The aim of this course is to discuss the possibility of finding any life form in the Solar System and, by
         extension, elsewhere in the Universe. We will study what we know about the origin, development and
         evolution of life on Earth... the only example known so far. We will try also to give a scientific answer
         to questions as: What is life? Is the planet Earth unique? What we know about the extra-solar planets
         so far discovered? Are we alone in the Galaxy? if not...where are the Aliens and how could we contact
         with them?

         The discussion is based mainly on the Astrophysical point of view although we will also touch other scientific
         fields as Biology, Chemistry, Geology... and even Anthropology. This is an interdisciplinary course
         thus, no previous knowledge of astrophysics is required. Nonetheless basic concepts in mathematics and
         physics are recommended.


       

         Evaluation
     
There will be a written exam on the basic concepts studied during the course. The exam will consist
          in a series of short questions about the main topics reviewed . Students could also perform oral presentations
          about any Astrobiology topic of their interest, an interesting recent publication etc. This is optional and in
          any case it will be always evaluated in a positive way in the the final qualification. Students have to present
          also brief written summaries about the videos (see below) proposed to watch at by the professor. 
  


Carl Sagan's videos: COSMOS
1: Las vidas de las estrellas
2: Una voz en la fuga del Cosmos
3: Blues para un planeta Rojo
4: Historias de Viajeros
5: La persistencia de la memoria
6: La enciclopedia galáctica
7: ¿Quién habla en nombre de la Tierra?
 Videos Serie TVE Redes
1.  Los orígenes de las especies
2. La energía inagotable del futuro
3. En busca de planetas habitados
  Terrestrial Planets climate simulations
1:  Manual (pdf), programa (exe). Running in Windows 98 or later.

        cabia@ugr.es