• Instructors:
  D. R. Gies, 719-1PP, 404-651-1366 (Physics & Astronomy)
  W. C. Elliott, 340-KH, 3-9548 (Geology)
  J. E. Houghton, 416-SA, 1-0549 (Biology)
  
• Objectives:
  To examine the question of whether we are alone in the Universe from a scientific perspective. The course will cover basic elements of astronomy, physics, geology, and biology to help understand the origin and development of life on Earth. We will study environments on Earth and other worlds where life might thrive.
  
• Textbook:
  The Search for Life in the Universe, 3rd Edition,
  D. Goldsmith and T. Owen, 2001 (University Science Books).
  
• Grades:
  Essay 20%
  Best 3 out of 4 tests 60%
  Final Exam 20%
  Students are expected to do their own work and to abide by the Policy on Academic Honesty discussed in the University General Catalog.
  Additional activities are planned for honors students.

Schedule: Chapters and lecturers for each meeting are given in parentheses.

• Aug. 20: The Search for Life on Other Worlds (1) (Gies)
• Aug. 22: Galaxies and the History of the Universe (2,6) (Gies)
• Aug. 27: The Birth of Stars and Planets (3) (Gies)
• Aug. 29: Star Life and Death (4,5) (Gies)
• Sept. 3: Test 1
• Sept. 5: Formation and Evolution of Earth (8,11) (Elliott)
• Sept. 10: Structure and Tectonics of Earth (8,11) (Elliott)
• Sept. 12: Cosmic Impacts (8,11) (Elliott)
• Sept. 17: Mars (13,14) (Gies)
• Sept. 19: Terraforming Mars (14) (Gies)
• Sept. 24: Moons of the Giant Planets (15) (Gies)
• Sept. 26: Test 2
• Oct. 1: Fundamentals of Life (7) (Houghton)
• Oct. 3: From Fundamentals to Origins (7,8) (Houghton)
• Oct. 8: Development of Biological Diversity (7,8) (Houghton)
• Oct. 10: Evolution (7,8,9) (Houghton)
• Oct. 15: Probing Evolution through the Fossil and Genetic Record (7,8,9) (Houghton)
• Oct. 17: Evolution and Origin (7,8,9) (Houghton)
• Oct. 22: Test 3
• Oct. 24: Earliest Life on Earth (8,11) (Elliott)
• Oct. 29: Life in Extreme Environments (10) (Gies)
• Oct. 31: Is Earth Unique? (16) (Gies)
• Nov. 5: Discovery of Extrasolar Planets (17) (Gies)
• Nov. 7: Extraterrestrial Civilizations (18) (Gies)
• Nov. 12: Life Beyond Earth (Part 1)
• Nov. 14: Life Beyond Earth (Part 2)
• Nov. 19: Test 4
• Nov. 21: Interstellar Spaceflight (19) (Gies)
• Nov. 26: Interstellar Radio and Television Messages (20) (Gies)
• Nov. 28: Thanksgiving Holiday - no class meeting
• Dec. 3: Where is Everybody? (22) (Gies)
• Dec. 10: 2:45 pm FINAL EXAM

Note:
Unexpected circumstances may require changes in the syllabus as the semester progresses.