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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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| Workshops : | -the redaction and presentation of an astrobiology-related topic by multidisciplinary group |
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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.
here is the program, which may vary slightly.
1-Introduction : Astrobiology since the Greeks (E Javaux, ULG)
2-Planet Earth in the Hadean and Archean: (Ph Claeys, VUB)
3a-Origin of cellular life (E Javaux, ULG)
3b-organic matter in the universe and homochirality, the importance of water (J Reisse, ULB)
3c-Lab models of primitive atmosphere (The Miller-Urey experiments) (A Lucas, FNDP)
4-From the Big Bang to the solar system : (Y Nazé, ULG)
5-Planetary Habitability (V Dehant, ROB/UCL)
6a-Molecular phylogeny and microbial diversity (A Wilmotte, ULg)
6b-The extremophiles (A Wilmotte, ULg) + lab microbial diversity
7-Biochemical adaptations to extreme conditions (M Galleni, ULG)
8a-Co-evolution of life and environment in the precambrian (E. Javaux, ULG) + lab microfossils, stromatolites
8b-Nannoscale study of archean stromatolites (K Lepot, ULg)
9-Search for life in the solar system ( E Javaux, ULg)
10- Adaptation and evolution of life in space : microgravity, life support system, and planetary protection (M Mergeay, SCKCEN)
11-Search for life beyond the slar system (Y Nazé, ULG)
12-Similarities between humans and other animals (P Poncin, ULG)
14- Discovery of new civilisations: the historical point of view (P Raxhon, ULg)
seminar: The anthropic principle (D Lambert, FNDP) |
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| Written notes : | online 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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| Remarks : | this class is offered only once every two years (academic year 2008-9, 2010-11, ...) on the second semester (usually february and march) |
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