| Meeting times: | M W F, 1:00 - 1:50pm + 1 hour TBA |
| Course code: | 79.4961 |
| Credit hours: | 4 |
| Instructor: | Doug Whittet (Room: 1C34; phone: 8413) |
| Email: | doug@whittet.phys.rpi.edu |
| Aims and Objectives | General Information | Suggested Reading |
| Seminar Presentations | Course Outline and Schedule | Center for Origin of Life |
Aims and objectives:
One of the fundamental goals in all science is to understand the
origin of life. The aim of this course is to review relevant concepts
and discuss current issues. In recent years, several distinct lines
of research have emphasized the importance of a ``cosmic
perspective'':
The course will also discuss the influence of cosmic impacts on the
subsequent evolution of life on Earth, and the search for life
elsewhere in the Universe.
The course is multidisciplinary, covering topics in physics,
astronomy, chemistry, earth sciences and biology. No specialized
prior knowledge of these topics is assumed. Relevant background
material will be introduced via reading assignments.
The course may be used as partial fulfilment of minor degree programs
in Astronomy or Astrobiology/Origins of Life. See the
Rensselaer Course Catalog
for further information.
Text:
No single text is available that meets all the needs of the
course. A list of suggested reading material
appears below.
Participation:
Emphasis will be placed on class discussions and
interactive learning. Attendence will be recorded. Regular
attendance and participation is strongly encouraged!
Homework:
Assignments will be set at intervals of approximately 2
weeks. Students may consult each other on the homework problems, on
the understanding that the final solutions handed in by each student
are their own work. Homework may be handed in 24 hours late with a
10% penalty. Homework that is more than 24 hours late will not be
accepted unless there are genuine mitigating circumstances.
Term Paper / Seminar:
A requirement of the course is that you prepare a report
on a related topic of your choice. This provides the
opportunity to review your chosen topic in some depth and report
your findings. A list of proposed
topics appears below (you are welcome to suggest alternatives).
The report may be presented either as a written term paper or as a
short seminar presentation to the class. Your selected topic
and method of delivery should be approved by the third week of the
semester. Papers are due by the end of week 14.
Examination:
There will be a take-home final exam at the end of the course.
Grading:
The final grade will be based approximately on the following scheme:
A list of suggested topics appears below. The list is by no means exclusive,
and you are welcome to suggest alternatives. Your selected topics and method
of delivery should be approved by the third week of the semester. Papers are
due by the end of week 14.
Suggested topics:
General Information
Participation 10%
Homework 50% (5 x 10%)
Seminar 20%
Examination 20%
Suggested Reading
Books & Articles:
Term Paper / Seminar Topics