Research Topics in Astrobiology and Planetary Science

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 7
• Convenor: Dr Andrew Rushby
• Assessment: four 500-word paper summaries (40%) and a 3000-word project (60%)

This module gives you an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge developments in the field through directed reading of recent research literature and a small project on a relevant topic. We will cover themes including the search for habitable environments and life on solar system objects and distant exoplanets, analogue studies and lab-based experiments on Earth, as well as research outlining the history of life on Earth and modelling studies undercovering life’s biogeochemical limits. We will also discuss the future of human and robotic space exploration of habitable environments and the search for life in the solar system and beyond, while encouraging you to consider and discuss the historical development and philosophical context of astrobiology research.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of current research in astrobiology, specifically in the broad themes outlined
• conduct directed but independent research in a relevant area of modern astrobiology research
• understand how knowledge of astrobiology is obtained, including hypothesis testing
• assess findings according to objective scientific criteria.