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

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

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 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Successful completion of level 2 Physics or Astrophysics

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

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
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

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Unseen Exam weighted 60%
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

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and 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/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024