Department
of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
EAS-134
Is Earth Unique?
Course Outline, Fall 2008
Lecturer
David
Crossley, Professor of Geophysics
O'Neil 104A
crossley@eas.slu.edu
Objectives
To engage students in the debate over whether Earth
may be the only habitable planet in the local galaxy (or even the known
universe). In doing so, we will focus on what is known about the evolution of
Earth and the presence of life, and what conditions may be necessary for
intelligent life to develop. Questions will range from practical issues to the
theological question of whether religious concepts are transportable to other
(unknown) forms of life.
Textbook
Ward, Peter D. and Donald Brownlee, 2000. Rare Earth, (why complex life
is uncommon in the universe). Copernicus, Springer-Verlag, New York, 333 pp.
$27.50. Available in the Bookstore.
This
is the only required textbook, picked from numerous other possibilities, because
it gives a cogent argument against ubiquitous high-level life, and it contains a
reasonable amount of material concerning the unique (?) geological history of
the Earth. Other material will be presented from other textbooks and
Internet-based resources.
Class Format
The intention is to
spend about 50% of the time in regular lecturing (presentation of ideas) and 50%
of the time in class projects (discussions, guest speakers, exercises, and
student presentations).
Topics
– a list based on the order of coverage in the textbook
1)
Presumptions
about why intelligent life might be widespread in the galaxy
2)
Where in
the universe could life develop – and where could it spread?
3)
Physical
and chemical requirements for a habitable planet
4)
Formation
of the sun, solar system and Earth.
5)
Early
history of the Earth and events favoring the development of life
6)
The
Cambrian explosion of life, and mass extinctions
7)
The known
adaptability of life to harsh conditions on Earth
8)
Life
elsewhere in the solar system, Mars
9)
Assessing
the probability of a species to be stable
10)
Attempts
to listen and communicate across the galaxy, SETI
11)
Where is
everybody?
12)
Ideas
from the literature of science fiction
13)
Religious
implications of intelligent life everywhere
14)
The great
debate – are we alone?
Activities
-
the
NASA SETI program – using your personal computer to listen for signals
-
following
the NASA investigation for water on Mars, liquids in Jovian and
Saturnian systems
-
simulating
space travel – design a spaceship to the stars – send humans?
-
interviewing
the person in the street – a possible class activity
-
invited
lectures from Biology, Theology.
Learning Assessment and Goals
Students
will become actively engaged in the debate over whether we are alone, and how
important it is to know this. The subject has become steadily more popular as
technology has developed, the solar system is now being visited, and the
literature now richly covers every conceivable scenario for finding life. The
question is undoubtedly one of both general interest, both national and
international, and frequently of personal interest as well. Assessment will
proceed by measuring the effort the student puts into the exercises and by how
well he or she is able to grasp and develop the various arguments, particularly
in class discussions.
The
goal of the class is to show students how science has now reached the point at
which a definitive answer may be sought. In doing so, we hope to stimulate
student interest in recent scientific achievements, what is happening now, and
what might be discovered in the future
Grading
Grades
will be assessed for participation (20%), assignments (40%), and 2 examinations
(mid-term, final) (40%).
Disability
Services
Any
student who feels that he may need academic accommodations in order to meet the
requirements of this course-as outlined in the syllabus, due to the presence of
a disability, should contact the Office of Disabilities Services.
Please telephone the office at 314-977-2930, or visit room 131 in the
Academic Resources Center, 3840 Lindell Blvd.
Confidentiality will be observed in all inquiries.
Academic
Integrity and Honesty
Students
are expected to be honest in there academic work.
The University reserves the right to penalize any student whose academic
conduct at any time is, in its judgment, detrimental to the University.
Such Conduct shall include cases of plagiarism, collusion, cheating,
giving or receiving or offering or soliciting information in examinations, or
the use of previously prepared material in examinations or quizzes.
Violations should be reported to your course instructor, who will
investigate and adjudicate them according to the Policy on Academic Honesty of
the College of Arts and Sciences. If the charges are found to be true, the student may de
liable for academic or disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion by the
university.