PHY-30025 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences
For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 19 January 2023
PHY-30025 - Life in the Universe
Coordinator: Jacco Van Loon Room: LJ2.07 Tel: +44 1782 7 33331
School Office: 01782 734921
Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Co-requisites
None
Prerequisites
Successful completion of level 2 Physics or Astrophysics
Barred Combinations
None
Description for 2022/23
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Study hours
22 hours of lectures
11 hours of tutorials
30 hours problem sheets
30 hours mini-project execution and reporting
55 hours examination revision and private study
2 hour exam
11 hours of tutorials
30 hours problem sheets
30 hours mini-project execution and reporting
55 hours examination revision and private study
2 hour exam
School Rules
None
Description of Module Assessment
2 hour unseen examination, 3 from 5 questions
2 hour unseen examination, 3 from 5 questions
2: Problem Sheets weighted 20%
2 problem sheets
2 problem sheets
3: Report weighted 20%
1000 word written presentation of a mini-project
1000 word written presentation of a mini-project