1. AST 248 The Search for Life in the Universe Fall 2014

2. "... Are you so stupid to think that just because we're alone here, there's nobody else in this room? Do you consider us so boring or repulsive that of all the millions of beings, imaginary or otherwise, who are prowling around in space looking for a little company, there is not one who might possibly enjoy spending a moment with us? On the contrary my dear -- my house is full of guests..." Jean Giraudoux, The Madwoman of Chaillot

3. Administrative Details Professor: Frederick M. Walter –ESS 459 –632-8232 –Frederick.walter@stonybrook.eduFrederick.walter@stonybrook.edu –Office hours: MWF 9-10, or by appointment Please put AST248 in the subject line if e-mailing TA: Ryan Richards http://www.astro.sunysb.edu/fwalter/AST248

4. Course Organization Two lectures weekly –TuTh 1:00-2:20; Harriman 137 Two in-class midterms (20% each) –Thursday Sept 18 –Thursday Oct 23 Weekly in-class quizzes (15%) Term Paper, due Tue Nov 25 (15%) Final exam Mon Dec 15, 5:30 PM (30%)

7. Text Bennett & Shostak, “Life in the Universe”, 3 rd edition (required) Earlier editions acceptable, but homework problems are from this edition Ward & Brownlee, “Rare Earth” (suggested) Pickover, “Science of Aliens” (suggested)

8. Expectations This is a rigorous science course. We will do quantitative calculations You are strongly advised to attend lectures You should expect to put in 6-9 hours outside class, reading the material and doing homework.

9. Scope of Astrobiology Astronomy (physics) Biology Chemistry Geology and Planetology Information Theory Estimation Psychology/Sociology

10. Goals Understand why we are interested in the question of life in the universe Understand the meaning of life, and how it evolves Understand the requirements for supporting life as we know it Understand what parts of this field are science, and what are speculation Understand how to make estimations

11. Learning Objectives A student in this course must be able to –think critically about data, and –synthesize disparate facts to reach a conclusion in almost any area where the data can be quantified. A student mastering this course will understand: –the reasoning behind Drake's equation –how to apply estimation techniques in general –how the Sun and stars evolve –the concept of habitable zones –the changing Earth and the evolution of life thereupon –the concept of the habitable zone –the rationale behind and methods for searching for life elsewhere in the Solar System, and elsewhere in the Galaxy –the Fermi paradox