School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
PHY-30025 Life in the Universe  
Co-ordinator: Dr Jacco Van Loon    Room: LJ2.07, Tel:33331  
Teaching Team: Dr Arumugam  Mahendrasingam, Mrs Patricia  Pointon  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 3 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
Astrophysics Dual Honours (Level 3)
Astrophysics Major (Level 3)
Astrophysics Minor (Level 3)
Physics Dual Honours (Level 3)
Physics Major (Level 3)
Physics Minor (Level 3)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Prerequisites
Successful completion of level 2 Physics or Astrophysics
Barred Combinations
None
Description

This module explores the key topics of the physical processes that governs the formation and evolution of
planets, planetary atmospheres and Life.
Aims
To develop an understanding of the physical processes that govern the formation and evolution of planets, planetary atmospheres and life.

To understand the possibilities and limitations of searches for extra-solar planets and extra-terrestrial life, and of interstellar travel and communication.

To appreciate the vulnerability of Life on Earth, and the processes by which humankind affects and is affected by the Earth's environment.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate systematic understanding of the physical processes that govern the formation and evolution of planets, planetary atmospheres and Life [1, 2].
Demonstrate coherent and detailed knowledge of the possibilities and limitations of searches for extra-solar planets and extra-terrestrial Life [1, 2].
Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the possibilities and limitations of interstellar travel and communication [1,2].
Demonstrate the use of the acquired skills to exercise initiative in designing and executing an experiment, and to communicate ideas related to the experiment's context and objective [3].
Study hours
20 hours of lectures
30 hours problem sheets
30 hours mini-project execution and reporting
70 hours examination revision and private study
Description of Module Assessment
001: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 60% (min pass mark of 30)
2 hour unseen examination, 3 from 5 questions
002: Exercise weighted 20%
3 problem sheets
003: Report weighted 20%
1000 word written presentation of a mini-project
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.