotic structures. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Learn how to plan campaigns to collect and analyze samples indicative of life processes. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Challenge published investigations and interpretations against own observations and deductions |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Enhance critical thinking and reasoning skills |
| Procedural | Create | Enhance visual presentation skills |
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