ASTR 207
Extraterrestrial Life in the Galaxy: A Sure Thing, or a Snowball's Chance? Fall 2012
Division III Writing Skills
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A focused investigation of the possibility of life arising elsewhere in our Galaxy, and the chances of our detecting it. In this course, pairs of students will explore the astronomical and biochemical requirements for the development of Earth-like life. We will consider the conditions on other planets within our solar system as well as on newly-discovered planets circling other stars. We will also analyze the famous “Drake Equation,” which calculates the expected number of extraterrestrial civilizations, and attempt to evaluate its components. Finally, we will examine current efforts to detect signals from intelligent alien civilizations and contemplate humanity’s reactions to a positive detection.
The Class: Format: tutorial
Limit: 10
Expected: 10
Class#: 1055
Grading: OPG
Requirements/Evaluation: evaluation will be based on the student's papers, responses to the partner's papers, and evidence of growth in understanding over the semester
Prerequisites: Astronomy 111 or Biology 101-102, Chemistry 101-102, or Geosciences 101 or equivalent science preparation.; instructor's permission required
Enrollment Preferences: if overenrolled, preference given to students who have had Astronomy 111
Distributions: Division III Writing Skills

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