Universität Wien
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280102 SE Introduction to Astrobiology: from extreme Earth to extraterrestrial habitability (2024W)

Continuous assessment of course work

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 20 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Tuesday 01.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Tuesday 08.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Tuesday 15.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Tuesday 22.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Tuesday 29.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Tuesday 05.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Tuesday 12.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Tuesday 19.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Tuesday 26.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Tuesday 03.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Tuesday 10.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Tuesday 17.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Tuesday 07.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Tuesday 14.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Tuesday 28.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

1) Learning Objective: This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to astrobiology, focusing on the principles of biosignatures in extreme environments, and the potential for extraterrestrial habitability. By the end of the course, students are able to understand and apply key concepts in astrobiology, analyze potential habitable environments, and critically evaluate evidence for biosignatures.

2) Content: The course covers fundamental concepts in astrobiology, extreme environments on Earth, biosignatures, the geology and potential habitability of Mars and other planetary bodies, and current planetary missions relevant to astrobiology.

3) Method: The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions, and case studies.

Assessment and permitted materials

Students prepare and present a scientific poster on a specific topic in astrobiology or biosignatures. Topics can be chosen by students (subject to instructor approval) or assigned from a list of relevant themes. The poster should demonstrate understanding of the chosen topic, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate scientific concepts visually and verbally.

Poster Presentation Guidelines:
Posters must be in standard scientific poster format (e.g., 36" x 48" or A0 size)
Topics may include, but are not limited to: specific types of biosignatures, particular extreme environments and their astrobiological relevance, potential habitable environments in our solar system, proposed mechanisms for the origin of life, or analysis of data from recent astrobiology missions
Students present their posters in a session mimicking a scientific conference
Assessment will consider content accuracy, depth of analysis, visual presentation, and oral explanation during the poster session

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Requirements for a positive assessment:
Participation for at least 75%
Präsentation of a scientific poster
Active participation in discussion

Examination topics

Präsentation of a scientific poster, with proven competence in the specific research area covered by the poster

Reading list

Catling, D. C. (2013). Astrobiology: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
This concise book provides an excellent overview of the field of astrobiology, covering key concepts that align with your course introduction.
Meadows, V. S., Arney, G. N., Schmidt, B. E., & Des Marais, D. J. (Eds.). (2020). Planetary Astrobiology. University of Arizona Press.
A comprehensive volume that covers various aspects of astrobiology, including planetary habitability, biosignatures, and the search for life in the solar system and beyond.
Cavalazzi, B., & Westall, F. (Eds.). (2019). Biosignatures for Astrobiology. Springer.
This book focuses specifically on biosignatures, their types, detection methods, and implications for the search for life, aligning well with your course section on biosignatures.
Seckbach, J., & Rampelotto, P. H. (Eds.). (2015). Extremophiles and Extreme Environments. Wiley-Blackwell.
Provides in-depth coverage of various extreme environments on Earth and the organisms that inhabit them, supporting your section on extreme environments.
Cabrol, N. A., & Grin, E. A. (Eds.). (2018). From Habitability to Life on Mars. Elsevier.
This book explores the potential for past and present habitability on Mars, relevant to your section on Mars geology and habitability.

Association in the course directory

MA-ERD-W-1.1

Last modified: We 31.07.2024 13:26