ASTR 406 The Nature and Origins of Life

Core course for Astrobiology minor. From a combination of astrophysical, biochemical, and geological circumstances, living systems developed on Earth. The origin of terrestrial life is still highly uncertain, but is fundamental to Astrobiology. This course will provide a basic understanding of what life is and associated biochemical/biophysical processes. It will present the most current scenarios of how and why life developed on Earth, and how it might evolve on other planets, in and outside our Solar system. Topics will include the structure and function of biomolecules, including enzymes, proteins, and nucleic acids, the role of membranes, physical and chemical conditions on young Earth, the RNA World, the Ribosomal Tree of Life, evolution of living systems as traced by the fossil record, and non-carbon based life. The course is designed for both advanced undergraduate and graduate students in the physical sciences who want to understand more of the biological/biochemical aspects of living systems and how they came to be. The course is intended to take the student's current perspective in physics, astronomy, chemistry, planetary sciences or geology, and broaden it with additional understanding from each of the other fields and from biology/biochemistry. Regular grades are awarded for this course. Prerequisites: Physical science background in physics, chemistry, astronomy, planetary science, or geology at the minimum senior undergrad level, or consent of instructor. Course may be co-convened with ASTR 506; graduate-level requirements include both a project, and a higher level of performance in homework. Separate review sessions will be available for graduate students.