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PHY-30025 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

PHY-30025 - Life in the Universe
Coordinator: Jacco Van Loon Room: LJ2.07 Tel: +44 1782 7 33331
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

This module explores key topics of the physical processes that govern the formation and evolution of planets, planetary atmospheres and Life. It includes the basic functioning of life on Earth, the evolution of life on Earth, the Solar System, techniques for detecting and characterising extrasolar planets, habitable zones, the formation of stars and planets, the interaction between stars and planets, ecological systems, space travel and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

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.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/phy-30025/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate systematic understanding of the physical processes that govern the formation and evolution of planets, planetary atmospheres and Life: 1,2,3
Demonstrate coherent and detailed knowledge of the possibilities and limitations of searches for extra-solar planets and extra-terrestrial Life: 1,2
Critically evaluate the possibilities and limitations of interstellar travel and communication: 1,2
Use acquired skills to exercise initiative in designing and executing an experiment, and to communicate ideas related to the experiment's context and objective: 3
Competence in drawing upon a broad understanding of Physics to explore and meaningfully communicate and debate scientific ideas: 1,2,3

Study hours

22 hours of lectures
11 hours of tutorials
40 hours assessed tasks
40 hours mini-project execution and reporting
37 hours private study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Reflective Diary weighted 40%
Diary of critical reflections on the classroom sessions
A reflective diary (word count: approximately 2000) critically evaluating the topics discussed in the classroom sessions and the new insights gained during the module. Assessment is based on the level of your insight and quality of your reasoning.

2: Assignment weighted 30%
2 sheets with tasks
Two sheets, each with a small number of tasks that typically involve some independent learning and analysis. Work is to be submitted in written form. Equivalent to ~1500 words effort.

3: Presentation weighted 30%
Oral presentation of an individual research project
The design and execution of a small research project with the emphasis of original work and thoughts, and presented during one of the final lecture sessions (around 5 minutes speaking).

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025