Astrobiology

Instance: 2024/2025 - 2S

Cycles of Study/Courses

Teaching language

Objectives

Over the past few decades, the search for life forms outside the Earth has gone from mere conjecture to a palpable scientific goal. Answering the questions raised requires a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together astrophysics, biology, biochemistry, among other areas. As a whole, these types of problems are giving rise to a new area of ​​knowledge, called Astrobiology.

In this context, the main objective of this course is to provide students with basic training in astrobiology, allowing them to establish links between the various areas involved (namely Astrophysics and Biology). In particular:

- Present the most relevant concepts in the area, with a particular focus on those related to the areas of astrophysics and biology;

- Allow students to understand the language used in this multidisciplinary theme and in the various areas that comprise it;

- Familiarize students with the methods and techniques used;

Learning outcomes and competences

- Understanding basic concepts in Astrobiology and the language used;


- Have an overview of the interdisciplinarity of Astrobiology and the links between the various areas that comprise it;


- Know the main scientific results and the state of the art, as well as the prospects for future development.

Working method

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Given the introductory nature of the course, the only requirements are basic training in Physics and Mathematics (transversal to all FCUP courses).

Program

1) The characteristics of life
a. The basic elements of life

b. Organic Matter in the Universe

c. Origin of organic matter on Earth

d. Abiogenesis: from chemistry to biological systems

e. What is life?



2) Life at the extremes

a. Extremophiles: Diversity and the Tree of Life

b. From Earth to Space: Analogous Environments

c. Survival strategies and adaptation to extremes

d. (Micro)biology of Space: gravity and radiation as critical factors

e. International Space Station as an Astrobiology Laboratory



3) Habitable worlds

a. Definition

b. Habitable zones around a star

c. Habitability factors and conditions on other planets

d. Earth as a habitable planet



4) Life on other bodies in the Solar System

a. Mars

b. Jupiter's satellites: Europa and the other Galilean satellites

c. Saturn's Satellites: Enceladus and Titan



5) Exoplanets

a. Detection and characterization of atmospheres

b. Bioindicators

c. The Solar System in the context of the Galaxy

d. How to look for life in other planetary systems



6) Past and Future of Astrobiology

Mandatory literature

Teaching methods and learning activities

Expository methods, resolution of exercises, and laboratory classes.

keywords

Evaluation Type

Assessment Components

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Eligibility for exams

Calculation formula of final grade

The grade will be the average of 3 components:

Laboratory work report: 50%
Report of hands on computational works: 25%
Presentation of scientific articles/chapters: 25%

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Student workers should contact in due time the UC 
professors to coordinate the best way to 
evaluate the components to be carried out during the 
semester.

The assessment in a special period will have to include 
all components, and the assignments will have the grade awarded 
during the normal semester.

Classification improvement

Observations