Nov 23, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog 
    
Catalog Navigation
  Publication Home
  About Harvey Mudd College
  Introduction
  Student Life
  Admission & Financial Aid
  Academic Program
  HMC Common Core
  Department of Biology
  Department of Chemistry
  Department of Computer Science
  Department of Engineering
  Department of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts
  Department of Mathematics
  Department of Physics
  Interdisciplinary Programs
  Other Programs
  Study Abroad
  Programs of Study
  Course Descriptions
  Academic Policies
  General Policies
  Faculty
  Senior Administration
  Academic Calendar 2017-2018
  Archived Catalogs
HELP
2017-2018 Catalog [ARCHIVED PUBLICATION] Use the dropdown above to select the current catalog.

ASTR021 HM - Stars, Planets, and Life: Introduction to Astrobiology

Credit(s): 3

Esin, Lyzenga. This course aims to acquaint the students with the basic concepts of astrobiology, which is the study of the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the universe. We will focus on two questions: How does life begin and evolve? Is there life outside of Earth and, if so, how can it be detected? The topics covered during this semester-long course will include basic orbital mechanics, thermal equilibrium of planets and criteria for habitability, the search for habitable planets outside our Solar System and planetary exploration inside our Solar System, appearance and evolution of organic compounds throughout our Universe leading to the appearance of self-organizing molecules, impact of planetary properties on the possibility of life forming and evolving, and, finally, a review of the common theories concerning the origin of life on Earth.