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Description
The module will give advanced knowledge to the students about the theories on the origin of life, the abiotic carbon cycle, how the geological record can be used as a planetary analogue, habitable places in the Solar System, biosignatures from the early Earth and Mars, and future exobiology studies on other ancient planetary surfaces.
Students will learn to develop critical thinking about the compelling nature of claims of evidence of early life on the Archean and Proterozoic Earth and about theoretical models of the origin of life. Students will also learn about analytical techniques used to search for biosignatures in rocks, about locations in the Solar System where evidence of past life might be preserved in rocks and ice, and how analytical techniques could be used to search for life in these remote planetary bodies.
This module is taught through an integrated series of lectures and practicals designed to build a story of the origin of and evolution of life on Earth and extend it into habitable extra-terrestrial worlds in the Solar System. This will include the inspection of relevant specimens of meteorites, rocks, minerals, and fossils, strengthening the foundation of the scientific method through practicals designed to develop critical thinking and creativity, in-class discussions on selected peer-reviewed papers. Lecture content will include both a solid scientific background and technical details that will emphasize the limitation of experiments.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 8th April 2024.
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