vInstructor: Prof. Stephen Eikenberry
vWeb site: www.astro.ufl.edu/~eiken/teaching.html
vText: The Search for Life in the Universe
3rd Edition, Goldsmith & Owen
Class meetings: Tue 2nd Period
Thu 2-3 Period
Little Hall 109
Office hours: Tue 3rd Period
This course is closely based on a similar course I took over from
the late Carl Sagan and taught for several years as a professor at
Cornell University. The primary material will be my lectures,
augmented by assigned readings from the textbook, as well as other
supplementary readings to be assigned during the semester.
vCourse goals:
1. Introduce students to the basic concepts
of astronomy/astrophysics and biology related to life in the Universe,
and the scientific method used to
develop these concepts. Concepts include the molecular basis for
life, its building blocks, origin and development of life on Earth,
requirements for life, and possible locations of life. Methods include biological observation, fossil evidence, telescopic observations, etc.
2. Enhance awareness of scientific developments in related to life in the Universe and their impact on society and the world
we live in (intellectually and physically!). These include the
place of humanity in the Universe, the social impacts of scientific
revolutions, etc.
3. Provide students with an understanding of scientific terms, concepts and theories, and the ability to formulate empirically-testable hypotheses derived from the study of physical processes.
What we'll cover:
•1. Life on Earth; its origins, development, and variety
2. Requirements for life and astrophysical scenarios for life
3. Possibilities for life on other planets in our solar system
4. Possibilities for life around other stars
5. Possibilities and searches for extraterrestrial intelligence
vHow we’ll cover it:
1. •Astronomy (which is really Astrophysics)
2. Biology
•
3. Math (the language of science)
•Math: A 4-letter word?
oI assume you’ve had high-school algebra (I & II), geometry, and have seen some trigonemetry
oI’ll try to remind you of things you already know
Requirements:
1. Assigned reading prior to class
2. • Homework, Class Participation, & In-class “Pop” Quizzes (20% of final grade)
Homework is occasional, as-needed.
Quizzes are short and easy.
3. •Three In-class Exams (20% each; 60% of final grade)
•4. Design-A-Lifeform Project: 20%
Grading:
Given the above scoring (total of 100 points), the following grades will be assigned:
Grade Minimum Score
A 90
B+ 87
B 80
C+ 77
C 70
D+ 67
D 60
Note that I reserve the right to "curve" scores up,
if I determine that the class score distribution indicates a mismatch
between performance and my expectations. This can ONLY improve
your numerical score and corresponding letter grade -- I will never
apply a curve to reduce a student's score/grade.
Contact Info:
Prof. Stephen Eikenberry
404 Bryant Space Science Center
352-392-2052, x260
eiken@astro.ufl.edu