6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
School of Physics and Astronomy
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit focuses on understanding astronomical, geological, chemical, biological and technological conditions necessary for primitive and intelligent life. The topics covered include: stellar and planetary formation, dynamics of planetary orbits, detection and properties of extrasolar planets, habitability, chemical and biological characteristics of life, how life first appeared on the Earth and how life depends on energy from the stars, probabilities of life forming on other planets, artificial life and artificial intelligence, interstellar travel and colonisation, the fate of the Universe and the implications for any life present.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
- Explain modern theories of stellar and planetary formation and evolution
- Compare properties of our Solar system to that of extrasolar planetary systems
- Describe the necessary conditions for life and how species evolve
- Debate how development of life is dependent on the conditions in the physical universe
- Theorise on the possibilities of other life forms, interstellar communication and interstellar travel.
Assessment
Examination (2 hours): 40%
Workshops: 30%
Assignments: 30%
Hurdle requirement: Student must pass achieve a pass mark in the workshops to achieve an overall pass grade.
Workload requirements
- Two 1-hour lecture/tutorials per week
- One 2-hour workshop per week
- Eight hours of independent study per week
See also Unit timetable information
Chief examiner(s)
This unit applies to the following area(s) of study
Prerequisites
No formal background in astronomy or astrophysics is required.