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GENERAL
INFORMATION
Course code:
ASTR - 4510
Credit Hours:
4
Aims and Objectives:
One of the fundamental goals in all science is to understand the origin
of life. This course review relevant concepts and discuss
current issues from a "cosmic" perspective. The importance
of this approach is demonstrated by recent research:
- Astronomical observations
show that organic molecules are synthesized in the interstellar
clouds from which new planetary systems are born.
- Analyses of meteorites
falling to Earth show that they contain amino acids and other
biologically relevant
molecules of extraterrestrial origin.
- Experiments in prebiotic
chemistry show that important prebiotic molecules may not have been
produced in sufficient quantities here on Earth at the time of life's
origin.
- We now know that many
other stars have planetary systems and we will soon have the
technology to test whether they support life.
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.
Minor in Astronomy or
Astrobiology:
This course may be used as partial fulfillment of minor degree programs
in Astronomy and/or Astrobiology. See the Rensselaer Course Catalog
for details.
Class Schedule: Mondays
and Thursdays, 4:00 - 5:50 pm, in Low 3051.
Participation:
Emphasis will be placed on class discussions and interactive learning.
Regular attendance and participation is encouraged and will be part of
the grade.
Text:
No single text is available that meets all the needs of the course.
Click
here for a list of useful texts and articles.
Reading assignments:
You will be given a weekly reading assignment, such as a short article
or a section from a book. We will designate time in class each
week for discussion of the reading topic: it will obviously be important
to get the reading done before the class. Students will be asked to
take turns leading the discussion of the reading topics.
Homework:
A short
homework assignment will be set each week at the Thursday class
and will be due one week later. Students may consult
each other on the homework problems, on the understanding that work
handed in by each student is their own work. Homework may be handed
in 48 hours after the due date with a 10% penalty. Homework that is more
than 48 hours late will not be accepted unless there are genuine
mitigating circumstances.
Seminar
Presentation:
A requirement of the course is that you prepare a seminar on a related
topic of your choice. This provides the opportunity to research your chosen
topic in some depth and report your findings to the rest of the class. A list of
suggested topics
is provided, but this is not exclusive and you are welcome to suggest alternatives.
Presentations should
typically last about
30 minutes and will be scheduled for a Monday seminar class. Your topic
must be selected, approved and scheduled by the 3rd week of the
semester.
Exams:
There will be two exams (one midterm, one end of term). They will be held
on Thursdays in the normal class room at the normal class time (see the schedule for dates). There is no formal
final exam during exam week.
Grading:
Your final grade will be based on the following weighting scheme:
- Homework: 35%
- Seminar presentation: 25%
- Exams: 40% (2 x 20%)
Attendance will be recorded
and will be used as a discriminator between letter grades in borderline
cases.
A more detailed, printable version of
these class notes is available
here
Further
information on the Seminar part of the course is available
here
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