3 credits
Fall 2026 Lecture Lower Division
How did life originate, and could it exist elsewhere in the universe? This introductory course explores the foundations of astrobiology, examining the conditions for life on Earth and the potential for life beyond our planet. Using Charles Cockell's Astrobiology: Understanding Life in the Universe as our guide, we will survey key topics such as planetary habitability, prebiotic chemistry, and the search for extraterrestrial life in our solar system and beyond. The course is designed for students new to the field and will be largely qualitative, with minimal calculations. Through a mix of lectures, demonstrations, and interactive activities, students will engage with fundamental questions about life in the cosmos and the scientific methods used to explore them.
Learning Outcomes1Integrate knowledge across disciplines (biology, chemistry, physics, and planetary science) to develop informed perspectives on life in the universe.
2Interpret astrobiological data from space missions such as Mars rovers and exoplanet observations from telescopes like JWST.
3Evaluate the habitability of planetary environments in our Solar System and beyond by applying key principles of planetary science and geochemistry.
4Analyze the origin and evolution of life on Earth using geological and biological evidence, including major transitions and extinction events.
5Assess techniques used in the detection of biosignatures and critically discuss the challenges of false positives and abiotic mimics.
6Discuss the ethical, philosophical, and societal implications of discovering extraterrestrial life or intelligence.
7Describe the role of extremophiles in broadening our understanding of the limits of life and their relevance to astrobiological exploration.
made by Purdue students.