Nov 23, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2019-20
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2019-20
[Archived Catalog]
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PSC 2050 - Life on Other Worlds?
An exploration of ideas relating to the possibility that life exists elsewhere in the universe, both on planets and moons within our solar system, and within other planetary systems. The course begins by considering our planet’s formation and the conditions which may have led to life appearing here, then moves outward. Students will learn the scientific basis of the age of the Earth and the Universe and the physical conditions necessary for planets around other stars to harbor life as we know it. Astronomical observations are discussed regarding what we know about extrasolar planets.
Requisites: 4 Hours in (CHEM or GEOL or PHYS or PSC)
Credit Hours: 3
General Education Code: 2NS
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:
- To be able to make an argument, based on Drake’s equation, for the probability of life elsewhere.
- To develop an understanding of the science behind arguments that life could exist beyond Earth.
- To know the astronomical observations providing evidence for extrasolar planets.
- To learn the conditions necessary for life as we know it to exist beyond Earth.
- To understand the scientific basis for the ages of the Earth, the galaxy and the universe.
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