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| GEOL0263-2 | Astrobiology
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| Duration : | 30h Th |
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| Credits/ECTS : |
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| Holder(s) : | Philippe Claeys, Véronique Dehant, Moreno Galleni, Emmanuelle Javaux, Yaël Naze, Annick Wilmotte |
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| Language : | Langue française |
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| Course contents : | How does life begin and evolve? Does life exist elsewhere in the Universe? What is life's future on Earth and beyond? These most profound questions are the focus of Astrobiology, the study of the origin, evolution, distribution and destiny of life in the Universe. Recent advances in biology and space exploration and technology make it possible for us to find answers. Astrobiology is multidisciplinary and closely linked to diverse research topics in astrophysics, molecular biology, biochemistry, prebiotic chemistry, ecology of extremophiles, microbiology, physiology, planetary sciences, geology, palaeontology, space exploration and technology, law, and philosophy. |
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| Course objective : | This class will provide a general overview of basic knowledge and research developped in astrobiology. Students will have the opportunity to discuss topics of common interest with multidisciplinary points of view through exchanges with teachers and students from various scientific backgrounds. |
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| Prerequisites : | 1st degree in sciences |
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| Organization : | This multidisciplinary class is teached by specialists of every topic, from ULg and outside ULg. It comprises powerpoint presentations, a debate, public conferences in the evening, and the redaction and presentation of an astrobiology-related topic by multidisciplinary group.
1-Introduction : Astrobiology since the Greeks (E Javaux, ULG)
2-From the Big Bang to the solar system : (Y Nazé, ULG)
3a-Origin of cellular life (E Javaux, ULG)
3b-organic matter in the universe and homochirality (J Reisse, ULB)
3c-the importance of water (J Reisse, ULB)
3d-The Miller-Urey experiments (A Lucas, FNDP)
4a-Planet Earth in the Hadean and Archean: (Ph Claeys, VUB)
4b-Geological datings: what and how? (Ph Claeys, VUB) + Lab meteorites
5a-Molecular phylogeny and microbial diversity (A Wilmotte, ULg)
5b-The extremophiles (A Wilmotte, ULg) + lab microbial diversity
6-Biochemical adaptations to extreme conditions (M Galleni, ULG)
7-Co-evolution of life and environment in the precambrian (E. Javaux, ULG) + lab microfossils, stromatolites
8-Planetary Habitability (V Dehant, ROB/UCL)
9a-Evolution of the rocky planets (A Chicarro, ESA)
9b-Search for life in the solar system (A Chicarro, ESA ou E Javaux, ULg)
10-Search for life beyond the slar system (Y Nazé, ULG)
11- Adaptation and evolution of life in space : microgravity, life support system, and planetary protection (M Mergeay, SCKCEN)
12-Similarities between humans and other animals (P Poncin, ULG)
13-The anthropic principle (D Lambert, FNDP)
14- Discovery of new civilisations: the historical point of view (P Raxhon, ULg)
15-Debate |
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| Written notes : | printed copy of powerpoint presentations |
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| Assessment : | the redaction and presentation of an astrobiology-related topic by multidisciplinary group. |
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| Contacts : | Coordinator : Emmanuelle Javaux (E.Javaux@ulg.ac.be, geology department ) 04 366 5422 |
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