Last modified: 05 Aug 2024 15:16
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…)
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 34 | Feedback Weeks | 34 | |
| Feedback |
Form completed by examiners to be provided to student following presentation, with reflective discussion |
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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 | Grasp the relationship between life and its environment through biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem dynamics. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand the fundamental concepts related to the emergence, evolution, and future of life and its implications for extra-terrestrial life. |
| Procedural | Apply | Learn how different analytical facilities can be used for studying biomarkers and biotic signals. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Enhance critical thinking and reasoning skills through the evaluation of astrobiological evidence. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 35 | Feedback Weeks | 36 | |
| Feedback |
Written feedback followed by individual discussion |
|||
| 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 | Grasp the relationship between life and its environment through biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem dynamics. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand the fundamental concepts related to the emergence, evolution, and future of life and its implications for extra-terrestrial life. |
| Procedural | Apply | Learn how different analytical facilities can be used for studying biomarkers and biotic signals. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Enhance critical thinking and reasoning skills through the evaluation of astrobiological evidence. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Plan for an Astrobiological exploration mission that incorporates techniques learned on the course. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Create | Develop visual presentation skills to effectively communicate scientific findings related to astrobiology, biogeochemistry, and geobiology |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Learn how to plan campaigns to collect and analyze samples indicative of life processes. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Enhance critical thinking and reasoning skills through the evaluation of astrobiological evidence. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Critically assess published research in astrobiology and apply observational and analytical skills to theoretical models. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | ||||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
|
|
||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Reflection | Evaluate | Enhance critical thinking and reasoning skills through the evaluation of astrobiological evidence. |
| Procedural | Create | Develop visual presentation skills to effectively communicate scientific findings related to astrobiology, biogeochemistry, and geobiology |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand the fundamental concepts related to the emergence, evolution, and future of life and its implications for extra-terrestrial life. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Grasp the relationship between life and its environment through biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem dynamics. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Explore how morphological analysis of samples can be used to distinguish between biotic and abiotic structures. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Critically assess published research in astrobiology and apply observational and analytical skills to theoretical models. |
| 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. |
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